Texas House Bill HB2950

Texas 2011 - 82nd Regular

• Introduced: 3/10/11
• Refer: 3/17/11

Caption

Relating to the limitation of liability of certain landowners.

Impact

If enacted, HB 2950 would significantly alter the legal landscape concerning landowner liability by providing a clear exemption for landowners from responsibility for any incidents occurring under the circumstances outlined in the bill. This could lead to increased legal protections for landowners, potentially impacting cases involving trespassers or unpermitted access by individuals as a result of law enforcement activities, thereby limiting their legal exposure in civil suits related to property damage or personal injury.

Summary

House Bill 2950 aims to amend the Civil Practice and Remedies Code of Texas concerning the liability of landowners in relation to damages or injuries caused by law enforcement agencies during the execution of their duties. This bill explicitly states that landowners are not liable for injuries or damages that occur on their property as a result of actions taken by peace officers or federal law enforcement officers. Furthermore, this protection extends to situations where individuals, prompted by law enforcement actions, enter the landowner's property without permission.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 2950 appears to be supportive among property rights advocates, who argue that it provides necessary protections for landowners. Proponents believe that the bill promotes clarity in liability situations and encourages responsible law enforcement practices. However, there may be concerns expressed by opponents regarding the implications of shielding landowners from liability, especially in cases involving vulnerable individuals who may be harmed as a result of law enforcement actions.

Contention

Notable points of contention include debates regarding the balance between property rights and the accountability of law enforcement agencies. Critics may argue that the bill could foster a lack of responsibility for landowners when it comes to incidents that occur on their property, particularly in cases where individuals might be vulnerable or at risk. This raises important questions about the adequacy of protections for civilians and whether the bill adequately considers the complexities of law enforcement interactions with the public.