Texas House Bill HB3891

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to the definition of "governmental unit" for purposes of the Texas Tort Claims Act.

Impact

The changes introduced by HB 3891 would have significant implications for legal proceedings involving governmental entities in Texas. By formally recognizing emergency service organizations as part of the definition of governmental units, the bill could potentially make it easier for individuals to pursue legal action against these entities, should they fail to meet their public service obligations. On the flip side, this could also expose these organizations to increased liability, prompting discussions on the necessity of creating more robust protections or changes in operational protocols to mitigate such risks.

Summary

House Bill 3891 seeks to amend the Texas Tort Claims Act by redefining what constitutes a 'governmental unit' under the law. The bill specifically expands the definition to include various political subdivisions such as emergency service organizations, along with existing entities like cities, counties, and school districts. By refining the definition, the bill aims to clarify the legal landscape regarding liability and the ability of such entities to be held accountable in legal claims. The intent is to ensure that these governmental units are clearly identified, which would affect how claims can be filed against them in cases of negligence or other legal issues.

Contention

There may be points of contention surrounding the bill, particularly regarding concerns from various emergency service organizations about increased liability and how this change might impact their operations. Some stakeholders worry that the redefinition could lead to excessive litigation against emergency services, thus distracting them from their primary focus of serving the community. Additionally, discussions might center on the balance between holding these organizations accountable and ensuring they have the necessary support and resources to operate effectively without the looming fear of litigation that could arise from their actions in the line of duty.