Texas Senate Bill SB693

Texas 2013 - 83rd Regular

Caption

Relating to clarifying liability and damages for certain liens placed on and certain court records of real property.

Impact

One significant change introduced by SB693 is the stipulation that multiple persons with interests in a single property subjected to a fraudulent lien must be treated as a single entity for the purpose of damage calculations. This implies that the law seeks to streamline the process for individuals collectively harmed by fraudulent claims against property, ensuring that claims are resolved efficiently and that damages are equitably distributed among affected parties.

Summary

SB693 is a legislative bill aimed at clarifying liability and damages associated with fraudulent liens and certain court records pertaining to real property in Texas. The bill modifies existing sections of the Civil Practice and Remedies Code to provide a more defined framework around who can file claims and the extent of damages which can be awarded. The amendments are designed to protect those who are wronged by fraudulent liens while establishing clearer legal protocols for compensation and accountability.

Contention

The bill also discusses the responsibilities and rights of various legal entities, including the attorney general and county attorneys, in pursuing actions related to fraudulent liens. By allowing these parties to seek damages on behalf of the affected individuals, SB693 broadens the scope of legal recourse available while simultaneously imposing a four-year limitation period for filing lawsuits under these provisions. The changes are intended to clarify existing ambiguities, but they also incite debate about the effectiveness and enforcement of such regulations in preventing misuse of the lien process.