Texas House Bill HB2375

Texas 2015 - 84th Regular

Caption

Relating to liability of a governmental unit for personal injury and death caused by the governmental unit's negligence.

Impact

The proposed changes in HB 2375 are significant as they seek to clarify the conditions under which a governmental unit may be held liable for negligence. By reinforcing the principle that governmental units can be liable for employee actions, the bill aims to enhance accountability and provide victims with avenues for redress when harmed due to negligent state actions. The bill's passage could lead to increased scrutiny of governmental actions and potentially more claims filed against governmental entities, depending on how the law is enforced after enactment.

Summary

House Bill 2375 aims to amend the Civil Practice and Remedies Code in Texas concerning the liability of governmental units. The bill specifies that a governmental unit is liable for property damage, personal injury, and death if such instances are directly caused by the negligence or wrongful acts of its employees while acting within their official scope. This stipulation highlights scenarios involving the operation of motor-driven vehicles or equipment where the employee could be held personally liable under Texas law.

Contention

One notable point of contention surrounding HB 2375 is the potential increase in litigation against governmental units. Proponents of the bill may argue that it is a necessary reform to protect citizens and ensure that governmental entities uphold high standards of conduct. However, critics might warn that expanding liability could strain governmental financial resources and lead to implications for public service funding, particularly if claims rise dramatically. Balancing accountability with the fiscal responsibility of government remains a complex issue in this legislative discourse.