AUSTIN – Since the start of the pandemic, many groups have pushed for COVID-19 liability protections, seeking to protect businesses from opportunistic trial lawyers.
With the Texas Legislature kicking off its 87th Session this week, the Texas Association of Manufactures, a sister organization of Texas Civil Justice League, has designated pandemic liability protection as one of its top three priorities.
TCJL posted the announcement on its website.
“Pandemic economic recovery, competitiveness and job growth are at the core of our priorities for the 87th Legislature,” said TAM President Tony Bennett. “From economic development and critical infrastructure to workforce readiness and equity in tax policy, we are calling on lawmakers to advance Texas’ global competitiveness.”
Bennett said Texas is the number one state for exported manufactured goods and remains the number one state to do business.
“Smart public policy has been the key in keeping Texas on top,” he said.
According to the site, TAM’s other policy priorities include: preservation of Chapter 313, Tax Code, which offers limited temporary property tax discounts; equality in business taxation; business personal property tax reform; transportation and critical infrastructure; preservation of ERCOT’s competitive wholesale market; workforce readiness, TCEQ regulations and funding; and school and workplace health.
TAM is a key partner in TCJL’s mission to maintain and enhance the fairness of Texas’ judicial and regulatory climate, the site states.
Bennett recently joined the TCJL Board of Directors.