Texas Civil Justice League
HEARING ALERT
Thank you to all who have signed witness cards for our bills! It is tremendously helpful to show cross-industry business support for liability and legal reform issues, and your support is greatly appreciated.
Texas Senate Committee on Natural Resources & Economic Development
Tuesday, April 28, 2015 at 9:00am/ADJ
E1.012
Please attend the hearing or send a representative to sign a card in support of SB 1509 by Hancock.
SB 1509 relating to maximum penalties for certain environmental violations.
Good Faith Remediation
HB 1794 by Geren Will be heard on the House floor Monday, April 27, 2015.
SB 1509 by Hancock Will be heard in Senate Natural Resources & Economic Development on Tuesday, April 28, 2015.(TCJL PROGRAM) TCJL SUPPORTS. Recent lawsuits have sought to collect hundreds of millions of dollars of civil penalties against Texas businesses for alleged environmental violations going back for decades—even though the businesses have been working with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality to remediate the problem and, in some cases, did not even own the property when the alleged violations occurred. In one of the cases, a jury rejected the plaintiff’s argument that the business should pay billions even though it spent millions to clean up a mess that it inherited from another company. The proposed legislation will address this type of lawsuit abuse by assuring that businesses pay punitive civil penalties only for their own conduct, not for the actions of others. The legislation will also assure that businesses that remediate in good faith will not be punished as long as they comply with applicable state enforcement orders.
Texas Civil Justice League
Legislative Report
April 24, 2015
Ina Minjarez (D-SanAntonio) won the special election runoff for HD 124. She will be sworn in and take office next week.
Good Faith Remediation
HB 1794 by Geren Will be heard on the House floor Monday, April 27, 2015.
SB 1509 by Hancock Will be heard in Senate Natural Resources & Economic Development on Tuesday, April 28, 2015.
(TCJL PROGRAM) TCJL SUPPORTS. Recent lawsuits have sought to collect hundreds of millions of dollars of civil penalties against Texas businesses for alleged environmental violations going back for decades—even though the businesses have been working with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality to remediate the problem and, in some cases, did not even own the property when the alleged violations occurred. In one of the cases, a jury rejected the plaintiff’s argument that the business should pay billions even though it spent millions to clean up a mess that it inherited from another company. The proposed legislation will address this type of lawsuit abuse by assuring that businesses pay punitive civil penalties only for their own conduct, not for the actions of others. The legislation will also assure that businesses that remediate in good faith will not be punished as long as they comply with applicable state enforcement orders.
forum non conveniens
HB 1692 by Sheets 4-24-15 Substitute voted favorably (5-4) from House Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence and will be sent to Calendars. Committee report was filed today and the bill will be sent to Calendars.
SB 1942 by Huffman 3-25-15 S Introduced and referred to Senate State Affairs.
(TCJL PROGRAM) TCJL SUPPORTS. The doctrine of forum non conveniens allows a trial court to dismiss a lawsuit if another court is a more appropriate forum to hear the case because the suit has little or no connection to the state. Under Texas law, a court may not dismiss a case under the rule if the plaintiff is a Texas resident. A recent Texas Supreme Court decision, however, has opened a potential loophole in the Texas forum non conveniens rule. In a 5-4 decision, the Court allowed intervenors in a lawsuit filed in Hidalgo County on behalf of the estate of a non-Texas resident to claim Texas residency and keep the suit in Hidalgo County—despite the fact that the underlying plaintiffs were from Mexico, the accident occurred in Mexico, the witnesses and evidence were all located in Mexico, and Mexican law likely applied to the accident. The proposed legislation will assure that only direct plaintiffs who are actual Texas residents can invoke the Texas residency exception to keep their cases in Texas courts.
OCIP Clarification (Owner/Contractor Controlled Insurance Program)
HB 1668 by Workman Voted favorably from House Business & Industry on 4-21-15. Committee report was sent to Calendars on 4-22-15.
SB 666 by Eltife 2-24-15 S Introduced and referred to Senate Business and Commerce.
(TCJL PROGRAM) TCJL SUPPORTS. Despite case law to the contrary, a recent Corpus Christi Court of Appeals decision has opined that §§406.122 and 406.123, Labor Code, which define when an independent contractor may be treated as an employee for purposes of workers’ compensation insurance coverage, conflict with each other. Under existing law, an independent contractor may be deemed to be an “employee” when the contractor is covered by a “wrap” workers’ compensation insurance policy that includes all the contractors and contractor employees on a worksite. The Corpus Christi case introduces unnecessary confusion into a well-established workers’ compensation insurance practice and should be corrected. The proposed legislation does not change existing law, but simply clarifies that the two statutes do not conflict.
Standing in Contested Cases on Environmental Permits
HB 1113 by Clardy Voted favorably from House Environmental Regulation on 4-21-15 and is on the way to Calendars.
SB 941 by Creighton 3-09-15 S Introduced and referred to Senate Natural Resources and Economic Development.
(TCJL PROGRAM) TCJL SUPPORTS. Rep. Travis Clardy (R-Nacogdoches) filed legislation codifying recent Texas case law upholding the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality’s discretion to grant or deny requests for contested-case hearings on permit applications. Specifically, HB 1113 places into statute the well-developed “abuse of discretion” standard that has long been part of Texas administrative law and has recently been reaffirmed by the Austin Court of Appeals in multiple decisions. The bill is necessary because recent litigation by some environmental groups has challenged TCEQ’s discretionary authority over requests for contested-case hearings. These lawsuits have urged the courts to restrict the agency’s authority to determine whether a party is entitled to a contested-case hearing under statutory standards enacted by the Texas Legislature. Though these challenges have ultimately been unsuccessful, they continue to cause unnecessary and costly delays in permitting and divert agency and judicial resources.
Procedures in Contested Cases on Environmental Permits
HB 1247 by Wayne Smith Voted favorably from House Environmental Regulation on 4-21-15 and is on the way to Calendars.
(TCJL PROGRAM) TCJL SUPPORTS. Under current practice in contested case hearings on environmental permits, a permit applicant, who has already presented all the technical and other evidence on the entire permit through the lengthy (and costly) review at the agency and received a draft permit, must do the same thing again before the State Office of Administrative Hearings. As it stands today, the applicant must prove its case twice: once to the commission staff and then again to an administrative law judge who has not been privy to the lengthy and exhaustive technical review already conducted by the staff. The proposed legislation would require the party asking for the contested case hearing in the first place to demonstrate the specific parts of the draft permit that violate environmental laws or standards, followed by the applicant’s rebuttal evidence. Under the proposed legislation, the draft permit establishes a prima facie showing that it complies with all applicable laws and regulations. The protesting parties should have to rebut this showing by a preponderance of the evidence to the contrary.
Asbestos Evidence Manipulation
HB 1492 by Doug Miller 4-16-15 Substitute voted favorably (5-4) from House Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence and will be sent to Calendars.
SB 491 by Schwertner 4-13-15 heard and left pending in Senate State Affairs.
TCJL SUPPORTS. Texas should address manipulation of the bankruptcy trust system of compensating claimants for asbestos-related diseases. Require that plaintiff lawyers file claims with bankruptcy trusts in advance of trial against defendants in litigation to assure honesty and transparency in litigation.
Net Worth Evidence
HB 969 by Ken King Reported favorably from House Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence on 4-23-15 and is on the way to Calendars.
SB 735 by Fraser First placed on Senate intent for 4-27-15. Could be heard on the Senate floor some time next week.
TCJL SUPPORTS. Provides that the financial condition or net worth of a party is not relevant for the purposes of supporting a claim for, or the amount of, exemplary damages and, therefore, is not discoverable or admissible as evidence.
12 Person Juries
HB 1122 by Clardy knocked off House Local & Consent Calendar on 4-13-15 and was sent to House Calendars Committee.
SB 824 by Huffman passed Senate on 4-15-15, received in House on 4-16-15.
TCJL SUPPORTS. All cases heard in county courts at law are tried before six person juries, whereas all cases heard in state district courts are tried before standard 12 person juries. If a county court at law is hearing a civil case in which more that $200,000 is in dispute, the court should be required to impanel a 12 person jury.
Contested Case Hearings
HB 1865 by Morrison passed 4-7-15 as substituted from House Environmental Regulation. Committee report filed 4-17-15. On its way to Calendars.
SB 709 by Fraser passed the Senate on 4-16-15, received in the House on 4-17-15. Senator Huffines authorized as co-author on 4-21-15. Not yet referred to Committee in the House but should go to House Environmental Regulation.
TCJL SUPPORTS. Provides a predictable timeline for the permitting and contested case process; codifies recent court decisions affirming TCEQ discretion to determine who is an affected party in a contested case; establishes that a draft permit issued by TCEQ has been through a very thorough review process and therefore meets legal, technical, public health and environmental requirements.
Property Insurance Litigation (Chapters 541 and 542, Insurance Code)
HB 3646 by Smithee 4-22-15 Proposed substitute heard and left pending in House Insurance.
SB 1628 by Larry Taylor 4-27-15 Second placed on Senate Intent Calendar, meaning it could be heard on the Senate floor that day.
TCJL SUPPORTS. Relating to insurance claims and certain prohibited acts and practices in or in relation to the business of insurance.
Patent Trolls
HB 3176 by Smithee 3-23-15 H Introduced and referred to House Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence.
SB 1187 by Van Taylor heard and left pending on 4-9-15 in Senate State Affairs.
SB 1457 by Nichols Passed Senate on 4-21-15 and was received in the House on 4-22-15.
TCJL MONITORING. Relating to claims of patent infringement. Authorize the Attorney General to enjoin and/or sanction persons who engage in abusive patent trolling practices.
Qui Tam – False Claims – Bounty Hunter
HB 2062 by Raymond 3-27-15 H Introduced and referred to Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence.
TCJL OPPOSES. Further review of this bill pending. Relating to false claims against the state and actions by the state and private persons to prosecute those claims. While designed to combat fraud involving state funds, this allows private bounty hunter plaintiffs to file lawsuits for “false” claims in the name of the State of Texas and override legal reform measures passed in the last 30 years. Allows defendants to be investigated without their knowledge for an extended period of time. Allows suit even when the defendant had no actual knowledge of the conduct in question.
Process for house bill
This diagram displays the sequential flow of a bill from the time it is introduced in the house of representatives to final passage and transmittal to the governor.
|
HB 40 |
Darby, Drew(R) |
Relating to the express preemption of regulation of oil and gas operations and the exclusive jurisdiction of those operations by the state. |
| Companions: |
| SB 1165 |
Fraser, Troy |
(Identical) |
|
4-15-15 S First placement on Senate Intent Calendar for |
|
| Bill History: |
04-23-15 S Referred to Senate Committee on Senate Natural Resources and Economic Develop |
|
HB 106 |
Flynn, Dan(R) |
Relating to the authority of a person who is licensed to carry a handgun to openly carry the handgun. |
| Companions: |
| HB 291 |
Huberty, Dan |
(Identical) |
|
2-11-15 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Homeland Security and Public Safety |
| HB 415 |
Riddle, Debbie |
(Identical) |
|
2-16-15 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Homeland Security and Public Safety |
|
| Bill History: |
02-09-15 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Homeland Security and Public Safety |
| Bill History: |
02-09-15 H Introduced and referred to committee on House State Affairs |
|
HB 162 |
Gonzalez, Mary(D) |
Relating to administrative penalties assessed by the Texas Workforce Commission against certain employers for failure to pay wages. |
| Companions: |
| SB 152 |
Rodriguez, Jose |
(Identical) |
|
1-27-15 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate Natural Resources and Economic Develop |
|
| Bill History: |
04-22-15 H Voted favorably from committee on House Business and Industry |
|
HB 176 |
Kleinschmidt(R) |
Relating to protection of the right to keep and bear arms within the State of Texas. |
| Companions: |
| HB 413 |
Goldman, Craig |
(Identical) |
|
3-19-15 H Committee action pending Select on State/Federal Power Responsibility |
|
| Bill History: |
02-12-15 H Introduced and referred to committee on Select on State/Federal Power Responsibility |
| Companions: |
| SB 65 |
Ellis, Rodney |
(Identical) |
|
1-26-15 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate Natural Resources and Economic Develop |
|
| Remarks: |
Lilly Ledbetter bill
Employment Law – Current Texas law provides that an employee must file an unlawful employment practice complaint with the Texas Workforce Commission civil rights division within 180 days after the alleged unlawful practic e occurs. If the employee proves up the claim, he or she may recover up to two years of back pay. Appeal of the administrative review is to state district court. The effect of SB 65/HB 187 is to allow an employee who exhausts administrative remedies under current law to seek review in state court. The bill also clarifies that the statute of limitations for a wage discrimination claim runs from the date the discriminatory employment practice begins, not the date of the compensation agreement between the employer and employee, and allows an aggrieved employee to obtain relief (including back pay) for similar or related unlawful employment practices that occurred prior to the most recent two-year pay period. The bill responds to a 2012 Texas Supreme Court decision holding that federal protections for wage discrimination did not extend to state law ( Prairie View A&M v. Chatha ). |
| Bill History: |
04-21-15 H Voted favorably from committee as substituted House Business and Industry |
| Remarks: |
Franchise Tax – Phases out the franchise tax by 25% per year beginning January 1, 2016. Similar bills have been filed by Leach (HB 250) and Huberty (HB 552). |
| Bill History: |
02-10-15 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Ways and Means |
|
HB 201 |
Leach, Jeff(R) |
Relating to the procedure for action by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality on an application for a water right. |
| Companions: |
| SB 109 |
Taylor, Van (F) |
(Identical) |
|
4-20-15 S Committee action pending Senate Agriculture, Water, and Rural Affairs |
|
| Bill History: |
02-12-15 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Natural Resources |
| Companions: |
| HB 314 |
Fallon, Pat |
(Identical) |
|
3- 4-15 H Introduced and referred to committee on House General Investigating and Ethics |
| SB 319 |
Taylor, Van (F) |
(Identical) |
|
2- 2-15 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate State Affairs |
|
| Bill History: |
03-05-15 H Introduced and referred to committee on House General Investigating and Ethics |
|
HB 226 |
Guillen, Ryan(D) |
Relating to certain offenses relating to carrying concealed handguns on property owned or leased by a governmental entity. |
| Companions: |
| SB 273 |
Campbell, Donna |
(Identical) |
|
3-18-15 H Received in the House |
|
| Bill History: |
03-20-15 H Reported from committee as substituted House Homeland Security and Public Safety |
| Remarks: |
Attorney’s Fees – Amends 38.001, CPRC, to clarify that attorney’s fees cannot be recovered under this section from the state, a state agency or institution, or political subdivision of the state. The bill also clarifies that attorney’s fees can be recovered under this section against any legal entity, in addition to individuals and corporations. |
| Bill History: |
04-13-15 S Received in the Senate |
|
HB 231 |
Farrar, Jessica(D) |
Relating to extending the court’s jurisdiction in a suit affecting the parent-child relationship over certain young people for purposes of obtaining special immigrant juvenile status. |
| Remarks: |
immigrant children |
| Bill History: |
02-11-15 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Juvenile Justice and Family Issues |
|
HB 232 |
Farrar, Jessica(D) |
Relating to the promotion of breast-feeding and the prohibition against interference with or restriction of the right to breast-feed. |
| Remarks: |
cause of action for interfering with public breastfeeding, civil penalty $500 per day plus attorney fees |
| Bill History: |
03-17-15 H Committee action pending House Business and Industry |
| Remarks: |
Civil Procedure/Evidence – Adds 17.032, CPRC, to require the Supreme Court to adopt rules allowing substituted service of citation by an electronic communication sent to a defendant through a social media presence. |
| Bill History: |
04-22-15 H Voted favorably from committee on House Judiciary and Civil Jurisprudence |
| Remarks: |
Attorney’s Fees – Adds Chapter 150A, CPRC, to limit actions arising from certain attorney’s fee agreements. The bill applies to a contingency fee agreement which states in writing: (1) the method by which the fee is determined; (2) the litigation and other expenses to be deducted from the recovery; and (3) whether litigation expenses and other expenses are to be deducted before or after the contingent fee is calculated. A person may be bring an action under an agreement only on grounds of corruption, coercion, force, fraud, or forgery. |
| Bill History: |
03-05-15 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Judiciary and Civil Jurisprudence |
|
HB 257 |
Farney, Marsha(R) |
Relating to a justice or judge having an interest in a business entity that owns, manages, or operates a private correctional or rehabilitation facility. |
| Bill History: |
04-14-15 H Committee action pending House Judiciary and Civil Jurisprudence |
|
HB 262 |
Miles, Borris(D) |
Relating to liability of an owner, lessee, or occupant of land that allows land to be used as a community garden. |
| Bill History: |
04-22-15 H Voted favorably from committee as substituted House Judiciary and Civil Jurisprudence |
|
HB 264 |
Miles, Borris(D) |
Relating to procedures for asserting taking claims against certain governmental entities. |
| Bill History: |
02-11-15 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Judiciary and Civil Jurisprudence |
| Companions: |
| SB 135 |
Whitmire, John |
(Identical) |
|
4-15-15 H Referred to House Committee on House Criminal Jurisprudence |
|
| Bill History: |
04-22-15 H Reported from committee as substituted House Criminal Jurisprudence |
|
HB 291 |
Huberty, Dan(R) |
Relating to the authority of a person who is licensed to carry a handgun to openly carry the handgun. |
| Companions: |
| HB 106 |
Flynn, Dan |
(Identical) |
|
2- 9-15 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Homeland Security and Public Safety |
| HB 415 |
Riddle, Debbie |
(Identical) |
|
2-16-15 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Homeland Security and Public Safety |
|
| Bill History: |
02-11-15 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Homeland Security and Public Safety |
| Remarks: |
Insurance – Amends 544.002, Insurance Code, to prohibit discrimination in underwriting on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity expression. |
| Bill History: |
02-11-15 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Insurance |
| Bill History: |
04-23-15 H Passed (Vote: Y:132/N: 7) |
| Companions: |
| HB 213 |
Button, Angie |
(Identical) |
|
3- 5-15 H Introduced and referred to committee on House General Investigating and Ethics |
| SB 319 |
Taylor, Van (F) |
(Identical) |
|
2- 2-15 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate State Affairs |
|
| Bill History: |
03-04-15 H Introduced and referred to committee on House General Investigating and Ethics |
|
HB 316 |
Canales, Terry(D) |
Relating to allowing a county commissioners court to contract with an attorney to enforce subdivision platting requirements in certain counties that are economically distressed or that are located near the international border of this s |
| Bill History: |
03-26-15 H Committee action pending House County Affairs |
| Remarks: |
Insurance – Prohibits insurers from issuing named driver insurance policies in this state. |
| Bill History: |
02-11-15 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Insurance |
| Remarks: |
Franchise Tax – Repeals the franchise tax effective January 1, 2016. |
| Bill History: |
02-11-15 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Ways and Means |
|
HB 323 |
Guillen, Ryan(D) |
Relating to tort liability arising from a volunteer’s operation of a Parks and Wildlife Department motor-driven vehicle or motor-driven equipment. |
| Companions: |
| SB 381 |
Uresti, Carlos |
(Identical) |
|
3-24-15 H Received in the House |
|
| Remarks: |
Tort Liability – Grants immunity from civil suit for negligence to a volunteer operating a motor vehicle or motor-driven equipment on behalf of the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department within the course and scope of the volunteer’s assignment. |
| Bill History: |
03-19-15 H Recommended for Local and Consent Calendar |
| Companions: |
| SB 187 |
Creighton, Brandon (F) |
(Identical) |
|
1-27-15 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate Criminal Justice |
|
| Bill History: |
02-12-15 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Criminal Jurisprudence |
| Companions: |
| SB 1755 |
Seliger, Kel |
(Identical) |
|
3-24-15 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate Business and Commerce |
|
| Remarks: |
Insurance – Prohibits insurers from issuing a named driver insurance policy, except if the policy specifically names the excluded driver(s) and does not exclude a class of drivers. |
| Bill History: |
04-22-15 H Voted favorably from committee as substituted House Insurance |
|
HB 353 |
King, Ken(R) |
Relating to the application of certain weapons laws to certain volunteer emergency services personnel licensed to carry a concealed handgun. |
| Bill History: |
03-30-15 H Reported from committee as substituted House Homeland Security and Public Safety |
| Bill History: |
03-25-15 H Committee action pending House Juvenile Justice and Family Issues |
| Bill History: |
03-09-15 H Committee action pending House Land and Resource Management |
| Companions: |
| SB 975 |
Campbell, Donna |
(Identical) |
|
3-10-15 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate State Affairs |
|
| Bill History: |
02-12-15 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Elections |
| Companions: |
| SB 549 |
Fraser, Troy |
(Identical) |
|
2-18-15 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate State Affairs |
|
| Remarks: |
Courts – Creates the 440th Judicial District of Coryell County. |
| Bill History: |
02-16-15 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Judiciary and Civil Jurisprudence |
| Remarks: |
Courts – Changes the term of court of the 52nd District Court from the first Monday in June to the first Monday in July. |
| Bill History: |
02-16-15 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Judiciary and Civil Jurisprudence |
|
HB 409 |
Turner, Chris(D) |
Relating to liability insurance for persons holding certain alcoholic beverage permits. |
| Remarks: |
Tort Liability – Requires a person (including a governmental entity) who holds a permit to serve on-premises alcoholic beverages to maintain liability insurance with minimum limits of $500,000 per person to whom damages are owed and $1 million per single occurrence. |
| Bill History: |
04-27-15 H Set on the House Calendar |
| Bill History: |
03-31-15 H Reported from committee as substituted House Business and Industry |
|
HB 412 |
Turner, Chris(D) |
Relating to the prohibition against employment discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation by state contractors. |
| Remarks: |
Employment Law – Requires a state agency contracting with a contractor to require the contractor and any subcontractors to adopt and apply an employment policy of non-discrimination based on sexual orientation. Authorizes state agencies to impose administrative penalties for non-compliance. |
| Bill History: |
02-19-15 H Introduced and referred to committee on House State Affairs |
| Companions: |
| HB 176 |
Kleinschmidt |
(Identical) |
|
2-12-15 H Introduced and referred to committee on Select on State/Federal Power Responsibility |
|
| Bill History: |
03-19-15 H Committee action pending Select on State/Federal Power Responsibility |
|
HB 415 |
Riddle, Debbie(R) |
Relating to the authority of a person who is licensed to carry a handgun to openly carry the handgun. |
| Companions: |
| HB 106 |
Flynn, Dan |
(Identical) |
|
2- 9-15 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Homeland Security and Public Safety |
| HB 291 |
Huberty, Dan |
(Identical) |
|
2-11-15 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Homeland Security and Public Safety |
|
| Bill History: |
02-16-15 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Homeland Security and Public Safety |
|
HB 419 |
Wu, Gene(D) |
Relating to federal income tax liability for certain damages awarded in certain civil actions. |
| Remarks: |
Tort Damages – Adds 41.015, CPRC, to require a defendant to reimburse a prevailing plaintiff for federal income taxes later determined to be owed on compensatory damages for loss of earnings, loss of earning capacity, loss of contributions of a pecuniary value, or loss of inheritance, provided that the damages were awarded on a finding or instruction that no federal income taxes would be owed. |
| Bill History: |
04-14-15 H Committee action pending House Judiciary and Civil Jurisprudence |
|
HB 438 |
Canales, Terry(D) |
Relating to authorizing patients with certain terminal conditions to access certain investigational drugs, biological products, and devices that are in clinical trials. |
| Bill History: |
02-19-15 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Public Health |
| Companions: |
| SB 76 |
Ellis, Rodney |
(Identical) |
|
1-26-15 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate Business and Commerce |
|
| Remarks: |
Insurance – Amends 544.002, Insurance Code, to prohibit discrimination in underwriting on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity expression. |
| Bill History: |
02-11-15 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Insurance |
|
HB 464 |
Springer, Drew(R) |
Relating to requiring candidates to pay a filing fee or submit a petition in lieu of a filing fee to appear on the ballot for the general election for state and county officers. |
| Bill History: |
04-14-15 H Reported favorably from committee on House Elections |
| Bill History: |
04-06-15 H Reported favorably from committee on House Investments and Financial Services |
| Bill History: |
04-14-15 H Reported favorably from committee on House Elections |
|
HB 487 |
Howard, Donna(D) |
Relating to certain restrictions on contributions and expenditures from political funds by a lobbyist. |
| Bill History: |
04-14-15 H Reported from committee as substituted House Elections |
|
HB 492 |
Hernandez, Ana(D) |
Relating to the period during which an employee may file a claim for unpaid wages with the Texas Workforce Commission. |
| Remarks: |
Employment Law – Extends the filing deadline for a claim for unpaid wages with the Texas Workforce Commission from 180 days to the first anniversary of the day the wages became due for payment. |
| Bill History: |
04-20-15 H Reported favorably from committee on House Business and Industry |
|
HB 496 |
Gonzalez, Mary(D) |
Relating to civil and criminal liability for the disclosure or promotion of certain intimate visual material. |
| Remarks: |
Tort Liability – Creates a cause of action for the knowing and intentional disclosure or promotion of intimate visual material without consent; a prevailing claimant may recover actual damages (including mental anguish even if no other damages shown), court costs, attorney’s fees, and exemplary damages; a defendant is jointly and severally liable for the entire amount of damages. The bill also establishes a criminal offense for such conduct. |
| Bill History: |
04-22-15 H Reported from committee as substituted House Criminal Jurisprudence |
|
HB 497 |
Wu, Gene(D) |
Relating to the applicability of the law governing saltwater pipeline facilities located in the vicinity of public roads. |
| Bill History: |
04-14-15 S Received in the Senate |
|
HB 512 |
Moody, Joe(D) |
Relating to waiver of immunity in certain employment discrimination actions in connection with a workers’ compensation claim. |
| Remarks: |
Sovereign Immunity/Governmental Immunity/Local Government – Waives sovereign or governmental immunity for a suit against a state or local governmental entity brought by a first responder employed by the entity; limits damages in such a suit to $100,000 for each aggrieved claimant. |
| Bill History: |
04-17-15 H Recommended for Local and Consent Calendar |
| Remarks: |
Courts – Allows a former judge who has served as judge of more than two district, statutory probate, statutory county, or appellate courts to be eligible for the visiting judge list even if the judge has not met the 96-month service requirement. |
| Bill History: |
04-23-15 H Passed on local calendar (Vote: Y:139/N: 0) |
|
HB 532 |
McClendon, Ruth Jones(D) |
Relating to the ability of a nonexempt employee to participate in certain academic, extracurricular, and developmental activities of the employee’s child. |
| Bill History: |
03-17-15 H Committee action pending House Business and Industry |
|
HB 540 |
King, Phil(R) |
Relating to the submission to the attorney general of a measure proposing the enactment or repeal of a municipal ordinance. |
| Bill History: |
03-11-15 H Committee action pending House State Affairs |
|
HB 542 |
Raymond, Richard(D) |
Relating to an annual state budget and legislative budget sessions in even-numbered years and to political contributions made during a legislative session. |
| Bill History: |
02-18-15 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Appropriations |
| Bill History: |
03-03-15 H Committee action pending House Judiciary and Civil Jurisprudence |
|
HB 554 |
Springer, Drew(R) |
Relating to a defense to prosecution for the offense of possessing or carrying a weapon in or into the secured area of an airport. |
| Companions: |
| HB 571 |
Pickett, Joe |
(Identical) |
|
2-19-15 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Homeland Security and Public Safety |
|
| Bill History: |
03-25-15 H Reported favorably from committee on House Homeland Security and Public Safety |
| Bill History: |
02-18-15 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Criminal Jurisprudence |
| Bill History: |
04-22-15 H Reported favorably from committee on House Criminal Jurisprudence |
|
HB 562 |
Leach, Jeff(R) |
Relating to the application of foreign laws and foreign forum selection in a proceeding involving marriage, a suit for dissolution of a marriage, or a suit affecting the parent-child relationship in this state. |
| Companions: |
| SB 531 |
Campbell, Donna |
(Identical) |
|
2-18-15 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate State Affairs |
|
| Remarks: |
Courts – Prohibits the application of a foreign law or selection of a foreign forum law in a matter arising under the Family Code (marriage relations or the parent-child relationship) if the application of such law would violate a fundamental right under the U.S. or Texas Constitution, or Texas law. Does not apply to a corporation or other legal entity that contracts to subject the entity to a foreign law or forum. |
| Bill History: |
04-16-15 H Voted favorably from committee as substituted House Judiciary and Civil Jurisprudence |
|
HB 566 |
Herrero, Abel(D) |
Relating to the use of epinephrine auto-injectors on public and open-enrollment charter school campuses and at off-campus school sanctioned events. |
| Bill History: |
02-18-15 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Public Education |
|
HB 571 |
Pickett, Joe(D) |
Relating to a defense to prosecution for the offense of possessing or carrying a weapon in or into the secured area of an airport. |
| Companions: |
| HB 554 |
Springer, Drew |
(Identical) |
|
3-25-15 H Reported favorably from committee on House Homeland Security and Public Safety |
|
| Bill History: |
02-19-15 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Homeland Security and Public Safety |
|
HB 573 |
White, James(R) |
Relating to a defense to prosecution for the offense of possessing or carrying a firearm on the premises of a polling place. |
| Bill History: |
02-18-15 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Criminal Jurisprudence |
|
HB 574 |
Bonnen, Greg(R) |
Relating to the operation of certain managed care plans with respect to health care providers. |
| Companions: |
| SB 1098 |
Campbell, Donna |
(Identical) |
|
3-16-15 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate Business and Commerce |
|
| Remarks: |
Insurance – Prohibits a health maintenance organization from terminating the participation of a physician or provider solely because the physician/provider informs an enrollee of the full range of physicians and providers available to the enrollee, including out-of-network providers. Further prohibits an HMO from attempting to discourage a physician from informing an enrollee of the availability of treatment facilities both in-network and out-of-network. The bill also prohibits an insurer from terminating or threatening to terminate (1) an insured’s participation in a preferred provider benefit plan solely because the insured uses an out-of-network provider, or (2) a preferred provider’s contract solely because the provider’s patients use out-of-network providers. Additionally, an HMO may not terminate or otherwise penalize a preferred provider who communicates with an insured about he availability of out-of-network providers for provision of the insured’s health care services. Finally, the bill requires the insurer seeking to terminate a preferred provider to provide an expedited review that complies with the applicable TDI rules and all information on which the insurer used to make the determination, including the economic profile of the provider, the standards by which the provider is measured, and the statistics underlying the profile and standards. |
| Bill History: |
04-20-15 H Reported from committee as substituted House Insurance |
|
HB 582 |
Turner, Chris(D) |
Relating to a prohibition against certain forms of employment discrimination by state contractors. |
| Remarks: |
Employment Law – Requires a person seeking a state contract to adopt an anti-discrimination policy with respect to gender identity and sexual orientation. Requires each state contract to provide for a complaint process and imposes an administrative penalty of $100 per day per employee for non-compliance. |
| Bill History: |
02-19-15 H Introduced and referred to committee on House State Affairs |
|
HB 589 |
Burkett, Cindy(R) |
Relating to a disqualification for unemployment benefits for refusing to take or failing a preemployment drug test. |
| Companions: |
| SB 722 |
Perry, Charles (F) |
(Identical) |
|
3-17-15 S First placement on Senate Intent Calendar for |
|
| Bill History: |
03-23-15 H Reported favorably from committee on House Economic and Small Business Development |
| Remarks: |
Civil Procedure/Evidence – Amends 31.002(a), CPRC, to eliminate one of the grounds upon which a judgment creditor can obtain injunctive or other relief from a court of appropriate jurisdiction to obtain satisfaction of a judgment. The bill deletes 31.002(a)(1), which currently allows a judgment creditor to obtain relief if the judgment debtor owns property “that cannot be readily attached or levied on by ordinary legal process.” The bill retains current law subsection (b), which allows such relief if the property is not exempt from attachment, execution, or seizure. |
| Bill History: |
04-14-15 H Committee action pending House Judiciary and Civil Jurisprudence |
|
HB 605 |
Davis, Sarah(R) |
Relating to a franchise tax credit for taxable entities that pay employees during jury selection or jury service. |
| Remarks: |
Jury Matters – Grants a franchise tax credit to a taxable entity that pays an employee his or her regular salary or wage if the employee is absent from work to attend jury selection or jury service. |
| Bill History: |
02-19-15 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Ways and Means |
| Remarks: |
Statutes of Limitation – Amends 16.004(c), CPRC, to apply the four-year statute of limitations to a suit on a credit card account. For purposes of the limitations period, a cause of action accrues on a credit card account on the 180th day after the date of the last payment on the account. |
| Bill History: |
03-03-15 H Not heard in committee House Judiciary and Civil Jurisprudence |
|
HB 627 |
Johnson, Eric(D) |
Relating to the prohibition of employment discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity or expression. |
| Remarks: |
Employment Law – Makes it an unlawful employment practice for employers, employment agencies, labor organizations, joint labor-management committees, and political subdivisions to discriminate against an individual based on sexual orientation or gender identity or expression. |
| Bill History: |
02-19-15 H Introduced and referred to committee on House State Affairs |
|
HB 629 |
Bonnen, Greg(R) |
Relating to a person’s ability to read and write in English as a qualification for service as a petit juror. |
| Remarks: |
Jury Matters – Makes the ability to speak English a qualification for jury service. Allows a challenge for cause in a criminal matter based on the inability of a potential juror to speak English. Allows a court to suspend the requirement if the requisite number of jurors able to speak or write English are not available in the county. Repeals the exemption provision for a person unable to speak English. |
| Bill History: |
02-19-15 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Criminal Jurisprudence |
|
HB 630 |
Bonnen, Greg(R) |
Relating to requiring state contractors and governmental entities to participate in the federal electronic verification of work authorization program, or E-Verify. |
| Bill History: |
02-26-15 H Introduced and referred to committee on House State Affairs |
| Companions: |
| SB 603 |
Hinojosa, Chuy |
(Identical) |
|
4-10-15 H Received in the House |
|
| Bill History: |
02-19-15 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Environmental Regulation |
| Remarks: |
Franchise Tax – Changes the franchise tax from a tax on gross revenue to a tax on business income as reported to the IRS. |
| Bill History: |
02-19-15 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Ways and Means |
|
HB 674 |
Dutton, Harold(D) |
Relating to permitting a residency requirement for police officers in certain municipalities. |
| Remarks: |
Civil Procedure/Evidence – Prohibits a court, arbitrator, or administrative adjudicator from applying foreign law if that law violates a right guaranteed by the federal or Texas constitution. The bill further prohibits parties to a contract from agreeing on the application of foreign law to a dispute or from selecting a foreign forum if that law, or the law to be applied by the foreign forum, violate a right guaranteed by the federal or Texas constitution.. Finally, the bill bars a court from dismissing a case on the grounds of forum non conveniens if the foreign law that would be applied in the forum would violate a right guaranteed by the federal or Texas constitution. |
| Bill History: |
03-19-15 H Committee action pending House Select on Emerging Issues in Law Enforc |
| Companions: |
| HB 924 |
Guillen, Ryan |
(Identical) |
|
2-25-15 H Introduced and referred to committee on House County Affairs |
| SB 327 |
Hinojosa, Chuy |
(Identical) |
|
2- 2-15 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate Intergovernmental Relations |
|
| Bill History: |
04-21-15 H Reported favorably from committee on House County Affairs |
|
HB 687 |
Sheets, Kenneth(R) |
Relating to confidential communications between an insurance carrier and a covered employer under the Texas Workers’ Compensation Act. |
| Remarks: |
Civil Procedure/Evidence – Amends 409.011, Labor Code, to make confidential and protect from disclosure communications between an insurance carrier and a covered employer if the communication includes information regarding mental impressions, conclusions, opinions, claims handling strategies, legal theories regarding the claim, claim status, claim reserves, or proprietary business practices of the carrier or employer. A reference to an insurance carrier or covered employer includes the carrier’s or employer’s attorneys, consultants, sureties, indemnitors, third-party administrators, and other agents. Confidentiality does not cover communications between the carrier and employer that are offered as evidence in a judicial proceeding between the carrier and employer, communications made to the carrier by the employer in violation of 415.002(6), Labor Code (carrier commits an administrative violation if it allows the employer to dictate handling or settling the claim), and public records under the Open Records Act. The bill does not affect the requirement to exchange documentation under Chapter 410, Labor Code (adjudication of disputes), or the right of the commissioner to obtain information from the carrier or employer under Chapter 414. The bill reverses the Texas Supreme Court’s decision in In re XL Specialty Insurance Company and Cambridge Integrated Services Group, Inc. (No. 10-960, June 29, 2012). |
| Bill History: |
04-22-15 H Voted favorably from committee as substituted House Business and Industry |
|
HB 689 |
Walle, Amando(D) |
Relating to required workers’ compensation insurance coverage for building and construction contractors. |
| Companions: |
| SB 155 |
Rodriguez, Jose |
(Identical) |
|
1-27-15 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate Business and Commerce |
|
| Remarks: |
Remarks copied from: TX84RSB 155 (01-23-2015 – 11:19:48)
Workers’ Compensation – Amends 406.906, Labor Code, to require contractors and subcontractors to carry workers’ compensation insurance for their employees. The bill also requires each contractor and subcontractor on a public project to submit written certification of its workers’ compensation coverage. |
| Bill History: |
04-07-15 H Committee action pending House Business and Industry |
|
HB 690 |
Walle, Amando(D) |
Relating to injury and occupational disease reporting requirements for employers who do not obtain or otherwise provide workers’ compensation insurance coverage. |
| Companions: |
| SB 263 |
Ellis, Rodney |
(Identical) |
|
1-28-15 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate Business and Commerce |
|
| Remarks: |
Remarks copied from: TX84RSB 263 (01-23-2015 – 11:17:21)
Workers’ Compensation – Requires a non-subscribing employer to report certain information to the Workers’ Compensation Division, including: the total cost of medical treatment paid, the number of days the employee was absent from work, the amount of any wage replacement paid to the employee, and the amount of any other settlement paid to the employee. The report must reflect the total amount of payments for each injury or occupational disease during the one-year period following the date on which the injury occurred or the employer had knowledge of the occupational disease. |
| Bill History: |
04-07-15 H Committee action pending House Business and Industry |
| Remarks: |
TWIA – Makes numerous changes to TWIA, including:
– Requires payment of excess losses from Class 1 assessments of TWIA members (not to exceed $500 million in a catastrophe year)
– Losses above the assessment amount may be paid from 10-year public securities (not to exceed $500 million in a catastrophe year, less depletion of previously issued public securities)
– Losses above that amount may be paid from Class 2 assessments of TWIA members (not to exceed $500 million), followed by another $500 million in Class 2 public securities if necessary; if losses still exceed amounts raised through assessments and public securities, the bill authorizes an additional $1 billion in Class 3 public securities
– Changes the TWIA board from commissioner to gubernatorial appointment; reduces the number of insurance industry representatives from 4 to 3 and requires them to actively write or renew windstorm policies on the coast
– Reduces the number of members from Tier 1 coastal counties from 4 to 3 and distributes those members from the upper to the lower coast;
– One member must be a construction engineer from a Tier 2 coastal county and one member must be a representative of the financial industry from a Tier 2 coastal county;
– Effective 1/1/16, an applicant for new association coverage who currently has private coverage must provide information regarding existing coverage;
– Requires TWIA to reduces its exposure by 20% in 2018, 35% in 2020, 45% in 2022, 55% in 2024, and 60% in 2026;
– If TWIA doesn’t meet these levels, it must take steps, including the imposition of assessments of up to $200 million, to achieve them;
– Prohibits a member from recouping exposure reduction assessments through premium surcharges or tax credits;
– Requires the commissioner to submit semi-annual reports to a legislative oversight committee detailing the amount of TWIA’s total insured exposure and other information;
– Requires TWIA annually to set aside 30% of the association’s earned premium for the prior year for deposit into a reserve trust fund;
– Authorizes TWIA to use up to $1 billion in alternative risk financing mechanisms and to purchase additional reinsurance via member assessment of the lesser of $800 million or an amount sufficient to fund a probably maximum lost for a catastrophe year with a probability of 1 in 100;
– Allows an insurer with primary coverage on property loss by fire to adjust all claims made on an association policy covering the same property;
– Authorizes TWIA to repay Class 1, 2, and 3 public securities with a statewide premium surcharge on property & casualty lines, if net premium and other revenue are not sufficient;
– Abolishes the old TWIA board effective 11/1/15 and requires the governor to appoint a new board effective on that date. |
| Bill History: |
04-22-15 H Committee action pending House Insurance |
|
HB 702 |
Allen, Alma(D) |
Relating to discrimination against an individual with a criminal record by a life insurance company. |
| Remarks: |
Insurance – Prohibits a life insurance company from discriminating against a person based on the person’s criminal record. |
| Bill History: |
02-23-15 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Insurance |
| Companions: |
| SB 532 |
Fraser, Troy |
(Identical) |
|
2-18-15 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate Intergovernmental Relations |
|
| Remarks: |
Tort Liability – Authorizes the creation of regional emergency communication districts in state planning regions with populations of less than 500,000. Provides immunity for a service supplier involved in providing 9-1-1 service, a manufacturer of equipment used in providing 9-1-1 service, or an officer or employee of a service supplier involved in providing 9-1-1 service for any claim, damage of loss arising from the provision of 9-1-1 service unless the act or omission proximately causing the claim, damage, or loss constitutes gross negligence, recklessness, or intentional misconduct. |
| Bill History: |
04-28-15 H Set on the House Calendar |
|
HB 738 |
Larson, Lyle(R) |
Relating to the regulation by a municipality or county of the rental or leasing of housing accommodations. |
| Companions: |
| HB 2909 |
Springer, Drew |
(Identical) |
|
4-14-15 H Meeting set for 10:30 A.M. OR ADJ., E2.028, House Urban Affairs |
| SB 267 |
Perry, Charles (F) |
(Identical) |
|
4- 8-15 H Received in the House |
|
| Remarks: |
Sovereign Immunity/Governmental Immunity/Local Government – Prohibits a city or county from adopting an ordinance or regulation barring an owner or other person having the right to lease housing from refusing to lease to a person because of the person’s lawful source of income to pay rent, including a federal housing choice voucher. |
| Bill History: |
02-26-15 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Urban Affairs |
|
HB 750 |
Frullo, John(R) |
Relating to a landowner’s liability for certain aviation activities on the owner’s land. |
| Remarks: |
Tort Liability – Amends Chapter 75, CPRC, which provides liability protection for private landowners, to include aviation activities in the list of activities to which limited liability applies. In order to qualify for limited liability, the landowner must maintain a landing strip that is available to the public without charge. |
| Bill History: |
04-23-15 H Passed to third reading |
|
HB 760 |
Zedler, Bill(R) |
Relating to the eligibility of certain physicians to provide and receive remuneration for workers’ compensation health care services. |
| Bill History: |
04-22-15 H Reported favorably from committee on House Business and Industry |
|
HB 770 |
King, Susan(R) |
Relating to civil liability for the provision of an alcoholic beverage to a minor. |
| Remarks: |
Tort Liability – Amends 2.02(c), Alcoholic Beverage Code, which imposes liability on a person who serves alcohol to a minor, to raise the age of minority from under 18 to under 21. |
| Bill History: |
04-27-15 H Meeting set for 2:00 P.M. OR ADJ., E2.026 – Licensing and Administrative Procedures |
| Remarks: |
Statutes of Limitation – Amends Chapter 542, Insurance Code, to add a four-year limitations period for first-party suits against insurers alleging unfair claims settlement practices. The limitations period runs from the earlier of the date of rejection of the claim or the act or omission giving rise to the cause of action under Chapter 542. |
| Bill History: |
02-23-15 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Insurance |
|
HB 773 |
Gutierrez, Roland(D) |
Relating to the use by certain insurers of forms that are not approved by the Texas Department of Insurance. |
| Bill History: |
02-23-15 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Insurance |
|
HB 776 |
Riddle, Debbie(R) |
Relating to the creation of a public integrity unit in the office of the attorney general to prosecute offenses against public administration, including ethics offenses, and offenses involving insurance fraud. |
| Remarks: |
Insurance – Establishes the Public Integrity Unit in the Office of the Attorney General and gives the Unit authority to prosecute criminal and civil offenses against public administration, insurance fraud, and motor fuels taxes. Venue for prosecutions is in the county in which the defendant resides. |
| Bill History: |
02-26-15 H Introduced and referred to committee on House General Investigating and Ethics |
|
HB 801 |
King, Ken(R) |
Relating to planning for the use of and liability resulting from prescribed burns by the Parks and Wildlife Department. |
| Remarks: |
Sovereign Immunity/Governmental Immunity/Local Government – Requires the Parks & Wildlife Commission to adopt plans for prescribed burns on land owned by the department, subject to review by the Prescribed Burning Board of the Texas Department of Agriculture. Requires the department to give neighboring landowners and local officials notice of a prescribed burn in their area. Requires the department to purchase liability insurance or provide self-insurance to protect the department and its employees from claims resulting from death, bodily injury, or property damage caused by the burn. Makes the department liable for death, bodily injury, or property damage resulting from a wrongful act, omission, or negligence by a department employee acting within the scope of employment if: (1) the injury arises from the escape of fire from the prescribed burn; (2) the employee would be personally liable to the claimant under Texas law; and (3) the department would be liable to the claimant, if it were a private person. Provides that a claim brought under this subchapter precludes a suit under the Tort Claims Act. Applies the procedural requirements of the Tort Claims Act (Subchapter D) to a claim brought under this subchapter. |
| Bill History: |
04-13-15 S Received in the Senate |
|
HB 816 |
Dutton, Harold(D) |
Relating to creating a criminal offense for a candidate for public office who misrepresents the candidate’s residency. |
| Bill History: |
04-13-15 H Committee action pending House Elections |
| Remarks: |
Tort Liability – Adds Chapter 72A, CPRC, to bar a person from recovering non-economic or exemplary damages in a claim arising from a motor vehicle accident if the person was operating the vehicle without liability insurance at the time of the accident. Does not apply if the claimant was injured by another person, if the other person was driving while intoxicated, fled the scene of the accident, was acting in furtherance of the commission of a felony, or whose willful act or omission or gross neglect caused the accident. Applies to a derivative claim, including a wrongful death claim for loss of consortium or companionship. Requires insurers, DPS driver’s license offices, and operators of defensive driving courses to post conspicuous notice of this provision. Does not prohibit the claimant from acting as personal representative of another person injured in the accident, as next friend. |
| Bill History: |
03-03-15 H Committee action pending House Judiciary and Civil Jurisprudence |
|
HB 828 |
Zedler, Bill(R) |
Relating to the application of foreign and international laws and doctrines in this state and requiring a court of this state to uphold and apply certain laws, including the doctrine requiring courts to refrain. |
| Remarks: |
Civil Procedure/Evidence – Prohibits a court, arbitrator, or administrative adjudicator from basing a ruling or a decision on a foreign or international law or doctrine, or on a prior ruling or decision based on a foreign or international law or doctrine; specifically requires a court to uphold and apply the church autonomy doctrine |
| Bill History: |
02-23-15 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Judiciary and Civil Jurisprudence |
| Companions: |
| SB 105 |
Estes, Craig |
(Identical) |
|
3- 3-15 S Committee action pending Senate Finance |
| SB 175 |
Huffines, Donald (F) |
(Identical) |
|
1-27-15 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate Finance |
|
| Remarks: |
Remarks copied from: TX84RSB 105 (01-23-2015 – 11:35:51)
Franchise Tax – Repeals the franchise tax effective January 1, 2016. |
| Bill History: |
03-02-15 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Ways and Means |
| Bill History: |
03-02-15 H Introduced and referred to committee on House State Affairs |
|
HB 860 |
Rodriguez, Eddie(D) |
Relating to employer retaliation against employees who seek recovery of unpaid wages and procedures in wage claim hearings conducted by the Texas Workforce Commission. |
| Companions: |
| SB 151 |
Rodriguez, Jose |
(Identical) |
|
1-27-15 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate Natural Resources and Economic Develop |
|
| Remarks: |
Remarks copied from: TX84RSB 151 (01-23-2015 – 11:02:44)
Employment Law – Prohibits an employer from retaliating against an employee who in good faith files a claim to recover unpaid wages; allows an employee who is subject to an adverse employment action to bring suit against an employer in a district court for monetary and injunctive relief; if the employee prevails in the suit, the employee may recover reasonable damages, additional damages in the amount of the employee’s average wages for a two-week period plus $500, court costs and reasonable attorney’s fees; further entitles the prevailing employee to reinstatement to the employee’s former or comparable position, plus reinstatement of benefits and seniority; authorizes the Workforce Commission, a commission examiner, or a wage tribunal to assess an administrative penalty of $1,000 per violation against an employer who unlawfully retaliates against an employee who files a wage claim; creates a rebuttable presumption that the employee’s testimony regarding hours worked, pay rate, and earnings are correct, if the employer has violated wage reporting requirements; the employer may overcome the presumption by clear and convincing evidence of the employee’s hours, rate and earnings. |
| Bill History: |
04-22-15 H Reported favorably from committee on House Business and Industry |
| Companions: |
| SB 411 |
Ellis, Rodney |
(Identical) |
|
2- 4-15 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate State Affairs |
|
| Bill History: |
04-20-15 H Committee action pending House Criminal Jurisprudence |
|
HB 866 |
Thompson, Ed(R) |
Relating to the exemption from jury service of a person who is the primary caretaker of another person. |
| Remarks: |
Jury Matters – Amends 62.106(a), Government Code, to clarify the exemption from jury service of the primary caretaker of a person who is unable to care for himself or herself. Deletes from current law the requirement that the person be “an invalid.” |
| Bill History: |
04-21-15 H Recommended for Local and Consent Calendar |
|
HB 868 |
Flynn, Dan(R) |
Relating to a defense to prosecution for and civil liability of an educator who uses force or deadly force to protect the educator’s person, students of the school, or property of the school, and suspension of a student. |
| Remarks: |
Tort Liability – Provides immunity from suit under 83.001, CPRC, for an educator who uses force or deadly force on school property in defense of the educator, students, or school property. 83.001 provides immunity for the use of force or deadly force that is justified under Chapter 9, Penal Code. |
| Bill History: |
03-04-15 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Public Education |
| Companions: |
| SB 437 |
Creighton, Brandon (F) |
(Identical) |
|
2- 9-15 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate Natural Resources and Economic Develop |
|
| Bill History: |
03-04-15 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Environmental Regulation |
|
HB 889 |
Dale, Tony(R) |
Relating to requiring state contractors to participate in the federal electronic verification of employment authorization program, or E-verify. |
| Companions: |
| SB 401 |
Schwertner, Charles |
(Identical) |
|
2- 4-15 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate Business and Commerce |
|
| Bill History: |
03-05-15 H Introduced and referred to committee on House State Affairs |
| Bill History: |
04-14-15 H Reported favorably from committee on House Elections |
| Companions: |
| SB 345 |
Huffman, Joan |
(Identical) |
|
4-15-15 H Referred to House Committee on House Criminal Jurisprudence |
|
| Bill History: |
04-23-15 S Referred to Senate Committee on Senate Criminal Justice |
|
HB 899 |
Fallon, Pat(R) |
Relating to the application of foreign laws and foreign forum selection in certain family law proceedings. |
| Bill History: |
04-14-15 H Not heard in committee House Judiciary and Civil Jurisprudence |
|
HB 910 |
Phillips, Larry(R) |
Relating to the authority of a person who is licensed to carry a handgun to openly carry a holstered handgun. |
| Companions: |
| SB 17 |
Estes, Craig |
(Identical) |
|
3-18-15 H Received in the House |
| SB 346 |
Estes, Craig |
(Identical) |
|
2- 9-15 S Removed from hearing 02/12/15, Senate State Affairs |
|
| Bill History: |
04-21-15 S Received in the Senate |
|
HB 912 |
Isaac, Jason(R) |
Relating to the dismissal of protests against certain decisions and actions of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality regarding wastewater discharge permits. |
| Bill History: |
04-23-15 H Reported favorably from committee on House Environmental Regulation |
|
HB 913 |
Israel, Celia (F)(D) |
Relating to the requirements pertaining to a ballot to be voted by mail and materials accompanying the official carrier envelope. |
| Bill History: |
04-20-15 H Committee action pending House Elections |
| Companions: |
| SB 286 |
West, Royce |
(Identical) |
|
1-28-15 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate State Affairs |
|
| Bill History: |
04-14-15 H Committee action pending House Judiciary and Civil Jurisprudence |
|
HB 922 |
Leach, Jeff(R) |
Relating to the authority of a person who is licensed to carry a handgun to openly carry the handgun. |
| Bill History: |
02-25-15 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Homeland Security and Public Safety |
| Companions: |
| HB 684 |
Sheets, Kenneth |
(Identical) |
|
4-21-15 H Reported favorably from committee on House County Affairs |
| SB 327 |
Hinojosa, Chuy |
(Identical) |
|
2- 2-15 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate Intergovernmental Relations |
|
| Bill History: |
02-25-15 H Introduced and referred to committee on House County Affairs |
|
HB 937 |
Fletcher, Allen(R) |
Relating to the carrying of concealed handguns on the campuses of and certain other locations associated with institutions of higher education. |
| Companions: |
| SB 11 |
Birdwell, Brian |
(Identical) |
|
3-20-15 H Received in the House |
|
| Bill History: |
04-13-15 H Reported from committee as substituted House Homeland Security and Public Safety |
|
HB 940 |
Fallon, Pat(R) |
Relating to the investigation and prosecution of offenses against public administration, including ethics offenses, offenses involving insurance fraud, and offenses involving motor fuels tax. |
| Bill History: |
02-26-15 H Introduced and referred to committee on House General Investigating and Ethics |
| Companions: |
| SB 528 |
Birdwell, Brian |
(Identical) |
|
2-18-15 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate Natural Resources and Economic Develop |
|
| Bill History: |
04-14-15 H Voted favorably from committee as substituted House Environmental Regulation |
|
HB 944 |
Kacal, Kyle(R) |
Relating to the authority of a person who is licensed to carry a handgun to openly carry the handgun. |
| Bill History: |
03-02-15 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Homeland Security and Public Safety |
|
HB 947 |
Workman, Paul(R) |
Relating to the authority of certain political subdivisions to change the date of their general elections. |
| Companions: |
| SB 733 |
Fraser, Troy |
(Identical) |
|
4-23-15 S Voted favorably from committee on Senate State Affairs |
|
| Bill History: |
04-22-15 H Voted favorably from committee as substituted House Elections |
| Remarks: |
Narrows the scope of a health care liability claim. |
| Bill History: |
04-14-15 H Not heard in committee House Judiciary and Civil Jurisprudence |
|
HB 968 |
Hernandez, Ana(D) |
Relating to civil liability of shareholders and members of certain legal entities that engage in the trafficking of persons. |
| Companions: |
| SB 1848 |
Garcia, Sylvia |
(Identical) |
|
4-27-15 S Meeting set for 9:00 A.M., SENATE CHAMBER, Senate State Affairs |
|
| Bill History: |
03-25-15 H Recommended for Local and Consent Calendar |
|
HB 969 |
King, Ken(R) |
Relating to the availability and use of certain evidence in connection with an award of exemplary damages. |
| Companions: |
| SB 735 |
Fraser, Troy |
(Identical) |
|
4-27-15 S First placement on Senate Intent Calendar for |
|
| Remarks: |
Net Worth Evidence. Provides that the financial condition or net worth of a party is not relevant for the purposes of supporting a claim for, or the amount of, exemplary damages and, therefore, is not discoverable or admissible as evidence. |
| Bill History: |
04-22-15 H Voted favorably from committee as substituted House Judiciary and Civil Jurisprudence |
| Bill History: |
03-18-15 H Committee action pending House State Affairs |
|
HB 985 |
Villalba, Jason(R) |
Relating to mental health screening for public school students who may be a danger to self or others and to suspension or educational placement of those students. |
| Bill History: |
03-02-15 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Public Education |
|
HB 997 |
Davis, Yvonne(D) |
Relating to certain duties of employers voluntarily participating in the federal E-Verify program and of the Texas Workforce Commission in regard to the E-Verify program. |
| Bill History: |
03-05-15 H Introduced and referred to committee on House State Affairs |
|
HB 1020 |
Giddings, Helen(D) |
Relating to credit services organizations and extensions of consumer credit facilitated by credit services organizations. |
| Companions: |
| SB 121 |
West, Royce |
(Identical) |
|
1-27-15 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate Business and Commerce |
|
| Bill History: |
04-29-15 H Meeting set for 8:30 A.M., E2.028 – House Investments and Financial Services |
| Bill History: |
04-23-15 H Passed on local calendar (Vote: Y:139/N: 0) |
| Bill History: |
04-20-15 H Committee action pending House Human Services |
|
HB 1046 |
Collier, Nicole(D) |
Relating to disclosure of information regarding and conditions for payment of death benefits under certain policies, contracts, and group benefit plans. |
| Bill History: |
03-02-15 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Insurance |
|
HB 1047 |
Workman, Paul(R) |
Relating to a franchise tax credit for entities that employ certain students in certain paid internship or similar programs. |
| Companions: |
| SB 1248 |
West, Royce |
(Identical) |
|
4-22-15 S Committee action pending Senate Finance |
|
| Bill History: |
03-04-15 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Ways and Means |
|
HB 1059 |
Turner, Chris(D) |
Relating to the contents of and public access to personal financial statements filed by public officials and candidates. |
| Bill History: |
04-07-15 H Reported from committee as substituted House General Investigating and Ethics |
| Companions: |
| SB 455 |
Creighton, Brandon (F) |
(Identical) |
|
4-23-15 S Voted favorably from committee as substituted Senate State Affairs |
|
| Bill History: |
04-24-15 H Reported from committee as substituted House Judiciary and Civil Jurisprudence |
|
HB 1102 |
Thompson, Senfronia(D) |
Relating to the statute of limitations for a suit for personal injury arising from certain offenses constituting sexual abuse of a child. |
| Companions: |
| SB 113 |
Taylor, Van (F) |
(Identical) |
|
1-27-15 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate State Affairs |
|
| Remarks: |
Statutes of Limitation – Amends 16.0045, CPRC, to eliminate the 5-year statute of limitation for personal injury actions arising from the sexual assault of a child or sexual misconduct with a child. |
| Bill History: |
04-14-15 H Committee action pending House Judiciary and Civil Jurisprudence |
|
HB 1113 |
Clardy, Travis(R) |
Relating to the standard of review for a determination of standing in a contested case hearing conducted by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. |
| Companions: |
| SB 941 |
Creighton, Brandon (F) |
(Identical) |
|
3- 9-15 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate Natural Resources and Economic Develop |
|
| Remarks: |
TCJL PROGRAM: STANDING IN CONTESTED CASES ON ENVIRONMENTAL PERMITS. Codifies recent Texas case law upholding the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality’s discretion to grant or deny requests for contested-case hearings on permit applications. Specifically, HB 1113 places into statute the well-developed “abuse of discretion” standard that has long been part of Texas administrative law and has recently been reaffirmed by the Austin Court of Appeals in multiple decisions. The bill is necessary because recent litigation by some environmental groups has challenged TCEQ’s discretionary authority over requests for contested-case hearings. These lawsuits have urged the courts to restrict the agency’s authority to determine whether a party is entitled to a contested-case hearing under statutory standards enacted by the Texas Legislature. Though these challenges have ultimately been unsuccessful, they continue to cause unnecessary and costly delays in permitting and divert agency and judicial resources. |
| Bill History: |
04-21-15 H Voted favorably from committee on House Environmental Regulation |
|
HB 1114 |
Gonzales, Larry(R) |
Relating to the authority with whom certain political committees must file reports of political contributions and expenditures. |
| Bill History: |
04-22-15 H Voted favorably from committee on House Elections |
|
HB 1116 |
Sheffield, J.D.(R) |
Relating to the liability of certain social workers who provide volunteer health care services to charitable organizations. |
| Companions: |
| SB 378 |
Rodriguez, Jose |
(Identical) |
|
3-31-15 H Received in the House |
|
| Bill History: |
04-21-15 H Recommended for Local and Consent Calendar |
| Bill History: |
04-22-15 H Committee action pending House Government Transparency and Operation |
|
HB 1122 |
Clardy, Travis(R) |
Relating to the number of jurors required in certain civil cases pending in a statutory county court. |
| Companions: |
| SB 824 |
Huffman, Joan |
(Identical) |
|
4-16-15 H Received in the House |
|
| Remarks: |
12 Person Juries. All cases heard in county courts at law are tried before six-person juries, whereas all cases heard in state district courts are tried before standard twelve-person juries. If a county court at law is hearing a civil case in which more than $200,000 is in dispute, the court should be required to impanel a twelve-person jury. |
| Bill History: |
03-25-15 H Recommended for Local and Consent Calendar |
| Bill History: |
04-14-15 H Committee action pending House Judiciary and Civil Jurisprudence |
| Companions: |
| SB 138 |
Perry, Charles (F) |
(Identical) |
|
3- 3-15 S Committee action pending Senate Finance |
|
| Remarks: |
Franchise Tax – Phases out the franchise tax by 25% per year beginning January 1, 2016. |
| Bill History: |
03-03-15 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Ways and Means |
|
HB 1171 |
Farney, Marsha(R) |
Relating to the applicability of certain immunity and liability laws to open-enrollment charter schools. |
| Companions: |
| SB 1569 |
Lucio, Eddie |
(Identical) |
|
4-23-15 S Voted favorably from committee on Senate Education |
|
| Bill History: |
04-22-15 H Reported favorably from committee on House Public Education |
| Companions: |
| SB 985 |
Bettencourt, Paul (F) |
(Identical) |
|
3-10-15 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate State Affairs |
|
| Bill History: |
03-23-15 H Committee action pending House Elections |
|
HB 1179 |
Geren, Charlie(R) |
Relating to the duties of certain law enforcement officials under procedures regulating the making or transfer of firearms. |
| Companions: |
| SB 476 |
Kolkhorst, Lois (F) |
(Identical) |
|
4-22-15 H Received in the House |
|
| Bill History: |
03-12-15 H Reported favorably from committee on House Homeland Security and Public Safety |
| Bill History: |
03-03-15 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Elections |
|
HB 1199 |
Simpson, David(R) |
Relating to producing, selling, distributing, or promoting certain synthetic substances as a violation of the Deceptive Trade Practices-Consumer Protection Act. |
| Bill History: |
04-22-15 H Voted favorably from committee as substituted House Business and Industry |
|
HB 1200 |
Simpson, David(R) |
Relating to civil liability of a person who produces, distributes, sells, or provides or aids in the production, distribution, sale, or provision of certain synthetic substances to another person for damages caused by the ot |
| Companions: |
| SB 1629 |
Whitmire, John |
(Identical) |
|
3-23-15 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate State Affairs |
|
| Bill History: |
04-22-15 H Voted favorably from committee as substituted House Judiciary and Civil Jurisprudence |
| Companions: |
| SB 610 |
Perry, Charles (F) |
(Identical) |
|
3-20-15 H Received in the House |
|
| Bill History: |
04-20-15 H Voted favorably from committee as substituted House Agriculture and Livestock |
|
HB 1206 |
Huberty, Dan(R) |
Relating to the disclosure of certain information under a consolidated insurance program. |
| Companions: |
| SB 1081 |
Creighton, Brandon (F) |
(Identical) |
|
4-27-15 S Placed on the Senate Calendar for |
|
| Bill History: |
03-25-15 H Committee action pending House Insurance |
|
HB 1208 |
Bell, Cecil(R) |
Relating to lender notice to contractors regarding a construction loan or financing agreement for the improvement of real property and related procedures for suspending contractors’ and subcontractors’ performance. |
| Bill History: |
04-22-15 H Voted favorably from committee as substituted House Business and Industry |
|
HB 1239 |
Walle, Amando(D) |
Relating to the provision of accounting statements by mortgage servicers for certain loans secured by a lien on residential real property. |
| Bill History: |
04-08-15 H Committee action pending House Investments and Financial Services |
|
HB 1247 |
Smith, Wayne(R) |
Relating to presumptions in contested case hearings regarding certain environmental permit applications. |
| Remarks: |
TCJL PROGRAM: PROCEDURES IN CONTESTED CASES ON ENVIRONMENTAL PERMITS. Under current practice in contested case hearings on environmental permits, a permit applicant, who has already presented all the technical and other evidence on the entire permit through the lengthy (and costly) review at the agency and received a draft permit, must do the same thing again before the State Office of Administrative Hearings. As it stands today, the applicant must prove its case twice: once to the commission staff and then again to an administrative law judge who has not been privy to the lengthy and exhaustive technical review already conducted by the staff. The proposed legislation would require the party asking for the contested case hearing in the first place to demonstrate the specific parts of the draft permit that violate environmental laws or standards, followed by the applicant’s rebuttal evidence. Under the proposed legislation, the draft permit establishes a prima facie showing that it complies with all applicable laws and regulations. The protesting parties should have to rebut this showing by a preponderance of the evidence to the contrary. |
| Bill History: |
04-21-15 H Voted favorably from committee on House Environmental Regulation |
| Bill History: |
04-09-15 H Committee action pending House General Investigating and Ethics |
|
HB 1265 |
Wu, Gene(D) |
Relating to a deceptive act or practice related to an unsolicited advertisement of goods and services sent by mail. |
| Bill History: |
03-31-15 H Reported from committee as substituted House Business and Industry |
|
HB 1281 |
Rodriguez, Eddie(D) |
Relating to requiring reasonable workplace accommodations for and prohibiting discrimination against employees or applicants for employment with limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or a related condition. |
| Bill History: |
03-04-15 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Business and Industry |
| Companions: |
| HB 1555 |
Meyer, Morgan (F) |
(Identical) |
|
3- 9-15 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Elections |
|
| Bill History: |
03-16-15 H Committee action pending House Elections |
|
HB 1353 |
Geren, Charlie(R) |
Relating to a certificate of merit in certain actions against certain licensed or registered professionals. |
| Companions: |
| SB 1579 |
Fraser, Troy |
(Identical) |
|
3-23-15 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate State Affairs |
|
| Bill History: |
03-17-15 H Committee action pending House Judiciary and Civil Jurisprudence |
| Companions: |
| SB 572 |
Eltife, Kevin |
(Identical) |
|
4-10-15 H Received in the House |
|
| Bill History: |
04-07-15 H Reported from committee as substituted House Insurance |
| Bill History: |
03-09-15 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Judiciary and Civil Jurisprudence |
|
HB 1370 |
Phillips, Larry(R) |
Relating to the allocation of certain motor vehicle sales tax revenue to the state highway fund and to the uses of that revenue. |
| Companions: |
| SB 5 |
Nichols, Robert |
(Identical) |
|
4-15-15 H Referred to House Committee on House Transportation |
|
| Bill History: |
04-09-15 H Committee action pending House Transportation |
|
HB 1381 |
Moody, Joe(D) |
Relating to the employment of certain peace officers, detention officers, county jailers, or firefighters who are injured in the course and scope of duty. |
| Bill History: |
03-24-15 H Committee action pending House Homeland Security and Public Safety |
|
HB 1388 |
Bohac, Dwayne(R) |
Relating to certain diseases or illnesses suffered by firefighters and emergency medical technicians. |
| Companions: |
| SB 1768 |
Creighton, Brandon (F) |
(Identical) |
|
3-24-15 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate State Affairs |
|
| Bill History: |
04-27-15 H Set on the House Calendar |
|
HB 1390 |
Thompson, Senfronia(D) |
Relating to remedies for discrimination by a public employer against a public employee in connection with a claim for workers’ compensation. |
| Bill History: |
04-20-15 H Reported favorably from committee on House Business and Industry |
|
HB 1406 |
Sheets, Kenneth(R) |
Relating to the liability of a political subdivision of this state for certain claims relating to land acquired by the political subdivision under certain circumstances. |
| Companions: |
| SB 450 |
Schwertner, Charles |
(Identical) |
|
4-16-15 H Received in the House |
|
| Bill History: |
04-28-15 H Meeting set for 2:00 P.M. OR ADJ., E2.026 – House Judiciary and Civil Jurisprudence |
|
HB 1416 |
Raymond, Richard(D) |
Relating to recusal of a justice of the supreme court or judge of the court of criminal appeals based on political contributions accepted by the justice or judge from a person involved in a case. |
| Bill History: |
03-09-15 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Judiciary and Civil Jurisprudence |
| Companions: |
| SB 1267 |
Estes, Craig |
(Identical) |
|
4-27-15 S Meeting set for 9:00 A.M., SENATE CHAMBER, Senate State Affairs |
|
| Bill History: |
03-10-15 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Judiciary and Civil Jurisprudence |
|
HB 1427 |
Raymond, Richard(D) |
Relating to a review of state laws requiring an action or proceeding to be brought in Travis County or a Travis County court. |
| Companions: |
| SB 524 |
Birdwell, Brian |
(Identical) |
|
2-18-15 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate Business and Commerce |
|
| Bill History: |
04-02-15 H Reported favorably from committee on House General Investigating and Ethics |
|
HB 1433 |
Smithee, John(R) |
Relating to prompt payment of health care claims, including payment for immunizations, vaccines, and serums. |
| Companions: |
| SB 843 |
Taylor, Larry |
(Identical) |
|
3- 4-15 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate Business and Commerce |
|
| Bill History: |
04-16-15 H Vote failed in committee on House Judiciary and Civil Jurisprudence |
|
HB 1455 |
King, Phil(R) |
Relating to procedures required before a condominium association files a suit or initiates an arbitration proceeding for a defect or design claim. |
| Companions: |
| SB 834 |
Creighton, Brandon (F) |
(Identical) |
|
4-20-15 S Committee action pending Senate State Affairs |
|
| Remarks: |
Condo Defect Litigation |
| Bill History: |
04-22-15 H Voted favorably from committee as substituted House Judiciary and Civil Jurisprudence |
|
HB 1492 |
Miller, Doug(R) |
Relating to consideration of asbestos or silica trust claims in certain actions asserting asbestos- or silica-related injuries. |
| Remarks: |
Asbestos Evidence Manipulation: Texas should address manipulation of the bankruptcy trust system of compensating claimants for asbestos-related diseases. Require that plaintiff lawyers file claims with bankruptcy trusts in advance of trial against defendants in litigation to assure honesty and transparency in litigation. |
| Bill History: |
04-16-15 H Voted favorably from committee as substituted House Judiciary and Civil Jurisprudence |
| Companions: |
| SB 439 |
Hall, Bob (F) |
(Identical) |
|
2- 9-15 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate State Affairs |
|
| Bill History: |
04-02-15 H Recommended for Local and Consent Calendar |
|
HB 1515 |
Canales, Terry(D) |
Relating to the consideration by employers of the consumer credit reports or other credit information of employees and applicants for employment. |
| Bill History: |
04-28-15 H Meeting set for 2:00 P.M. OR ADJ., E2.016 – House Business and Industry |
|
HB 1522 |
Farrar, Jessica(D) |
Relating to the prohibition of certain discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity or expression. |
| Bill History: |
03-10-15 H Introduced and referred to committee on House State Affairs |
|
HB 1531 |
Geren, Charlie(R) |
Relating to the making and receiving of referrals for legal services by certain legislators and executive officers. |
| Bill History: |
04-07-15 H Reported from committee as substituted House General Investigating and Ethics |
|
HB 1532 |
Geren, Charlie(R) |
Relating to quarterly reporting of political contributions and expenditures by certain candidates, officeholders, and political committees. |
| Companions: |
| SB 1631 |
Taylor, Van (F) |
(Identical) |
|
3-23-15 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate State Affairs |
|
| Bill History: |
03-18-15 H Introduced and referred to committee on House State Affairs |
| Companions: |
| SB 1361 |
Kolkhorst, Lois (F) |
(Identical) |
|
3-18-15 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate Health and Human Services |
|
| Bill History: |
04-28-15 H Set on the House Calendar |
| Companions: |
| SB 919 |
Fraser, Troy |
(Identical) |
|
3- 9-15 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate Natural Resources and Economic Develop |
|
| Bill History: |
04-06-15 H Committee action pending House Energy Resources |
| Companions: |
| HB 1288 |
Simmons, Ron |
(Identical) |
|
3-16-15 H Committee action pending House Elections |
|
| Bill History: |
03-09-15 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Elections |
|
HB 1556 |
Miller, Rick(R) |
Relating to prohibition of certain regulations by a county, municipality, or other political subdivision. |
| Companions: |
| SB 1155 |
Hall, Bob (F) |
(Identical) |
|
3-17-15 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate State Affairs |
|
| Bill History: |
03-09-15 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Urban Affairs |
|
HB 1564 |
White, James(R) |
Relating to the establishment of judicial donation trust funds to assist needy children and families appearing before justice and municipal courts. |
| Bill History: |
03-09-15 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Juvenile Justice and Family Issues |
| Bill History: |
04-16-15 H Committee action pending House General Investigating and Ethics |
|
HB 1603 |
Villalba, Jason(R) |
Relating to the creation of the chancery court and the court of chancery appeals to hear certain cases. |
| Bill History: |
04-21-15 H Voted favorably from committee as substituted House Business and Industry |
|
HB 1620 |
Galindo III, Rick (F)(R) |
Relating to the prohibition of certain employment discrimination regarding an employee who is a volunteer emergency responder. |
| Companions: |
| SB 612 |
Burton, Konni (F) |
(Identical) |
|
4-21-15 S Committee action pending Senate Natural Resources and Economic Develop |
|
| Bill History: |
04-28-15 H Meeting set for 2:00 P.M. OR ADJ., E2.016 – House Business and Industry |
|
HB 1642 |
Pickett, Joe(D) |
Relating to the rights, remedies, and liability of certain owners and operators of environmentally contaminated property. |
| Bill History: |
03-09-15 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Environmental Regulation |
|
HB 1668 |
Workman, Paul(R) |
Relating to the status of a subcontractor as an employee for the purposes of workers’ compensation insurance coverage. |
| Companions: |
| SB 666 |
Eltife, Kevin |
(Identical) |
|
2-24-15 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate Business and Commerce |
|
| Remarks: |
TCJL PROGRAM: OCIP CLARIFICATION. Despite case law to the contrary, a recent Corpus Christi Court of Appeals decision has opined that 406.122 and 406.123, Labor Code, which define when an independent contractor may be treated as an employee for purposes of workers’ compensation insurance coverage, conflict with each other. Under existing law, an independent contractor may be deemed to be an “employee” when the contractor is covered by a “wrap” workers’ compensation insurance policy that includes all the contractors and contractor employees on a worksite. The Corpus Christi case introduces unnecessary confusion into a well-established workers’ compensation insurance practice and should be corrected. The proposed legislation does not change existing law, but simply clarifies that the two statutes do not conflict. |
| Bill History: |
04-22-15 H Reported favorably from committee on House Business and Industry |
| Companions: |
| SB 1942 |
Huffman, Joan |
(Identical) |
|
3-25-15 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate State Affairs |
|
| Remarks: |
TCJL PROGRAM: TEXAS COURTS FOR TEXAS CASES. The doctrine of forum non conveniens allows a trial court to dismiss a lawsuit if another court is a more appropriate forum to hear the case because the suit has little or no connection to the state. Under Texas law, a court may not dismiss a case under the rule if the plaintiff is a Texas resident. A recent Texas Supreme Court decision, however, has opened a potential loophole in the Texas forum non conveniens rule. In a 5-4 decision, the Court allowed intervenors in a lawsuit filed in Hidalgo County on behalf of the estate of a non-Texas resident to claim Texas residency and keep the suit in Hidalgo Countydespite the fact that the underlying plaintiffs were from Mexico, the accident occurred in Mexico, the witnesses and evidence were all located in Mexico, and Mexican law likely applied to the accident. The proposed legislation will assure that only direct plaintiffs who are bona fide Texas residents can invoke the Texas residency exception to keep their cases in Texas courts. |
| Bill History: |
04-24-15 H Reported from committee as substituted House Judiciary and Civil Jurisprudence |
|
HB 1732 |
Smithee, John(R) |
Relating to dispute resolution for certain claims arising under insurance policies issued by the Fair Access to Insurance Requirements (FAIR) Plan Association. |
| Bill History: |
04-22-15 H Committee action pending House Insurance |
| Companions: |
| HB 1794 |
Geren, Charlie |
(Identical) |
|
4-27-15 H Set on the House Calendar |
|
| Remarks: |
TCJL PROGRAM: GOOD FAITH REMEDIATION. Recent lawsuits have sought to collect hundreds of millions of dollars of civil penalties against Texas businesses for alleged environmental violations going back for decadeseven though the businesses have been working with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality to remediate the problem and, in some cases, did not even own the property when the alleged violations occurred. In one of the cases, a jury rejected the plaintiff’s argument that the business should pay billions even though it spent millions to clean up a mess that it inherited from another company. The proposed legislation will address this type of lawsuit abuse by assuring that businesses pay punitive civil penalties only for their own intentional conduct, not for the actions of others. The legislation will also assure that businesses that remediate in good faith will not be punished as long as they comply with applicable state enforcement orders. |
| Bill History: |
03-16-15 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Judiciary and Civil Jurisprudence |
|
HB 1766 |
Hunter, Todd(R) |
Relating to certain publications that are privileged and not grounds for a libel action. |
| Companions: |
| SB 627 |
Huffman, Joan |
(Identical) |
|
4-22-15 H Received in the House |
|
| Bill History: |
04-22-15 H Voted favorably from committee as substituted House Judiciary and Civil Jurisprudence |
| Companions: |
| HB 1760 |
Geren, Charlie |
(Identical) |
|
3-16-15 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Judiciary and Civil Jurisprudence |
|
| Remarks: |
TCJL PROGRAM: GOOD FAITH REMEDIATION. Recent lawsuits have sought to collect hundreds of millions of dollars of civil penalties against Texas businesses for alleged environmental violations going back for decadeseven though the businesses have been working with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality to remediate the problem and, in some cases, did not even own the property when the alleged violations occurred. In one of the cases, a jury rejected the plaintiff’s argument that the business should pay billions even though it spent millions to clean up a mess that it inherited from another company. The proposed legislation will address this type of lawsuit abuse by assuring that businesses pay punitive civil penalties only for their own intentional conduct, not for the actions of others. The legislation will also assure that businesses that remediate in good faith will not be punished as long as they comply with applicable state enforcement orders. |
| Bill History: |
04-27-15 H Set on the House Calendar |
|
HB 1815 |
Burrows, Dustin (F)(R) |
Relating to a prohibition of school district retaliation against a teacher for permissible teaching about the Bible. |
| Bill History: |
03-12-15 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Public Education |
|
HB 1865 |
Morrison, Geanie(R) |
Relating to environmental permitting procedures for applications filed with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality |
| Companions: |
| SB 709 |
Fraser, Troy |
(Identical) |
|
4-17-15 H Received in the House |
|
| Bill History: |
04-17-15 H Reported from committee as substituted House Environmental Regulation |
|
HB 1877 |
Springer, Drew(R) |
Relating to civil and criminal liability for the disclosure of certain visual material on the Internet. |
| Bill History: |
03-11-15 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Criminal Jurisprudence |
| Companions: |
| SB 979 |
Creighton, Brandon (F) |
(Identical) |
|
4-10-15 H Received in the House |
|
| Bill History: |
04-13-15 H Recommended for Local and Consent Calendar |
|
HB 1955 |
Parker, Tan(R) |
Relating to false or misleading packaging, labeling, or advertising of certain abusable synthetic substances. |
| Companions: |
| SB 461 |
Perry, Charles (F) |
(Identical) |
|
3-25-15 H Received in the House |
|
| Bill History: |
04-08-15 H Committee action pending House Criminal Jurisprudence |
|
HB 1962 |
Parker, Tan(R) |
Relating to the franchise tax and alternative revenue sources and spending priorities for this state. |
| Companions: |
| SB 186 |
Creighton, Brandon (F) |
(Identical) |
|
3- 3-15 S Committee action pending Senate Finance |
|
| Remarks: |
Franchise Tax – Repeals the franchise tax effective January 1, 2020; requires the Comptroller to study and recommend new taxes and spending cuts to replace the lost revenue. |
| Bill History: |
03-12-15 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Ways and Means |
|
HB 2062 |
Raymond, Richard(D) |
Relating to false claims against the state and actions by the state and private persons to prosecute those claims. |
| Remarks: |
TCJL OPPOSES Further review of this bill pending. Relating to false claims against the state and actions by the state and private persons to prosecute those claims. While designed to combat fraud involving state funds, this allows private bounty hunter plaintiffs to file lawsuits for “false” claims in the name of the State of Texas and override legal reform measures passed in the last 30 years. Allows defendants to be investigated without their knowledge for an extended period of time. Allows suit even when the defendant had no actual knowledge of the conduct in question . |
| Bill History: |
03-27-15 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Judiciary and Civil Jurisprudence |
| Bill History: |
04-23-15 S Received in the Senate |
| Companions: |
| SB 860 |
Eltife, Kevin |
(Identical) |
|
4-23-15 H Referred to House Committee on House Business and Industry |
|
| Bill History: |
04-15-15 H Postponed on second reading until 8:00 a.m., Wednesday,
April 29, 2015 |
| Companions: |
| SB 216 |
Birdwell, Brian |
(Identical) |
|
3-10-15 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate State Affairs |
|
| Bill History: |
04-28-15 H Set on the House Calendar |
| Bill History: |
03-13-15 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Judiciary and Civil Jurisprudence |
| Bill History: |
03-16-15 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Business and Industry |
| Bill History: |
04-22-15 H Committee action pending House State Affairs |
|
HB 2292 |
Parker, Tan(R) |
Relating to the award of attorney’s fees in a judicial appeal of certain ad valorem tax determinations. |
| Bill History: |
04-21-15 H Committee action pending House Ways and Means |
|
HB 2298 |
Pickett, Joe(D) |
Relating to prohibiting certain public places from excluding peace officers or special investigators from carrying weapons on the premises. |
| Bill History: |
04-22-15 H Voted favorably from committee on House Homeland Security and Public Safety |
|
HB 2303 |
Kuempel, John(R) |
Relating to a landowner’s liability for injuries incurred during certain recreational activities. |
| Bill History: |
04-22-15 H Voted favorably from committee as substituted House Judiciary and Civil Jurisprudence |
| Companions: |
| SB 960 |
Uresti, Carlos |
(Identical) |
|
3- 9-15 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate Health and Human Services |
|
| Bill History: |
04-28-15 H Meeting set for 8:00 A.M., E2.012 – House Public Health |
| Bill History: |
03-16-15 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Judiciary and Civil Jurisprudence |
|
HB 2348 |
Price, Four(R) |
Relating to nondiscrimination against physicians in payment for telephone consultation services. |
| Bill History: |
04-08-15 H Committee action pending House Insurance |
| Bill History: |
04-14-15 H Recommended for Local and Consent Calendar |
|
HB 2359 |
Bohac, Dwayne(R) |
Relating to prohibiting the Department of Public Safety from responding to bulk requests from the federal government for lists of individuals licensed to carry a concealed handgun. |
| Bill History: |
04-14-15 H Committee action pending House Homeland Security and Public Safety |
|
HB 2362 |
Pena, Gilbert (F)(R) |
Relating to the inclusion of a draft impact analysis in the notice of rules proposed by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. |
| Bill History: |
03-13-15 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Environmental Regulation |
| Companions: |
| SB 1710 |
Huffman, Joan |
(Identical) |
|
3-23-15 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate State Affairs |
|
| Bill History: |
03-13-15 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Judiciary and Civil Jurisprudence |
| Companions: |
| SB 909 |
Zaffirini, Judith |
(Identical) |
|
4- 8-15 H Received in the House |
|
| Bill History: |
04-22-15 H Voted favorably from committee on House Judiciary and Civil Jurisprudence |
|
HB 2375 |
Dutton, Harold(D) |
Relating to liability of a governmental unit for personal injury and death caused by the governmental unit’s negligence. |
| Bill History: |
03-13-15 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Judiciary and Civil Jurisprudence |
| Bill History: |
04-22-15 H Voted favorably from committee on House Judiciary and Civil Jurisprudence |
| Bill History: |
04-22-15 H Voted favorably from committee on House Judiciary and Civil Jurisprudence |
| Bill History: |
03-13-15 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Judiciary and Civil Jurisprudence |
|
HB 2405 |
Nevarez, Poncho(D) |
Relating to the notice given by a property owner prohibiting a concealed handgun license holder from carrying a handgun on certain property. |
| Bill History: |
04-07-15 H Committee action pending House Homeland Security and Public Safety |
|
HB 2408 |
Herrero, Abel(D) |
Relating to the composition of the board of directors of the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association. |
| Bill History: |
04-22-15 H Committee action pending House Insurance |
|
HB 2409 |
Rodriguez, Eddie(D) |
Relating to the storage of firearms surrendered by a person subject to a magistrate’s order for emergency protection or protective order as a result of family violence, sexual assault or abuse, stalking. |
| Bill History: |
03-13-15 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Criminal Jurisprudence |
|
HB 2412 |
Lucio III, Eddie(D) |
Relating to automobile surcharges for payment of certain public securities of the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association. |
| Bill History: |
03-13-15 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Insurance |
| Bill History: |
03-13-15 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Insurance |
| Companions: |
| SB 995 |
Rodriguez, Jose |
(Identical) |
|
4-27-15 S Placed on the Senate Calendar for |
|
| Bill History: |
03-13-15 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Judiciary and Civil Jurisprudence |
|
HB 2439 |
Smith, Wayne(R) |
Relating to inspections and other activities conducted by engineers in connection with the issuance of certain windstorm and hail insurance. |
| Bill History: |
04-20-15 S Received in the Senate |
| Bill History: |
04-22-15 H Voted favorably from committee as substituted House Transportation |
|
HB 2445 |
White, James(R) |
Relating to conduct that constitutes the offense of displaying a firearm in a public place. |
| Bill History: |
04-21-15 H Committee action pending House Homeland Security and Public Safety |
|
HB 2446 |
White, James(R) |
Relating to a study and report on online law schools and on the licensing of attorneys who obtain degrees through online or correspondence law schools or who become licensed through other nontraditional methods. |
| Bill History: |
03-13-15 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Judiciary and Civil Jurisprudence |
| Bill History: |
03-13-15 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Ways and Means |
| Bill History: |
04-28-15 H Meeting set for 2:00 P.M. OR ADJ., E2.016 – House Business and Industry |
|
HB 2466 |
Collier, Nicole(D) |
Relating to the creation of a safety reimbursement program for employers in the Texas Workers Compensation system |
| Bill History: |
04-20-15 H Reported from committee as substituted House Business and Industry |
| Bill History: |
04-07-15 H Committee action pending House Environmental Regulation |
|
HB 2537 |
Vo, Hubert(D) |
Relating to an employee’s right to leave to care for a sibling with a serious health condition. |
| Bill History: |
03-16-15 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Business and Industry |
|
HB 2544 |
Lozano, Jose(R) |
Relating to adverse possession of real property by a cotenant heir against other cotenant heirs. |
| Bill History: |
04-21-15 H Committee action pending House Judiciary and Civil Jurisprudence |
|
HB 2573 |
Johnson, Eric(D) |
Relating to a deceptive trade practice related to the use of certain words to imply that a person who is not an attorney is authorized to practice law and the prosecution of a cause of action arising from that practice. |
| Bill History: |
04-22-15 H Voted favorably from committee on House Judiciary and Civil Jurisprudence |
|
HB 2581 |
Springer, Drew(R) |
Relating to governmental actions affecting private property rights in certain oil and gas wells. |
| Companions: |
| SB 809 |
Taylor, Van (F) |
(Identical) |
|
3- 3-15 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate Natural Resources and Economic Develop |
|
| Bill History: |
03-16-15 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Energy Resources |
|
HB 2590 |
Johnson, Eric(D) |
Relating to providing a remedy for fraud committed in certain real estate and stock transactions. |
| Bill History: |
04-22-15 H Voted favorably from committee as substituted House Business and Industry |
|
HB 2615 |
Dutton, Harold(D) |
Relating to the office of independent ombudsman for the Department of Family and Protective Services. |
| Bill History: |
03-17-15 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Juvenile Justice and Family Issues |
| Companions: |
| SB 938 |
Kolkhorst, Lois (F) |
(Identical) |
|
3- 9-15 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate Transportation |
|
| Bill History: |
04-22-15 H Removed from hearing 04/23/15 – House Transportation |
| Bill History: |
04-16-15 H Voted favorably from committee as substituted House Judiciary and Civil Jurisprudence |
| Bill History: |
04-15-15 H Meeting set for 10:30 A.M. OR ADJ., JHR 140 – House State Affairs |
| Bill History: |
03-18-15 H Introduced and referred to committee on House State Affairs |
| Companions: |
| SB 962 |
Taylor, Van (F) |
(Identical) |
|
3-10-15 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate State Affairs |
|
| Bill History: |
03-16-15 H Introduced and referred to committee on House State Affairs |
|
HB 2909 |
Springer, Drew(R) |
Relating to the regulation by a municipality or county of the rental or leasing of housing accommodations. |
| Companions: |
| HB 738 |
Larson, Lyle |
(Identical) |
|
2-26-15 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Urban Affairs |
| SB 267 |
Perry, Charles (F) |
(Identical) |
|
4- 8-15 H Received in the House |
|
| Remarks: |
Sovereign Immunity/Governmental Immunity/Local Government – Prohibits a city or county from adopting an ordinance or regulation barring an owner or other person having the right to lease housing from refusing to lease to a person because of the person’s lawful source of income to pay rent, including a federal housing choice voucher. |
| Bill History: |
04-14-15 H Meeting set for 10:30 A.M. OR ADJ., E2.028 – House Urban Affairs |
| Companions: |
| SB 1546 |
Perry, Charles (F) |
(Identical) |
|
3-23-15 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate Health and Human Services |
|
| Bill History: |
03-18-15 H Introduced and referred to committee on House State Affairs |
| Bill History: |
04-22-15 H Removed from hearing 04/23/15 – House Select on Emerging Issues in Law Enforc |
|
HB 3058 |
Giddings, Helen(D) |
Relating to the threat or pursuit of criminal charges against a consumer in association with certain extensions of consumer credit. |
| Bill History: |
04-29-15 H Meeting set for 8:30 A.M., E2.028 – House Investments and Financial Services |
|
HB 3068 |
Paddie, Chris(R) |
Relating to the information required to be provided by a payor of proceeds from the sale of oil or gas from an oil or gas well to a payee on the request by the payee. |
| Companions: |
| SB 402 |
Estes, Craig |
(Identical) |
|
2- 4-15 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate Natural Resources and Economic Develop |
|
| Bill History: |
03-23-15 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Energy Resources |
|
HB 3079 |
Raymond, Richard(D) |
Relating to applicability of a statute of limitations to an action based on a right or remedy provided by the Texas Constitution. |
| Bill History: |
03-23-15 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Judiciary and Civil Jurisprudence |
| Companions: |
| SB 1271 |
West, Royce |
(Identical) |
|
3-17-15 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate Natural Resources and Economic Develop |
|
| Bill History: |
04-22-15 H Not heard in committee House State Affairs |
| Bill History: |
04-21-15 H Committee action pending House Judiciary and Civil Jurisprudence |
| Bill History: |
04-23-15 H Committee action pending House Transportation |
|
HB 3166 |
Collier, Nicole(D) |
Relating to sovereign and governmental liability for workers’ compensation benefits and related relief. |
| Bill History: |
03-24-15 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Business and Industry |
|
HB 3168 |
Simmons, Ron(R) |
Relating to remedies for oppression of minority shareholders by directors of closely held corporations. |
| Bill History: |
04-14-15 H Committee action pending House Business and Industry |
| Companions: |
| SB 1346 |
Huffines, Donald (F) |
(Identical) |
|
3-18-15 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate Business and Commerce |
|
| Bill History: |
03-23-15 H Introduced and referred to committee on Licensing and Administrative Procedures |
|
HB 3171 |
Simpson, David(R) |
Relating to repealing civil asset forfeiture provisions and establishing criminal asset forfeiture in this state. |
| Companions: |
| SB 1863 |
Burton, Konni (F) |
(Identical) |
|
3-25-15 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate Criminal Justice |
|
| Bill History: |
04-15-15 H Committee action pending House State Affairs |
| Companions: |
| SB 1187 |
Taylor, Van (F) |
(Identical) |
|
4- 9-15 S Committee action pending Senate State Affairs |
|
| Bill History: |
03-23-15 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Judiciary and Civil Jurisprudence |
| Bill History: |
03-23-15 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Business and Industry |
|
HB 3213 |
Zedler, Bill(R) |
Relating to unfair settlement practices for insurers providing workers’ compensation insurance. |
| Bill History: |
03-23-15 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Business and Industry |
| Bill History: |
03-23-15 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Judiciary and Civil Jurisprudence |
| Bill History: |
04-09-15 H Committee action pending House General Investigating and Ethics |
| Bill History: |
03-24-15 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Business and Industry |
|
HB 3313 |
Shaheen, Matt (F)(R) |
Relating to unit operations for oil, gas, or oil and gas production from depleting reservoirs or carbon dioxide storage. |
| Companions: |
| SB 118 |
Taylor, Van (F) |
(Identical) |
|
1-27-15 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate Natural Resources and Economic Develop |
|
| Bill History: |
03-17-15 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Energy Resources |
|
HB 3339 |
Burkett, Cindy(R) |
Relating to the recovery of costs and fees in connection with certain eminent domain proceedings. |
| Companions: |
| SB 474 |
Kolkhorst, Lois (F) |
(Identical) |
|
4-10-15 H Received in the House |
|
| Bill History: |
03-17-15 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Land and Resource Management |
|
HB 3394 |
Alonzo, Roberto(D) |
Relating to a direct action against an insurer and insured by third parties and required provisions of a liability insurance policy. |
| Bill History: |
03-19-15 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Judiciary and Civil Jurisprudence |
|
HB 3400 |
Walle, Amando(D) |
Relating to parties who may bring suit under the Texas Free Enterprise and Antitrust Act of 1983. |
| Bill History: |
04-22-15 H Committee action pending House Business and Industry |
| Bill History: |
03-17-15 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Judiciary and Civil Jurisprudence |
|
HB 3425 |
Parker, Tan(R) |
Relating to the creation of a intrastate investment market for purposes of trading securities issued under the intrastate crowdfunding exemption from federal securities laws. |
| Bill History: |
04-01-15 H Committee action pending House Investments and Financial Services |
| Bill History: |
03-24-15 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Judiciary and Civil Jurisprudence |
| Bill History: |
04-28-15 H Meeting set for 2:00 P.M. OR ADJ., E2.026 – House Judiciary and Civil Jurisprudence |
| Companions: |
| HB 3822 |
Coleman, Garnet |
(Identical) |
|
3-23-15 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Insurance |
|
| Bill History: |
03-18-15 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Insurance |
|
HB 3537 |
Davis, Yvonne(D) |
Relating to a breach of system security of a business that exposes consumer credit card or debit card information. |
| Bill History: |
04-21-15 H Committee action pending House Business and Industry |
| Bill History: |
04-28-15 H Meeting set for 2:00 P.M. OR ADJ., E2.026 – House Judiciary and Civil Jurisprudence |
| Bill History: |
03-20-15 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Public Health |
|
HB 3602 |
Bell, Cecil(R) |
Relating to the religious freedom of a conscientious objector to act or fail to act with respect to certain issues of marriage, sexual relations, and gender. |
| Bill History: |
03-23-15 H Introduced and referred to committee on House State Affairs |
|
HB 3636 |
Guillen, Ryan(D) |
Relating to prohibited conduct by insurance adjusters, public insurance adjusters, and contractors. |
| Remarks: |
insurance – public adjustors |
| Bill History: |
03-23-15 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Insurance |
|
HB 3646 |
Smithee, John(R) |
Relating to insurance claims and certain prohibited acts and practices in or in relation to the business of insurance. |
| Companions: |
| SB 1628 |
Taylor, Larry |
(Identical) |
|
4-27-15 S Placed on the Senate Calendar for |
|
| Bill History: |
04-22-15 H Committee action pending House Insurance |
| Bill History: |
03-19-15 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Ways and Means |
|
HB 3651 |
Coleman, Garnet(D) |
Relating to the manufacture, sale, distribution, possession, and use of drugs not approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration and the false representation that a substance is a drug. |
| Companions: |
| SB 1790 |
Rodriguez, Jose |
(Identical) |
|
3-24-15 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate Health and Human Services |
|
| Bill History: |
04-28-15 H Meeting set for 8:00 A.M., E2.012 – House Public Health |
|
HB 3657 |
Blanco, Cesar (F)(D) |
Relating to a study of the use of regional rating for health coverage provided under the uniform group coverage program for certain active school employees and their dependents. |
| Bill History: |
04-13-15 H Committee action pending House Pensions |
|
HB 3662 |
Hughes, Bryan(R) |
Relating to recovery of damages, attorney’s fees, and costs related to frivolous regulatory actions by state agencies. |
| Bill History: |
03-19-15 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Judiciary and Civil Jurisprudence |
| Bill History: |
03-23-15 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Public Health |
| Companions: |
| HB 3533 |
Munoz, Sergio |
(Identical) |
|
3-18-15 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Insurance |
|
| Bill History: |
03-23-15 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Insurance |
| Bill History: |
04-22-15 H Voted favorably from committee as substituted House Juvenile Justice and Family Issues |
| Companions: |
| SB 1291 |
Taylor, Van (F) |
(Identical) |
|
3-18-15 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate Finance |
|
| Bill History: |
03-23-15 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Ways and Means |
|
HB 4020 |
Raymond, Richard(D) |
Relating to the security of certain financial information and liability for certain security breaches. |
| Bill History: |
04-21-15 H Not heard in committee House Business and Industry |
| Remarks: |
Amends §82.007, CPRC, relating to product liability actions against manufacturers of pharmaceutical products, to specify that a failure to warn includes “a failure of the manufacturer to place notice to the US FDA of a potential safety signal.” The bill also expands the ability of a claimant to overcome a rebuttable presumption that the manufacturer complied with government standards by establishing that the defendant withheld or misrepresented to the FDA “relevant” (rather than “required” information material to the performance of the product and causally related to the claimant’s injury. |
| Bill History: |
03-23-15 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Judiciary and Civil Jurisprudence |
|
HB 4056 |
White, James(R) |
Relating to inspection procedures in certain long-term care facilities and the creation of a long-term care legislative oversight committee. |
| Bill History: |
03-23-15 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Human Services |
|
HB 4061 |
White, James(R) |
Relating to the regulation of firearms, air guns, ammunition, and firearm and air gun supplies. |
| Bill History: |
04-20-15 H Reported favorably from committee on House Homeland Security and Public Safety |
|
HCR 37 |
Anderson, Doc(R) |
Requesting creation of a joint interim committee to study a nonsubstantive reorganization of the Texas Constitution. |
| Bill History: |
04-22-15 H Voted favorably from committee on House State Affairs |
|
HCR 49 |
Thompson, Senfronia(D) |
Urging Congress to propose and submit to the states an amendment to the U.S. Constitution that overturns Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission, establishing that the spending of money. |
| Bill History: |
04-09-15 H Committee action pending Select on State/Federal Power Responsibility |
|
HJR 38 |
Larson, Lyle(R) |
Proposing a constitutional amendment limiting to two the number of consecutive terms for which a person may be elected or appointed to hold certain state offices. |
| Companions: |
| SJR 24 |
Eltife, Kevin |
(Identical) |
|
2- 2-15 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate State Affairs |
|
| Bill History: |
03-18-15 H Committee action pending House State Affairs |
|
HJR 46 |
Simmons, Ron(R) |
Proposing a constitutional amendment on the length of legislative terms and limiting to three the number of terms for which a person may be elected or appointed to the legislature or certain state offices. |
| Remarks: |
legislative 3 term limit |
| Bill History: |
03-03-15 H Introduced and referred to committee on House State Affairs |
|
HJR 56 |
White, James(R) |
Proposing a constitutional amendment to remove legislative authority to regulate the wearing of arms. |
| Bill History: |
03-03-15 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Homeland Security and Public Safety |
|
HJR 62 |
Canales, Terry(D) |
Proposing a constitutional amendment requiring the recording of certain proceedings of the Texas Supreme Court and the Court of Criminal Appeals and the publication of the recordings. |
| Remarks: |
Courts – Requires the Texas Supreme Court and Court of Criminal Appeals to make a video recording of each oral argument, proceeding, and open meeting of the Court and post the recording on its website |
| Bill History: |
03-10-15 H Committee action pending House Judiciary and Civil Jurisprudence |
|
HJR 69 |
Riddle, Debbie(R) |
Proposing a constitutional amendment to permit the attorney general to prosecute offenses against public administration, including ethics offenses, and offenses involving insurance fraud or the imposition of the motor fuels tax. |
| Remarks: |
Insurance – Establishes the Public Integrity Unit in the Office of the Attorney General and gives the Unit authority to prosecute criminal and civil offenses against public administration, insurance fraud, and motor fuels taxes. Venue for prosecutions is in the county in which the defendant resides. |
| Bill History: |
01-16-15 H Filed |
| Bill History: |
02-05-15 H Filed |
|
HJR 90 |
Raymond, Richard(D) |
Proposing a constitutional amendment to abolish the court of criminal appeals and establish one supreme court with civil and criminal appellate jurisdiction. |
| Bill History: |
03-23-15 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Judiciary and Civil Jurisprudence |
|
HJR 91 |
Phillips, Larry(R) |
Proposing a constitutional amendment dedicating certain revenue derived from the tax imposed on the sale of motor vehicles to the state highway fund. |
| Companions: |
| SJR 5 |
Nichols, Robert |
(Identical) |
|
4-21-15 H Voted favorably from committee as substituted House Transportation |
|
| Bill History: |
03-24-15 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Transportation |
|
HJR 108 |
Reynolds, Ron(D) |
Proposing a constitutional amendment prohibiting a county or other political subdivision from eliminating offices or changing district boundaries between the primary and general elections. |
| Bill History: |
04-22-15 H Voted favorably from committee as substituted House Elections |
| Bill History: |
01-13-15 H Passed |
|
HR 3 |
Geren, Charlie(R) |
Adopting the Housekeeping Resolution for the House of Representatives of the 84th Legislature. |
| Bill History: |
01-14-15 H Passed (Vote: Y:137/N: 5) |
|
SB 5 |
Nichols, Robert(R) |
Relating to the allocation of certain motor vehicle sales tax revenue to the state highway fund and to the uses of that revenue. |
| Companions: |
| HB 1370 |
Phillips, Larry |
(Identical) |
|
4- 9-15 H Committee action pending House Transportation |
|
| Bill History: |
04-15-15 H Referred to House Committee on House Transportation |
|
SB 11 |
Birdwell, Brian(R) |
Relating to the carrying of concealed handguns on the campuses of and certain other locations associated with institutions of higher education. |
| Companions: |
| HB 937 |
Fletcher, Allen |
(Identical) |
|
4-13-15 H Reported from committee as substituted House Homeland Security and Public Safety |
|
| Bill History: |
03-20-15 H Received in the House |
|
SB 17 |
Estes, Craig(R) |
Relating to the authority of a person who is licensed to carry a handgun to openly carry a holstered gun. |
| Companions: |
| HB 910 |
Phillips, Larry |
(Identical) |
|
4-21-15 S Received in the Senate |
|
| Bill History: |
03-18-15 H Received in the House |
|
SB 28 |
Zaffirini, Judith(D) |
Relating to immunity from liability for public and open-enrollment charter school campuses that maintain a supply of anaphylaxis medicine for emergency use. |
| Remarks: |
no waiver of immunity for school or charter that uses anaphylaxis meds |
| Bill History: |
04-23-15 H Received in the House |
| Bill History: |
04-08-15 S Recommended for Local/Uncontested Calendar |
| Remarks: |
Franchise Tax – Makes the rate reduction enacted in 2013 permanent (this bill is likely a placeholder for further franchise tax relief). |
| Bill History: |
01-26-15 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate Finance |
| Bill History: |
01-26-15 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate State Affairs |
| Remarks: |
Senator-elect Don Huffines (R-Dallas) has filed legislation prescribing deadlines for the Texas Supreme Court and 14 courts of appeals to act on civil appeals. SB 64 gives the SCOT 90 days from the date of filing to deny a petition for review if the court does not request a response and 180 days if it does not request briefing. The Court must grant or deny the petition within 301 days if the court requests briefing. If the Court determines that the issues presented in a petition are related to issues in another case for which a petition has been granted and a decision pending, it may place the petition on hold until the Court decides the prior case. Once a decision has been issued, the Court has 30 days to grant or deny the petition.
The bill further requires the SCOT to issue a decision for all cases in which the courts grants a petition during the term of court (a state fiscal year beginning September 1 and ending August 31) in which review was granted. If a petition is granted in June or later, the Court may carry over the case under extraordinary circumstances. In that event, the Court must issue a decision by December 31 of the next term. The Court must adopt and publish written procedures that allocate responsibilities to individual justices. The Chief Justice must enforce the procedures and deadlines against individual justices. Such enforcement may prohibiting a justice from participating in future oral arguments, reassigning opinions, prohibiting a justice from participating in a new case, or referring a justice to the State Commission on Judicial Conduct.
With respect to the Courts of Appeals, SB 64 requires the court to announce whether oral argument has been granted in a civil appeal within 61 days after the final brief is filed. Oral argument must be held within 121 days after the date the final brief allowed by rule has been filed, and the court must issue its decision not later than 90 days after oral argument or, if oral argument is denied, the date the court announces the denial. The chief justice of each court of appeals must enforce the deadlines in the same manner as the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, as well as submit a quarterly report to the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court regarding the compliance of the court with the deadlines. If a court of appeals fails to comply, the Chief Justice may prohibit the filing of additional appeals in that court and order the transfer of appeals to other courts. If a court of appeals is prohibited from accepting new appeals, justices of the court are not credited with state service for that period, and the LBB and governor must reduce the non-complying court’s budget and shift money to courts receiving transfers. By January 31 of each year, the Chief Justice shall submit a compliance report with the governor, lieutenant governor, and speaker of the house. |
| Bill History: |
01-26-15 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate State Affairs |
|
SB 65 |
Ellis, Rodney(D) |
Relating to unlawful employment practices regarding discrimination in payment of compensation. |
| Companions: |
| HB 187 |
Thompson, Senfronia |
(Identical) |
|
4-21-15 H Voted favorably from committee as substituted House Business and Industry |
|
| Remarks: |
Remarks copied from: TX84RHB 187 (01-23-2015 – 10:57:10)Lilly Ledbetter bill
Employment Law – Current Texas law provides that an employee must file an unlawful employment practice complaint with the Texas Workforce Commission civil rights division within 180 days after the alleged unlawful practice occurs. If the employee proves up the claim, he or she may recover up to two years of back pay. Appeal of the administrative review is to state district court. The effect of SB 65/HB 187 is to allow an employee who exhausts administrative remedies under current law to seek review in state court. The bill also clarifies that the statute of limitations for a wage discrimination claim runs from the date the discriminatory employment practice begins, not the date of the compensation agreement between the employer and employee, and allows an aggrieved employee to obtain relief (including back pay) for similar or related unlawful employment practices that occurred prior to the most recent two-year pay period. The bill responds to a 2012 Texas Supreme Court decision holding that federal protections for wage discrimination did not extend to state law ( Prairie View A&M v. Chatha ). |
| Bill History: |
01-26-15 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate Natural Resources and Economic Develop |
|
SB 66 |
Hinojosa, Chuy(D) |
Relating to the use of epinephrine auto-injectors on public and open-enrollment charter school campuses and at off-campus school-sanctioned events. |
| Remarks: |
similar to SB 28. good-faith immunity for use of anaphylaxis meds at off-campus school event; no civil, criminal, or administrative cause of action. |
| Bill History: |
04-16-15 H Received in the House |
| Companions: |
| HB 453 |
Alonzo, Roberto |
(Identical) |
|
2-11-15 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Insurance |
|
| Remarks: |
Remarks copied from: TX84RHB 453 (01-23-2015 – 10:51:14)
Insurance – Amends 544.002, Insurance Code, to prohibit discrimination in underwriting on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity expression. |
| Bill History: |
01-26-15 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate Business and Commerce |
|
SB 83 |
Ellis, Rodney(D) |
Relating to prohibited deceptive or disenfranchising practices regarding an election. |
| Bill History: |
01-26-15 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate State Affairs |
| Bill History: |
01-26-15 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate Health and Human Services |
| Companions: |
| HB 850 |
Goldman, Craig |
(Identical) |
|
3- 2-15 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Ways and Means |
| SB 175 |
Huffines, Donald (F) |
(Identical) |
|
1-27-15 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate Finance |
|
| Remarks: |
Franchise Tax – Repeals the franchise tax effective January 1, 2016. |
| Bill History: |
03-03-15 S Committee action pending Senate Finance |
|
SB 109 |
Taylor, Van (F)(R) |
Relating to the procedure for action by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality on an application for a water right. |
| Companions: |
| HB 201 |
Leach, Jeff |
(Identical) |
|
2-12-15 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Natural Resources |
|
| Bill History: |
04-20-15 S Committee action pending Senate Agriculture, Water, and Rural Affairs |
|
SB 111 |
Taylor, Van (F)(R) |
Relating to the criminal penalties for insider trading and other misuse of official information by public servants. |
| Bill History: |
01-27-15 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate State Affairs |
|
SB 113 |
Taylor, Van (F)(R) |
Relating to the statute of limitations for a suit for personal injury arising from certain offenses constituting sexual abuse of a child. |
| Companions: |
| HB 1102 |
Thompson, Senfronia |
(Identical) |
|
4-14-15 H Committee action pending House Judiciary and Civil Jurisprudence |
|
| Remarks: |
Statutes of Limitation – Amends 16.0045, CPRC, to eliminate the 5-year statute of limitation for personal injury actions arising from the sexual assault of a child or sexual misconduct with a child. |
| Bill History: |
01-27-15 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate State Affairs |
|
SB 118 |
Taylor, Van (F)(R) |
Relating to unit operations for oil, gas, or oil and gas production from depleting reservoirs or carbon dioxide storage. |
| Companions: |
| HB 3313 |
Shaheen, Matt (F) |
(Identical) |
|
3-17-15 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Energy Resources |
|
| Bill History: |
01-27-15 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate Natural Resources and Economic Develop |
|
SB 121 |
West, Royce(D) |
Relating to credit services organizations and extensions of consumer credit facilitated by credit services organizations. |
| Companions: |
| HB 1020 |
Giddings, Helen |
(Identical) |
|
4-29-15 H Meeting set for 8:30 A.M., E2.028, House Investments and Financial Services |
|
| Bill History: |
01-27-15 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate Business and Commerce |
|
SB 128 |
West, Royce(D) |
Relating to criminal history record information obtained or disseminated by certain private entities. |
| Bill History: |
01-27-15 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate Criminal Justice |
| Remarks: |
Franchise Tax – Raises the total revenue exemption from $1 million to $5 million. |
| Bill History: |
01-27-15 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate Finance |
| Companions: |
| HB 282 |
Dutton, Harold |
(Identical) |
|
4-22-15 H Reported from committee as substituted House Criminal Jurisprudence |
|
| Bill History: |
04-15-15 H Referred to House Committee on House Criminal Jurisprudence |
| Companions: |
| HB 1152 |
Turner, Scott |
(Identical) |
|
3- 3-15 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Ways and Means |
|
| Remarks: |
Franchise Tax – Phases out the franchise tax by 25% per year beginning January 1, 2016. |
| Bill History: |
03-03-15 S Committee action pending Senate Finance |
|
SB 144 |
Rodriguez, Jose(D) |
Relating to the statute of limitations for a suit for personal injury arising from certain offenses constituting sexual abuse of a child. |
| Remarks: |
Statutes of Limitation – Amends 16.0045, CPRC, to eliminate the 5-year statute of limitation for personal injury actions arising from the sexual assault of a child or sexual misconduct with a child. |
| Bill History: |
01-27-15 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate State Affairs |
|
SB 151 |
Rodriguez, Jose(D) |
Relating to employer retaliation against employees who seek recovery of unpaid wages and procedures in wage claim hearings conducted by the Texas Workforce Commission. |
| Companions: |
| HB 860 |
Rodriguez, Eddie |
(Identical) |
|
4-22-15 H Reported favorably from committee on House Business and Industry |
|
| Remarks: |
Employment Law – Prohibits an employer from retaliating against an employee who in good faith files a claim to recover unpaid wages; allows an employee who is subject to an adverse employment action to bring suit against an employer in a district court for monetary and injunctive relief; if the employee prevails in the suit, the employee may recover reasonable damages, additional damages in the amount of the employee’s average wages for a two-week period plus $500, court costs and reasonable attorney’s fees; further entitles the prevailing employee to reinstatement to the employee’s former or comparable position, plus reinstatement of benefits and seniority; authorizes the Workforce Commission, a commission examiner, or a wage tribunal to assess an administrative penalty of $1,000 per violation against an employer who unlawfully retaliates against an employee who files a wage claim; creates a rebuttable presumption that the employee’s testimony regarding hours worked, pay rate, and earnings are correct, if the employer has violated wage reporting requirements; the employer may overcome the presumption by clear and convincing evidence of the employee’s hours, rate and earnings. |
| Bill History: |
01-27-15 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate Natural Resources and Economic Develop |
|
SB 152 |
Rodriguez, Jose(D) |
Relating to administrative penalties assessed by the Texas Workforce Commission against certain employers for failure to pay wages. |
| Companions: |
| HB 162 |
Gonzalez, Mary |
(Identical) |
|
4-22-15 H Voted favorably from committee on House Business and Industry |
|
| Bill History: |
01-27-15 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate Natural Resources and Economic Develop |
|
SB 153 |
Rodriguez, Jose(D) |
Relating to the period during which an employee may file a claim for unpaid wages with the Texas Workforce Commission. |
| Bill History: |
01-27-15 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate Natural Resources and Economic Develop |
|
SB 155 |
Rodriguez, Jose(D) |
Relating to required workers’ compensation insurance coverage for building and construction contractors. |
| Companions: |
| HB 689 |
Walle, Amando |
(Identical) |
|
4- 7-15 H Committee action pending House Business and Industry |
|
| Remarks: |
Workers’ Compensation – Amends 406.906, Labor Code, to require contractors and subcontractors to carry workers’ compensation insurance for their employees. The bill also requires each contractor and subcontractor on a public project to submit written certification of its workers’ compensation coverage. |
| Bill History: |
01-27-15 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate Business and Commerce |
| Companions: |
| HB 850 |
Goldman, Craig |
(Identical) |
|
3- 2-15 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Ways and Means |
| SB 105 |
Estes, Craig |
(Identical) |
|
3- 3-15 S Committee action pending Senate Finance |
|
| Remarks: |
Franchise Tax – Repeals the franchise tax effective January 1, 2016. |
| Bill History: |
01-27-15 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate Finance |
| Companions: |
| HB 1962 |
Parker, Tan |
(Identical) |
|
3-12-15 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Ways and Means |
|
| Remarks: |
Franchise Tax – Repeals the franchise tax effective January 1, 2020; requires the Comptroller to study and recommend new taxes and spending cuts to replace the lost revenue. |
| Bill History: |
03-03-15 S Committee action pending Senate Finance |
| Companions: |
| HB 334 |
Ashby, Trenton |
(Identical) |
|
2-12-15 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Criminal Jurisprudence |
|
| Bill History: |
01-27-15 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate Criminal Justice |
|
SB 191 |
Campbell, Donna(R) |
Relating to a prohibition on ownership, control, or management of the Alamo complex by a foreign entity. |
| Bill History: |
02-24-15 S Committee action pending Senate Natural Resources and Economic Develop |
| Companions: |
| HB 2154 |
Dutton, Harold |
(Identical) |
|
4-28-15 H Set on the House Calendar |
|
| Bill History: |
03-10-15 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate State Affairs |
| Bill History: |
01-28-15 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate State Affairs |
| Bill History: |
01-28-15 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate State Affairs |
|
SB 262 |
Ellis, Rodney(D) |
Relating to requirements for employers who do not obtain workers’ compensation insurance coverage under the Worker’s Compensation Act. |
| Remarks: |
Workers’ Compensation – Requires a non-subscribing employer to purchase a minimum $200,000 life insurance policy for each employee. The employer cannot be the beneficiary of the policy, and acceptance of the policy benefit does not preclude a civil suit against the employer. The Workers’ Compensation Division can impose an administrative penalty on a non-complying employer. |
| Bill History: |
01-28-15 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate Business and Commerce |
|
SB 263 |
Ellis, Rodney(D) |
Relating to injury and occupational disease reporting requirements for employers who do not obtain or otherwise provide workers’ compensation insurance coverage. |
| Companions: |
| HB 690 |
Walle, Amando |
(Identical) |
|
4- 7-15 H Committee action pending House Business and Industry |
|
| Remarks: |
Workers’ Compensation – Requires a non-subscribing employer to report certain information to the Workers’ Compensation Division, including: the total cost of medical treatment paid, the number of days the employee was absent from work, the amount of any wage replacement paid to the employee, and the amount of any other settlement paid to the employee. The report must reflect the total amount of payments for each injury or occupational disease during the one-year period following the date on which the injury occurred or the employer had knowledge of the occupational disease. |
| Bill History: |
01-28-15 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate Business and Commerce |
|
SB 267 |
Perry, Charles (F)(R) |
Relating to the regulation by a municipality or county of the rental or leasing of housing accommodations. |
| Companions: |
| HB 738 |
Larson, Lyle |
(Identical) |
|
2-26-15 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Urban Affairs |
| HB 2909 |
Springer, Drew |
(Identical) |
|
4-14-15 H Meeting set for 10:30 A.M. OR ADJ., E2.028, House Urban Affairs |
|
| Remarks: |
Sovereign Immunity/Governmental Immunity/Local Government – Prohibits a city or county from adopting an ordinance or regulation barring an owner or other person having the right to lease housing from refusing to lease to a person because of the person’s lawful source of income to pay rent, including a federal housing choice voucher. |
| Bill History: |
04-08-15 H Received in the House |
|
SB 273 |
Campbell, Donna(R) |
Relating to certain offenses relating to carrying concealed handguns on property owned or leased by a governmental entity. |
| Companions: |
| HB 226 |
Guillen, Ryan |
(Identical) |
|
3-20-15 H Reported from committee as substituted House Homeland Security and Public Safety |
|
| Bill History: |
03-18-15 H Received in the House |
|
SB 284 |
West, Royce(D) |
Relating to service of citation in connection with an application for an expedited court order allowing the foreclosure of a contract lien. |
| Remarks: |
Civil Procedure/Evidence – Amends 17.031, CPRC, relating to an expedited proceeding for a court order allowing foreclosure of a contract lien under Rule 736, TRCP. The bill requires citation to be served on each person who, according to the records of the holder of the debt secured by the lien, is obligated to pay the debt. |
| Bill History: |
04-23-15 S Committee action pending Senate State Affairs |
|
SB 286 |
West, Royce(D) |
Relating to additional primary election ballot information for judicial candidates. |
| Companions: |
| HB 920 |
Sheets, Kenneth |
(Identical) |
|
4-14-15 H Committee action pending House Judiciary and Civil Jurisprudence |
|
| Remarks: |
Judicial Elections – Allows a candidate for a judicial office (other than a constitutional county judge) who is an incumbent to request that the ballot indicate the candidate’s incumbency adjacent to the candidate’s name. Requires the secretary of state to prescribe a method for including this information on the ballot. |
| Bill History: |
01-28-15 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate State Affairs |
|
SB 306 |
Zaffirini, Judith(D) |
Relating to the information included in the annual report of the State Commission on Judicial Conduct. |
| Remarks: |
Courts – Requires the Judicial Conduct Commission’s annual report to the legislature to include specified information, including number of complaints, number of complaints dismissed for lack of evidence of violation, number of complaints dismissed on a finding that the alleged conduct did not constitute a violation, number of complaints dismissed because they were deemed frivolous or unfounded, and the number of each type of violation that resulted in sanction or censure of the judge. |
| Bill History: |
03-24-15 H Received in the House |
| Companions: |
| HB 213 |
Button, Angie |
(Identical) |
|
3- 5-15 H Introduced and referred to committee on House General Investigating and Ethics |
| HB 314 |
Fallon, Pat |
(Identical) |
|
3- 4-15 H Introduced and referred to committee on House General Investigating and Ethics |
|
| Bill History: |
02-02-15 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate State Affairs |
| Companions: |
| HB 684 |
Sheets, Kenneth |
(Identical) |
|
4-21-15 H Reported favorably from committee on House County Affairs |
| HB 924 |
Guillen, Ryan |
(Identical) |
|
2-25-15 H Introduced and referred to committee on House County Affairs |
|
| Bill History: |
02-02-15 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate Intergovernmental Relations |
| Bill History: |
02-02-15 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate State Affairs |
|
SB 342 |
Huffines, Donald (F)(R) |
Relating to providing for the open and concealed carrying of handguns without a license and to related offenses and penalties. |
| Bill History: |
02-02-15 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate State Affairs |
| Bill History: |
02-02-15 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate State Affairs |
| Companions: |
| HB 896 |
Hernandez, Ana |
(Identical) |
|
4-23-15 S Referred to Senate Committee on Senate Criminal Justice |
|
| Bill History: |
04-15-15 H Referred to House Committee on House Criminal Jurisprudence |
|
SB 346 |
Estes, Craig(R) |
Relating to the authority of a person who is licensed to carry a handgun to openly carry a holstered handgun. |
| Companions: |
| HB 910 |
Phillips, Larry |
(Identical) |
|
4-21-15 S Received in the Senate |
|
| Bill History: |
02-09-15 S Removed from hearing 02/12/15 – Senate State Affairs |
| Bill History: |
02-02-15 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate State Affairs |
| Bill History: |
02-02-15 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate State Affairs |
| Bill History: |
02-02-15 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate State Affairs |
|
SB 378 |
Rodriguez, Jose(D) |
Relating to the liability of certain social workers who provide volunteer health care services to charitable organizations. |
| Companions: |
| HB 1116 |
Sheffield, J.D. |
(Identical) |
|
4-21-15 H Recommended for Local and Consent Calendar |
|
| Bill History: |
03-31-15 H Received in the House |
|
SB 381 |
Uresti, Carlos(D) |
Relating to tort liability arising from a volunteer’s operation of a Parks and Wildlife Department motor-driven vehicle or motor-driven equipment. |
| Companions: |
| HB 323 |
Guillen, Ryan |
(Identical) |
|
3-19-15 H Recommended for Local and Consent Calendar |
|
| Remarks: |
Tort Liability – Grants immunity from civil suit for negligence to a volunteer operating a motor vehicle or motor-driven equipment on behalf of the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department within the course and scope of the volunteer’s assignment. |
| Bill History: |
03-24-15 H Received in the House |
|
SB 401 |
Schwertner, Charles(R) |
Relating to requiring state contractors to participate in the federal electronic verification of employment authorization program, or E-verify. |
| Companions: |
| HB 889 |
Dale, Tony |
(Identical) |
|
3- 5-15 H Introduced and referred to committee on House State Affairs |
|
| Bill History: |
02-04-15 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate Business and Commerce |
|
SB 402 |
Estes, Craig(R) |
Relating to the information required to be provided by a payor of proceeds from the sale of oil or gas from an oil or gas well to a payee on the request by the payee. |
| Companions: |
| HB 3068 |
Paddie, Chris |
(Identical) |
|
3-23-15 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Energy Resources |
|
| Bill History: |
02-04-15 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate Natural Resources and Economic Develop |
|
SB 411 |
Ellis, Rodney(D) |
Relating to the recording of certain grand jury proceedings that involve a peace officer. |
| Companions: |
| HB 865 |
Dutton, Harold |
(Identical) |
|
4-20-15 H Committee action pending House Criminal Jurisprudence |
|
| Bill History: |
02-04-15 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate State Affairs |
|
SB 418 |
Whitmire, John(D) |
Relating to requests by the State Commission on Judicial Conduct for certain records held by court reporters. |
| Bill History: |
04-23-15 H Received in the House |
| Bill History: |
03-24-15 H Received in the House |
|
SB 432 |
West, Royce(D) |
Relating to continuation of an additional fee for filing civil cases in certain Dallas County courts. |
| Bill History: |
04-10-15 H Received in the House |
| Companions: |
| HB 876 |
Phelan, Dade (F) |
(Identical) |
|
3- 4-15 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Environmental Regulation |
|
| Bill History: |
02-09-15 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate Natural Resources and Economic Develop |
| Companions: |
| HB 1509 |
Sheets, Kenneth |
(Identical) |
|
4- 2-15 H Recommended for Local and Consent Calendar |
|
| Bill History: |
02-09-15 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate State Affairs |
| Bill History: |
02-09-15 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate Natural Resources and Economic Develop |
|
SB 443 |
Watson, Kirk(D) |
Relating to a study and recommendations by the Judicial Council on consolidating the court of criminal appeals and the supreme court or abolishing one of the courts and transferring that court’s functions and jurisdiction to the other court. |
| Bill History: |
02-09-15 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate State Affairs |
|
SB 450 |
Schwertner, Charles(R) |
Relating to the liability of a political subdivision of this state for certain claims relating to land acquired by the political subdivision under certain circumstances. |
| Companions: |
| HB 1406 |
Sheets, Kenneth |
(Identical) |
|
4-28-15 H Meeting set for 2:00 P.M. OR ADJ., E2.026, House Judiciary and Civil Jurisprudence |
|
| Bill History: |
04-16-15 H Received in the House |
| Companions: |
| HB 1091 |
Schofield, Mike (F) |
(Identical) |
|
4-24-15 H Reported from committee as substituted House Judiciary and Civil Jurisprudence |
|
| Bill History: |
04-23-15 S Voted favorably from committee as substituted Senate State Affairs |
|
SB 461 |
Perry, Charles (F)(R) |
Relating to false or misleading packaging, labeling, or advertising of certain abusable synthetic substances. |
| Companions: |
| HB 1955 |
Parker, Tan |
(Identical) |
|
4- 8-15 H Committee action pending House Criminal Jurisprudence |
|
| Bill History: |
03-25-15 H Received in the House |
| Bill History: |
02-10-15 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate State Affairs |
| Companions: |
| HB 3339 |
Burkett, Cindy |
(Identical) |
|
3-17-15 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Land and Resource Management |
|
| Bill History: |
04-10-15 H Received in the House |
|
SB 476 |
Kolkhorst, Lois (F)(R) |
Relating to the duties of certain law enforcement officials under procedures regulating the making or transfer of firearms. |
| Companions: |
| HB 1179 |
Geren, Charlie |
(Identical) |
|
3-12-15 H Reported favorably from committee on House Homeland Security and Public Safety |
|
| Bill History: |
04-22-15 H Received in the House |
| Bill History: |
03-31-15 H Received in the House |
|
SB 491 |
Schwertner, Charles(R) |
Relating to consideration of asbestos or silica trust claims in certain actions asserting asbestos- or silica-related injuries. |
| Remarks: |
Asbestos Evidence Manipulation. Texas should address manipulation of the bankruptcy trust system of compensating claimants for asbestos-related diseases. Require that plaintiff lawyers file claims with bankruptcy trusts in advance of trial against defendants in litigation to assure honesty and transparency in litigation. |
| Bill History: |
04-13-15 S Committee action pending Senate State Affairs |
|
SB 524 |
Birdwell, Brian(R) |
Relating to a review of state laws requiring an action or proceeding to be brought in Travis County or a Travis County court. |
| Companions: |
| HB 1427 |
Raymond, Richard |
(Identical) |
|
4- 2-15 H Reported favorably from committee on House General Investigating and Ethics |
|
| Bill History: |
02-18-15 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate Business and Commerce |
| Companions: |
| HB 942 |
Kacal, Kyle |
(Identical) |
|
4-14-15 H Voted favorably from committee as substituted House Environmental Regulation |
|
| Bill History: |
02-18-15 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate Natural Resources and Economic Develop |
|
SB 531 |
Campbell, Donna(R) |
Relating to the application of foreign laws and foreign forum selection in a proceeding involving marriage, a suit for dissolution of a marriage, or a suit affecting the parent-child relationship in this state. |
| Companions: |
| HB 562 |
Leach, Jeff |
(Identical) |
|
4-16-15 H Voted favorably from committee as substituted House Judiciary and Civil Jurisprudence |
|
| Remarks: |
Courts – Prohibits the application of a foreign law or selection of a foreign forum law in a matter arising under the Family Code (marriage relations or the parent-child relationship) if the application of such law would violate a fundamental right under the U.S. or Texas Constitution, or Texas law. Does not apply to a corporation or other legal entity that contracts to subject the entity to a foreign law or forum. |
| Bill History: |
02-18-15 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate State Affairs |
| Companions: |
| HB 737 |
Aycock, Jimmie Don |
(Identical) |
|
4-28-15 H Set on the House Calendar |
|
| Remarks: |
Tort Liability – Authorizes the creation of regional emergency communication districts in state planning regions with populations of less than 500,000. Provides immunity for a service supplier involved in providing 9-1-1 service, a manufacturer of equipment used in providing 9-1-1 service, or an officer or employee of a service supplier involved in providing 9-1-1 service for any claim, damage of loss arising from the provision of 9-1-1 service unless the act or omission proximately causing the claim, damage, or loss constitutes gross negligence, recklessness, or intentional misconduct. |
| Bill History: |
02-18-15 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate Intergovernmental Relations |
|
SB 549 |
Fraser, Troy(R) |
Relating to the creation of an additional judicial district composed of Coryell County. |
| Companions: |
| HB 398 |
Sheffield, J.D. |
(Identical) |
|
2-16-15 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Judiciary and Civil Jurisprudence |
|
| Remarks: |
Courts – Creates the 440th Judicial District of Coryell County. |
| Bill History: |
02-18-15 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate State Affairs |
| Companions: |
| HB 1357 |
Sheets, Kenneth |
(Identical) |
|
4- 7-15 H Reported from committee as substituted House Insurance |
|
| Bill History: |
04-10-15 H Received in the House |
|
SB 593 |
Watson, Kirk(D) |
Relating to the award of attorney’s fees in a judicial appeal of certain ad valorem tax determinations. |
| Bill History: |
04-22-15 S Voted favorably from committee as substituted Senate Finance |
| Bill History: |
02-23-15 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate Business and Commerce |
| Bill History: |
02-23-15 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate Business and Commerce |
| Companions: |
| HB 652 |
Isaac, Jason |
(Identical) |
|
2-19-15 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Environmental Regulation |
|
| Bill History: |
04-10-15 H Received in the House |
| Companions: |
| HB 1203 |
Murr, Andrew (F) |
(Identical) |
|
4-20-15 H Voted favorably from committee as substituted House Agriculture and Livestock |
|
| Bill History: |
03-20-15 H Received in the House |
|
SB 612 |
Burton, Konni (F)(R) |
Relating to the prohibition of certain employment discrimination regarding an employee who is a volunteer emergency responder. |
| Companions: |
| HB 1620 |
Galindo III, Rick (F) |
(Identical) |
|
4-28-15 H Meeting set for 2:00 P.M. OR ADJ., E2.016, House Business and Industry |
|
| Bill History: |
04-21-15 S Committee action pending Senate Natural Resources and Economic Develop |
| Bill History: |
02-23-15 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate Health and Human Services |
| Bill History: |
02-23-15 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate Business and Commerce |
|
SB 621 |
Estes, Craig(R) |
Relating to criminal offenses involving, and governmental liability for retaliatory prosecutions associated with, the filming, recording, photographing, documenting, or observing of a peace officer. |
| Bill History: |
02-23-15 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate State Affairs |
|
SB 627 |
Huffman, Joan(R) |
Relating to certain publications that are privileged and not grounds for a libel action. |
| Companions: |
| HB 1766 |
Hunter, Todd |
(Identical) |
|
4-22-15 H Voted favorably from committee as substituted House Judiciary and Civil Jurisprudence |
|
| Bill History: |
04-22-15 H Received in the House |
|
SB 631 |
Campbell, Donna(R) |
Relating to the authority of certain contiguous municipalities to agree to extend municipal court jurisdiction. |
| Bill History: |
04-15-15 H Referred to House Committee on House Urban Affairs |
|
SB 634 |
Taylor, Van (F)(R) |
Relating to the establishment of a task force on unethical and unlawful misconduct by public officials. |
| Bill History: |
02-23-15 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate State Affairs |
|
SB 666 |
Eltife, Kevin(R) |
Relating to the status of a subcontractor as an employee for the purposes of workers’ compensation insurance coverage. |
| Companions: |
| HB 1668 |
Workman, Paul |
(Identical) |
|
4-22-15 H Reported favorably from committee on House Business and Industry |
|
| Remarks: |
TCJL PROGRAM: OCIP CLARIFICATION. Despite case law to the contrary, a recent Corpus Christi Court of Appeals decision has opined that 406.122 and 406.123, Labor Code, which define when an independent contractor may be treated as an employee for purposes of workers’ compensation insurance coverage, conflict with each other. Under existing law, an independent contractor may be deemed to be an “employee” when the contractor is covered by a “wrap” workers’ compensation insurance policy that includes all the contractors and contractor employees on a worksite. The Corpus Christi case introduces unnecessary confusion into a well-established workers’ compensation insurance practice and should be corrected. The proposed legislation does not change existing law, but simply clarifies that the two statutes do not conflict. |
| Bill History: |
02-24-15 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate Business and Commerce |
|
SB 709 |
Fraser, Troy(R) |
Relating to environmental permitting procedures for applications filed with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. |
| Companions: |
| HB 1865 |
Morrison, Geanie |
(Identical) |
|
4-17-15 H Reported from committee as substituted House Environmental Regulation |
|
| Bill History: |
04-17-15 H Received in the House |
| Bill History: |
03-02-15 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate State Affairs |
|
SB 722 |
Perry, Charles (F)(R) |
Relating to a disqualification for unemployment benefits for refusing to take or failing a preemployment drug test. |
| Companions: |
| HB 589 |
Burkett, Cindy |
(Identical) |
|
3-23-15 H Reported favorably from committee on House Economic and Small Business Development |
|
| Bill History: |
03-17-15 S First placement on Senate Intent Calendar for |
|
SB 727 |
Watson, Kirk(D) |
Relating to the right of an employee to time off from work to obtain an election identification certificate. |
| Bill History: |
03-02-15 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate Natural Resources and Economic Develop |
|
SB 733 |
Fraser, Troy(R) |
Relating to the authority of certain political subdivisions to change the date of their general elections. |
| Companions: |
| HB 947 |
Workman, Paul |
(Identical) |
|
4-22-15 H Voted favorably from committee as substituted House Elections |
|
| Bill History: |
04-23-15 S Voted favorably from committee on Senate State Affairs |
|
SB 735 |
Fraser, Troy(R) |
Relating to the availability and use of certain evidence in connection with an award of exemplary damages. |
| Companions: |
| HB 969 |
King, Ken |
(Identical) |
|
4-22-15 H Voted favorably from committee as substituted House Judiciary and Civil Jurisprudence |
|
| Remarks: |
Net Worth Evidence. Provides that the financial condition or net worth of a party is not relevant for the purposes of supporting a claim for, or the amount of, exemplary damages and, therefore, is not discoverable or admissible as evidence. |
| Bill History: |
04-27-15 S First placement on Senate Intent Calendar for |
|
SB 736 |
Taylor, Van (F)(R) |
Relating to the disclosure on personal financial statements of certain contracts with governmental entities. |
| Bill History: |
03-02-15 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate State Affairs |
|
SB 809 |
Taylor, Van (F)(R) |
Relating to governmental actions affecting private property rights in certain oil and gas wells. |
| Companions: |
| HB 2581 |
Springer, Drew |
(Identical) |
|
3-16-15 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Energy Resources |
|
| Bill History: |
03-03-15 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate Natural Resources and Economic Develop |
|
SB 824 |
Huffman, Joan(R) |
Relating to the number of jurors required in certain civil cases pending in a statutory county court. |
| Companions: |
| HB 1122 |
Clardy, Travis |
(Identical) |
|
3-25-15 H Recommended for Local and Consent Calendar |
|
| Remarks: |
12 Person Juries. All cases heard in county courts at law are tried before six-person juries, whereas all cases heard in state district courts are tried before standard twelve-person juries. If a county court at law is hearing a civil case in which more than $200,000 is in dispute, the court should be required to impanel a twelve-person jury. |
| Bill History: |
04-16-15 H Received in the House |
|
SB 834 |
Creighton, Brandon (F)(R) |
Relating to procedures required before a condominium association files a suit or initiates an arbitration proceeding for a defect or design claim. |
| Companions: |
| HB 1455 |
King, Phil |
(Identical) |
|
4-22-15 H Voted favorably from committee as substituted House Judiciary and Civil Jurisprudence |
|
| Remarks: |
Condo Defect Litigation |
| Bill History: |
04-20-15 S Committee action pending Senate State Affairs |
|
SB 843 |
Taylor, Larry(R) |
Relating to prompt payment of health care claims, including payment for immunizations, vaccines, and serums. |
| Companions: |
| HB 1433 |
Smithee, John |
(Identical) |
|
4-16-15 H Vote failed in committee on House Judiciary and Civil Jurisprudence |
|
| Bill History: |
03-04-15 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate Business and Commerce |
|
SB 856 |
Rodriguez, Jose(D) |
Relating to the prohibition of certain discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity or expression. |
| Bill History: |
03-04-15 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate State Affairs |
| Companions: |
| HB 2142 |
Oliveira, Rene |
(Identical) |
|
4-15-15 H Postponed on second reading until 8:00 a.m., Wednesday, |
|
April 29, 2015 |
|
| Bill History: |
04-23-15 H Referred to House Committee on House Business and Industry |
| Companions: |
| HB 2369 |
Rodriguez, Justin |
(Identical) |
|
4-22-15 H Voted favorably from committee on House Judiciary and Civil Jurisprudence |
|
| Bill History: |
04-08-15 H Received in the House |
| Companions: |
| HB 1552 |
Craddick, Tom |
(Identical) |
|
4- 6-15 H Committee action pending House Energy Resources |
|
| Bill History: |
03-09-15 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate Natural Resources and Economic Develop |
|
SB 927 |
Rodriguez, Jose(D) |
Relating to the classification of workers for purposes of the Texas Unemployment Compensation Act. |
| Bill History: |
03-09-15 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate Natural Resources and Economic Develop |
| Companions: |
| HB 2619 |
Burkett, Cindy |
(Identical) |
|
4-22-15 H Removed from hearing 04/23/15, House Transportation |
|
| Bill History: |
03-09-15 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate Transportation |
|
SB 941 |
Creighton, Brandon (F)(R) |
Relating to the standard of review for a determination of standing in a contested case hearing conducted by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. |
| Companions: |
| HB 1113 |
Clardy, Travis |
(Identical) |
|
4-21-15 H Voted favorably from committee on House Environmental Regulation |
|
| Remarks: |
TCJL PROGRAM: STANDING IN CONTESTED CASES ON ENVIRONMENTAL PERMITS. Codifies recent Texas case law upholding the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality’s discretion to grant or deny requests for contested-case hearings on permit applications. Specifically, HB 1113 places into statute the well-developed “abuse of discretion” standard that has long been part of Texas administrative law and has recently been reaffirmed by the Austin Court of Appeals in multiple decisions. The bill is necessary because recent litigation by some environmental groups has challenged TCEQ’s discretionary authority over requests for contested-case hearings. These lawsuits have urged the courts to restrict the agency’s authority to determine whether a party is entitled to a contested-case hearing under statutory standards enacted by the Texas Legislature. Though these challenges have ultimately been unsuccessful, they continue to cause unnecessary and costly delays in permitting and divert agency and judicial resources. |
| Bill History: |
03-09-15 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate Natural Resources and Economic Develop |
| Bill History: |
03-09-15 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate State Affairs |
|
SB 951 |
Uresti, Carlos(D) |
Relating to allocation of oil and gas lease and royalty payments derived from land deeded to Texas counties for road purposes. |
| Bill History: |
04-21-15 S Voted favorably from committee as substituted Senate Finance |
|
SB 956 |
Eltife, Kevin(R) |
Relating to the delivery of personal automobile and residential property insurance policies. |
| Bill History: |
04-22-15 S Recommended for Local/Uncontested Calendar |
| Companions: |
| HB 2330 |
Zerwas, John |
(Identical) |
|
4-28-15 H Meeting set for 8:00 A.M., E2.012, House Public Health |
|
| Bill History: |
03-09-15 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate Health and Human Services |
| Companions: |
| HB 2816 |
Krause, Matt |
(Identical) |
|
3-16-15 H Introduced and referred to committee on House State Affairs |
|
| Bill History: |
03-10-15 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate State Affairs |
| Companions: |
| HB 361 |
Springer, Drew |
(Identical) |
|
2-12-15 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Elections |
|
| Bill History: |
03-10-15 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate State Affairs |
| Companions: |
| HB 1948 |
Meyer, Morgan (F) |
(Identical) |
|
4-13-15 H Recommended for Local and Consent Calendar |
|
| Bill History: |
04-10-15 H Received in the House |
| Companions: |
| HB 1177 |
Miller, Rick |
(Identical) |
|
3-23-15 H Committee action pending House Elections |
|
| Bill History: |
03-10-15 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate State Affairs |
| Bill History: |
03-10-15 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate Finance |
| Bill History: |
03-10-15 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate State Affairs |
| Companions: |
| HB 2418 |
Wray, John (F) |
(Identical) |
|
3-13-15 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Judiciary and Civil Jurisprudence |
|
| Bill History: |
04-27-15 S Placed on the Senate Calendar for |
| Companions: |
| HB 1206 |
Huberty, Dan |
(Identical) |
|
3-25-15 H Committee action pending House Insurance |
|
| Bill History: |
04-27-15 S Placed on the Senate Calendar for |
|
SB 1085 |
Garcia, Sylvia(D) |
Relating to the ability of a nonexempt employee to participate in certain academic, disciplinary, college and career readiness, and developmental activities of the employee’s child or grandchild. |
| Bill History: |
03-16-15 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate Natural Resources and Economic Develop |
| Companions: |
| HB 574 |
Bonnen, Greg |
(Identical) |
|
4-20-15 H Reported from committee as substituted House Insurance |
|
| Remarks: |
Insurance – Prohibits a health maintenance organization from terminating the participation of a physician or provider solely because the physician/provider informs an enrollee of the full range of physicians and providers available to the enrollee, including out-of-network providers. Further prohibits an HMO from attempting to discourage a physician from informing an enrollee of the availability of treatment facilities both in-network and out-of-network. The bill also prohibits an insurer from terminating or threatening to terminate (1) an insured’s participation in a preferred provider benefit plan solely because the insured uses an out-of-network provider, or (2) a preferred provider’s contract solely because the provider’s patients use out-of-network providers. Additionally, an HMO may not terminate or otherwise penalize a preferred provider who communicates with an insured about he availability of out-of-network providers for provision of the insured’s health care services. Finally, the bill requires the insurer seeking to terminate a preferred provider to provide an expedited review that complies with the applicable TDI rules and all information on which the insurer used to make the determination, including the economic profile of the provider, the standards by which the provider is measured, and the statistics underlying the profile and standards. |
| Bill History: |
03-16-15 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate Business and Commerce |
|
SB 1135 |
Garcia, Sylvia(D) |
Relating to civil and criminal liability for the disclosure or promotion of certain intimate visual material. |
| Bill History: |
04-15-15 H Received in the House |
|
SB 1155 |
Hall, Bob (F)(R) |
Relating to prohibition of certain regulations by a county, municipality, or other political subdivision. |
| Companions: |
| HB 1556 |
Miller, Rick |
(Identical) |
|
3- 9-15 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Urban Affairs |
|
| Bill History: |
03-17-15 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate State Affairs |
|
SB 1165 |
Fraser, Troy(R) |
Relating to the express preemption of regulation of oil and gas operations and the exclusive jurisdiction of those operations by the state. |
| Companions: |
| HB 40 |
Darby, Drew |
(Identical) |
|
4-23-15 S Referred to Senate Committee on Senate Natural Resources and Economic Develop |
|
| Bill History: |
04-15-15 S First placement on Senate Intent Calendar for |
| Bill History: |
03-17-15 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate Business and Commerce |
| Companions: |
| HB 3176 |
Smithee, John |
(Identical) |
|
3-23-15 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Judiciary and Civil Jurisprudence |
|
| Bill History: |
04-09-15 S Committee action pending Senate State Affairs |
|
SB 1213 |
Kolkhorst, Lois (F)(R) |
Relating to prohibiting the reidentification of certain deidentified information and the release of any reidentified information. |
| Bill History: |
04-20-15 H Received in the House |
|
SB 1246 |
Taylor, Larry(R) |
Relating to dispute resolution for certain claims arising under insurance policies issued by the Fair Access to Insurance Requirements (FAIR) Plan Association. |
| Bill History: |
03-17-15 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate Business and Commerce |
|
SB 1248 |
West, Royce(D) |
Relating to a franchise tax credit for entities that employ certain students in certain paid internship or similar programs. |
| Companions: |
| HB 1047 |
Workman, Paul |
(Identical) |
|
3- 4-15 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Ways and Means |
|
| Bill History: |
04-22-15 S Committee action pending Senate Finance |
| Companions: |
| HB 1419 |
Clardy, Travis |
(Identical) |
|
3-10-15 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Judiciary and Civil Jurisprudence |
|
| Bill History: |
04-27-15 S Meeting set for 9:00 A.M., SENATE CHAMBER – Senate State Affairs |
|
SB 1271 |
West, Royce(D) |
Relating to the recovery of certain expenses by an electric utility in a ratemaking proceeding. |
| Companions: |
| HB 3084 |
Capriglione, Giovanni |
(Identical) |
|
4-22-15 H Not heard in committee House State Affairs |
|
| Bill History: |
03-17-15 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate Natural Resources and Economic Develop |
| Bill History: |
03-17-15 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate Natural Resources and Economic Develop |
| Companions: |
| HB 4005 |
Laubenberg, Jodie |
(Identical) |
|
3-23-15 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Ways and Means |
|
| Bill History: |
03-18-15 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate Finance |
| Companions: |
| HB 3170 |
Schaefer, Matt |
(Identical) |
|
3-23-15 H Introduced and referred to committee on Licensing and Administrative Procedures |
|
| Bill History: |
03-18-15 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate Business and Commerce |
| Remarks: |
Increases the jurisdictional limit in a Hidalgo County Court at Law from $750,000 to $1 million. |
| Bill History: |
03-18-15 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate State Affairs |
| Companions: |
| HB 1550 |
Zerwas, John |
(Identical) |
|
4-28-15 H Set on the House Calendar |
|
| Bill History: |
03-18-15 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate Health and Human Services |
| Bill History: |
04-22-15 H Received in the House |
| Bill History: |
03-23-15 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate Natural Resources and Economic Develop |
| Companions: |
| HB 2949 |
Klick, Stephanie |
(Identical) |
|
3-18-15 H Introduced and referred to committee on House State Affairs |
|
| Bill History: |
03-23-15 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate Health and Human Services |
|
SB 1569 |
Lucio, Eddie(D) |
Relating to the applicability of certain immunity and liability laws to open-enrollment charter schools. |
| Companions: |
| HB 1171 |
Farney, Marsha |
(Identical) |
|
4-22-15 H Reported favorably from committee on House Public Education |
|
| Bill History: |
04-23-15 S Voted favorably from committee on Senate Education |
|
SB 1579 |
Fraser, Troy(R) |
Relating to a certificate of merit in certain actions against certain licensed or registered professionals. |
| Companions: |
| HB 1353 |
Geren, Charlie |
(Identical) |
|
3-17-15 H Committee action pending House Judiciary and Civil Jurisprudence |
|
| Bill History: |
03-23-15 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate State Affairs |
|
SB 1628 |
Taylor, Larry(R) |
Relating to insurance claims and certain prohibited acts and practices in or in relation to the business of insurance. |
| Companions: |
| HB 3646 |
Smithee, John |
(Identical) |
|
4-22-15 H Committee action pending House Insurance |
|
| Bill History: |
04-27-15 S Placed on the Senate Calendar for |
|
SB 1629 |
Whitmire, John(D) |
Relating to civil liability of a person who produces, distributes, sells, or provides or aids in the production, distribution, sale, or provision of certain synthetic substances to another person for damages. |
| Companions: |
| HB 1200 |
Simpson, David |
(Identical) |
|
4-22-15 H Voted favorably from committee as substituted House Judiciary and Civil Jurisprudence |
|
| Bill History: |
03-23-15 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate State Affairs |
|
SB 1631 |
Taylor, Van (F)(R) |
Relating to quarterly reporting of political contributions and expenditures by certain candidates, officeholders, and political committees. |
| Companions: |
| HB 1532 |
Geren, Charlie |
(Identical) |
|
3-18-15 H Introduced and referred to committee on House State Affairs |
|
| Bill History: |
03-23-15 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate State Affairs |
| Bill History: |
03-23-15 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate State Affairs |
| Companions: |
| HB 2364 |
Schofield, Mike (F) |
(Identical) |
|
3-13-15 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Judiciary and Civil Jurisprudence |
|
| Bill History: |
03-23-15 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate State Affairs |
|
SB 1745 |
Hinojosa, Chuy(D) |
Relating to the liability of the state for a violation of the federal Americans with Disabilities Act. |
| Bill History: |
03-24-15 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate State Affairs |
| Companions: |
| HB 335 |
Thompson, Ed |
(Identical) |
|
4-22-15 H Voted favorably from committee as substituted House Insurance |
|
| Remarks: |
Insurance – Prohibits insurers from issuing a named driver insurance policy, except if the policy specifically names the excluded driver(s) and does not exclude a class of drivers. |
| Bill History: |
03-24-15 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate Business and Commerce |
| Companions: |
| HB 1388 |
Bohac, Dwayne |
(Identical) |
|
4-27-15 H Set on the House Calendar |
|
| Bill History: |
03-24-15 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate State Affairs |
|
SB 1790 |
Rodriguez, Jose(D) |
Relating to the manufacture, sale, distribution, possession, and use of drugs not approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration and the false representation that a substance is a drug approved. |
| Companions: |
| HB 3651 |
Coleman, Garnet |
(Identical) |
|
4-28-15 H Meeting set for 8:00 A.M., E2.012, House Public Health |
|
| Bill History: |
03-24-15 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate Health and Human Services |
|
SB 1799 |
Taylor, Larry(R) |
Relating to the religious freedom of a conscientious objector to act or fail to act with respect to certain issues of marriage. |
| Bill History: |
03-24-15 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate State Affairs |
| Bill History: |
03-25-15 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate Criminal Justice |
|
SB 1848 |
Garcia, Sylvia(D) |
Relating to civil liability of shareholders and members of certain legal entities that engage in the trafficking of persons. |
| Companions: |
| HB 968 |
Hernandez, Ana |
(Identical) |
|
3-25-15 H Recommended for Local and Consent Calendar |
|
| Bill History: |
04-27-15 S Meeting set for 9:00 A.M., SENATE CHAMBER – Senate State Affairs |
| Bill History: |
03-25-15 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate State Affairs |
|
SB 1863 |
Burton, Konni (F)(R) |
Relating to repealing civil asset forfeiture provisions and establishing criminal asset forfeiture in this state. |
| Companions: |
| HB 3171 |
Simpson, David |
(Identical) |
|
4-15-15 H Committee action pending House State Affairs |
|
| Bill History: |
03-25-15 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate Criminal Justice |
|
SB 1874 |
Whitmire, John(D) |
Relating to accessing criminal history record information and other records of involvement in the criminal justice system. |
| Bill History: |
04-28-15 S Meeting set for 1:30 P.M. OR ADJ., E1.016 – Senate Criminal Justice |
| Bill History: |
03-25-15 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate Health and Human Services |
| Companions: |
| HB 1692 |
Sheets, Kenneth |
(Identical) |
|
4-24-15 H Reported from committee as substituted House Judiciary and Civil Jurisprudence |
|
| Bill History: |
03-25-15 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate State Affairs |
|
SB 1969 |
Huffman, Joan(R) |
Relating to ethics of public servants, including the functions and duties of the Texas Ethics Commission. |
| Bill History: |
04-27-15 S Meeting set for 9:00 A.M., SENATE CHAMBER – Senate State Affairs |
|
SJR 5 |
Nichols, Robert(R) |
Proposing a constitutional amendment dedicating certain revenue derived from the tax imposed on the sale of motor vehicles to the state highway fund. |
| Companions: |
| HJR 91 |
Phillips, Larry |
(Identical) |
|
3-24-15 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Transportation |
|
| Bill History: |
04-21-15 H Voted favorably from committee as substituted House Transportation |
|
SJR 6 |
Huffines, Donald (F)(R) |
Proposing a constitutional amendment to provide qualifications for and limit the time that a person may serve in certain offices. |
| Bill History: |
01-27-15 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate State Affairs |
|
SJR 8 |
Zaffirini, Judith(D) |
Proposing a constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to require a court to provide notice to the attorney general of a challenge to the constitutionality of a state statute . |
| Bill History: |
01-27-15 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate State Affairs |
|
SJR 24 |
Eltife, Kevin(R) |
Proposing a constitutional amendment limiting to two the number of consecutive terms for which a person may be elected or appointed to hold certain state offices. |
| Companions: |
| HJR 38 |
Larson, Lyle |
(Identical) |
|
3-18-15 H Committee action pending House State Affairs |
|
| Bill History: |
02-02-15 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate State Affairs |
