SRC-JRN H.B. 1756 75(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   H.B. 1756
By: Telford (Harris)
Jurisprudence
5-16-97
Engrossed


DIGEST 

In 1996, more than 87,000 hours of volunteer service were contributed to
benefit youth at the Texas Youth Commission (TYC).  Volunteers for the TYC
do not receive the same liability protection as direct service volunteers
of charitable organizations.  This bill amends the enabling act of TYC to
add a provision that extends to TYC volunteers the same liability
protection that is provided to direct service volunteers in the Charitable
Immunity and Liability Act. 

PURPOSE

As proposed, H.B. 1756 amends the enabling act of TYC to add a provision
that extends to TYC volunteers the same liability protection that is
provided to direct service volunteers in the Charitable Immunity and
Liability Act. 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

This bill does not grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state
officer, institution, or agency. 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1. Amends Chapter 61G, Human Resources Code, by adding Section
61.096, as follows: 

Sec. 61.096. LIABILITY OF VOLUNTEERS.  Provides that a volunteer is not
liable for damages arising from an act or omission that results in
personal injury, death, or property damage if the act or omission meets
certain provisions, except as provided by Subsection (b). Provides that a
volunteer is liable for person injury, death, or property damage
proximately caused by an act or omission related to the operation or use
of any motor-driven equipment to the extent of the greater of certain
amounts.  Defines "volunteer." 

SECTION 2. Makes application of this Act prospective.

SECTION 3. Effective date: September 1, 1997.

SECTION 4. Emergency clause.