AUSTIN - Texans Against Lawsuit Abuse has issued a statement regarding Gov. Greg Abbott’s approval of lawsuit reforms passed during this year’s regular session of the Texas Legislature.
“With Governor Abbott’s signature on House Bill 19 and Senate Bill 6, Texas continues the state’s important work to support reforms that help ensure our civil courts are used for justice, not greed,” said TALA spokesperson Marla Mathews.
HB 19 is aimed at reining in abusive lawsuits plaguing the owners and operators of commercial service and delivery vehicles in the state, a press release states.
The measure includes needed changes to clarify the rules for how these lawsuits are handled and to ensure that juries have the facts they need to reach fair verdicts.
This law takes effect on Sept. 1, 2021.
SB 6, the Pandemic Liability Protection Act, provides civil liability protections for employers, health care providers and non-profits that are following appropriate public health protocols. This measure took effect on June 14, the day it was signed by the governor.
“In the past 25-plus years, Texas lawmakers have made significant progress on reforms aimed at reining in abusive lawsuits and legal practices,” Mathews said. “Once the poster child for lawsuit abuse, Texas continues to enact common-sense reforms, contributing to the state’s job-creating powers and business climate.
“By signing these two measures, Governor Abbott continues this important progress.”