Texas House Bill HB3726

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

Caption

Relating to civil liability for selling or serving alcoholic beverages.

Impact

The passage of HB 3726 is likely to affect how civil liability is adjudicated in cases concerning the sale or service of alcohol. By delineating the boundaries of liability more clearly, the bill could encourage businesses to continue operating without the fear of excessive legal repercussions associated with the sale of alcoholic beverages. Many industry stakeholders, including bar and restaurant owners, may view this as a positive development, enabling them to serve drinks without the looming threat of liability issues that could arise under broader civil procedures.

Summary

House Bill 3726 addresses civil liability in the context of selling or serving alcoholic beverages in Texas. The bill modifies existing provisions in Section 33.002(c) of the Civil Practice and Remedies Code to clarify the limitations of liability for businesses and individuals engaged in the sale or service of alcoholic drinks. Specifically, it stipulates that certain actions related to the Alcoholic Beverage Code are exempt from civil liability claims that could otherwise be raised under different statutory provisions. This adjustment aims to provide some legal protections for those in the beverage service industry.

Contention

While the bill presents potential benefits to the beverage service industry, it may also spark debate regarding consumer protections. Critics of the bill could argue that by limiting civil liability, the legislature is undermining the accountability of alcohol servers and sellers, possibly leading to negative outcomes in situations where negligence could result in harm to consumers. This balancing act between supporting the industry and ensuring consumer safety is likely to be a point of contention among legislators and advocates alike.