BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center S.B. 1919 89R7488 AND-D By: West Transportation 3/31/2025 As Filed AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT S.B. 1919, if passed into law, would help the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) improve efficiency within state agencies. S.B. 1919 would increase the limit on liability claim settlements involving TxDOT totaling from $10,000 to $100,000, by allowing them to be processed internally. These claims are mostly related to accidents involving TxDOT vehicles or equipment and other parties. Under Section 201.106, Transportation Code, claims of more than $10,000 fall under the Texas Torts Claim Act and must be reviewed and approved by the Office of the Governor and the Office of the Attorney General, a process that can take more than 100 days on average. Settlement of liability claims against TxDOT now capped at $10,000 can be resolved in 30 days. Based on data from TxDOT in 2023-2024, there were 139 claims totaling less than $10,000; 41 claims ranging between $10,000 and $50,000; and 33 settlement claims between $50,000 and $100,000. Only eight claims were settled for more than $100,000. The overwhelming majority of this type of settlement total less than $100,000 and would all be processed internally by TxDOT. S.B. 1919 supporters believe that greater operational efficiencies impacting the three agencies now involved could be achieved with the passage of S.B. 1919. S.B. 1919 seeks to lower claim settlement wait times in cases involving damages caused by TxDOT equipment and clear administrative red tape by amending the Transportation Code and giving TxDOT the ability to settle claims under $100,000. As proposed, S.B. 1919 amends current law relating to the authority of the Texas Department of Transportation to settle certain claims. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency. SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS SECTION 1. Amends Section 201.106(b), Transportation Code, to authorize the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) to settle a claim described by Subsection (a) (relating to a claim against TxDOT arising from the use, operation, or maintenance of equipment that is used or may be used in connection with public grounds in this state) if certain requirements are met, including if TxDOT's liability under the terms of the settlement is less than $100,000, rather than $10,000. SECTION 2. Effective date: September 1, 2025.
BILL ANALYSIS
Senate Research Center S.B. 1919
89R7488 AND-D By: West
Transportation
3/31/2025
As Filed
Senate Research Center
S.B. 1919
89R7488 AND-D
By: West
Transportation
3/31/2025
As Filed
AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT
S.B. 1919, if passed into law, would help the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) improve efficiency within state agencies. S.B. 1919 would increase the limit on liability claim settlements involving TxDOT totaling from $10,000 to $100,000, by allowing them to be processed internally. These claims are mostly related to accidents involving TxDOT vehicles or equipment and other parties.
Under Section 201.106, Transportation Code, claims of more than $10,000 fall under the Texas Torts Claim Act and must be reviewed and approved by the Office of the Governor and the Office of the Attorney General, a process that can take more than 100 days on average. Settlement of liability claims against TxDOT now capped at $10,000 can be resolved in 30 days.
Based on data from TxDOT in 2023-2024, there were 139 claims totaling less than $10,000; 41 claims ranging between $10,000 and $50,000; and 33 settlement claims between $50,000 and $100,000. Only eight claims were settled for more than $100,000. The overwhelming majority of this type of settlement total less than $100,000 and would all be processed internally by TxDOT. S.B. 1919 supporters believe that greater operational efficiencies impacting the three agencies now involved could be achieved with the passage of S.B. 1919.
S.B. 1919 seeks to lower claim settlement wait times in cases involving damages caused by TxDOT equipment and clear administrative red tape by amending the Transportation Code and giving TxDOT the ability to settle claims under $100,000.
As proposed, S.B. 1919 amends current law relating to the authority of the Texas Department of Transportation to settle certain claims.
RULEMAKING AUTHORITY
This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency.
SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS
SECTION 1. Amends Section 201.106(b), Transportation Code, to authorize the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) to settle a claim described by Subsection (a) (relating to a claim against TxDOT arising from the use, operation, or maintenance of equipment that is used or may be used in connection with public grounds in this state) if certain requirements are met, including if TxDOT's liability under the terms of the settlement is less than $100,000, rather than $10,000.
SECTION 2. Effective date: September 1, 2025.