Honorable Kelly Hancock, Chair, Senate Committee on Business & Commerce
FROM:
John McGeady, Assistant Director Sarah Keyton, Assistant Director Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:
SB988 by Watson (Relating to the assessment of litigation costs and attorney's fees in certain actions under the public information law.), As Introduced
No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
The bill would amend the Government Code to require that a court may not award costs and attorney's fees to a plaintiff who substantially prevails or to whom the governmental body voluntarily releases the requested information after the suit is filed unless the court finds the action or defense of the action was groundless in fact or law.
Based on the analysis of the Office of Court Administration, duties and responsibilities associated with implementing the provisions of the bill could be accomplished using existing resources.
Local Government Impact
No significant fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated.
Source Agencies:
212 Office of Court Administration, Texas Judicial Council