Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Texas House Bill HB1922

Filed
1/16/25  
Out of Senate Committee
 
Voted on by Senate
 
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

Relating to the accrual of a cause of action for purposes of certain laws governing certain construction liability claims.

Impact

The enactment of HB1922 would standardize the accrual date for initiating construction liability claims, providing legal clarity for both contractors and property owners. By designating a clear starting point for the accrual of such claims, the bill aims to reduce ambiguity in legal processes, likely affecting how disputes are managed and leading to faster resolutions. Furthermore, this change could influence the construction industry by potentially reducing delay tactics that may arise from uncertainties about claim timelines.

Summary

House Bill 1922 addresses the accrual of a cause of action specifically regarding construction liability claims. The bill proposes an amendment to Chapter 2272 of the Government Code, which stipulates that the cause of action for these liabilities accrues when a specific report is postmarked, thus clarifying the timeline for when claims can be initiated. The intention behind this amendment is to provide more clarity and predictability in the legal landscape concerning construction projects, potentially easing disputes related to liability claims.

Sentiment

General sentiment surrounding HB1922 appears to be supportive, as it is framed as a means of legal reform that addresses a significant aspect of construction liability. Stakeholders in the construction industry may view this bill favorably because it could enhance operational efficiency and reduce the risk of protracted legal disputes. However, some concerns may be raised regarding how this amendment could affect existing claims or ongoing disputes, particularly in cases where the previous lack of clarity may have allowed for more leeway.

Contention

A notable point of contention regarding HB1922 lies in the potential implications for existing liability claims, as altering the accrual rules may impact cases that have not yet been fully resolved. Critics could argue that while the bill provides clarity for future cases, it may inadvertently disadvantage parties who are presently navigating the complexities of liability claims under the current framework. As the committee discusses and reviews the bill, both proponents and opponents will need to address these concerns to ensure a balanced approach to reforming construction liability regulations.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Government Code

  • Chapter 2272. Certain Construction Liability Claims
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: New Section
  • Chapter 22. Appellate Courts
    • Section: New Section

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.