87R12820 SCL-D
By: Wu H.B. No. 4166
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to persons considered to exercise certain constitutional
rights for purposes of a motion to dismiss certain civil actions.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Section 27.003, Civil Practice and Remedies
Code, is amended by adding Subsection (a-1) to read as follows:
(a-1) For purposes of Subsection (a), only a party to a
legal action is considered to exercise the right of free speech,
right to petition, or right of association in the bringing or
defending of the legal action. A person hired by the party to assist
the party in the legal action, including an attorney, expert
witness, or paralegal, is not considered to exercise the right of
free speech, right to petition, or right of association in
connection with the bringing or defending of that legal action.
SECTION 2. Section 27.003(a-1), Civil Practice and Remedies
Code, as added by this Act, is intended only to clarify existing law
with respect to the authority to bring a motion to dismiss.
SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2021.