AUSTIN - A controversial bill aimed at reforming how Texas jurors hear evidence in large truck collision lawsuits passed the Senate on Thursday and has been received by the House.
Sponsored by Sen. Brian Birdwell and two other Republicans, SB 39 relates to civil liability of a commercial motor vehicle owner or operator.
Essentially, SB 39 would prevent juries from hearing certain evidence, including facts about the truck driver, until after they vote to deem a company liable for the collision.
Birdwell
| File photo
While proponents argue the bill streamlines the litigation process and ensures fairness for all parties, opponents, such as the law firm of Wham & Rogers, contend it shifts the focus from the company to the driver, “even though the company should be held accountable for its own failures and negligent actions and decisions.”
Texas had led the nation in 18-wheeler collisions for several years and has garnered a reputation for dishing out nuclear verdicts in resulting litigation.
SB 39 is among Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick’s priority bills for the 2025 Texas Legislative Session.
Following the Senate’s passage of the bill, Patrick said the explosion of lawsuits against trucking companies in Texas has caused insurance rates to skyrocket, hurting Texans and our businesses.
“By passing SB 39, the Texas Senate has taken a major step toward providing judges a clear approach to collision cases,” Patrick said. “These changes will speed up collision trials involving commercial motor vehicles so victims get justice quicker while decreasing legal costs for Texas businesses. I thank Sen. Birdwell for his work on this critical issue.”
The Lone Star Economic Alliance applauded Patrick and Birdwell for their leadership in passing legislation.
“Critically, SB 39 will ensure CMV collision trials are focused on determining who is at fault for a collision and awarding fair compensation to Texans injured by the negligence of a CMV driver or owner,” LSEA said in a statement.
“Texans deserve a fair legal system that protects genuine victims, not bad actors. This is a meaningful step toward necessary reform.”