SRC-JJJ H.B. 3624 76(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   H.B. 3624
By: Swinford (Ogden)
Economic Development
5/14/1999
Engrossed


DIGEST 

Currently, because county extension agents are funded by both the state and
the county in which they work, both the state and county are liable for the
maximum allowable damages in any lawsuit brought against that agent.
Counties contend that since the state hires, supervises, and reviews the
performance of the extension agent, while the county only supplements the
agent's salary, the agent should not be considered a county employee for
tort purposes. By removing the extension agent from the list of a county's
employees, litigants are prevented from bringing lawsuits related to such
an agent against both the state and county.  H.B. 3624 removes county
extension agents from being considered a county employee for liability
purposes. 

PURPOSE

As proposed, H.B. 3624 establishes provisions regarding the persons for
whom local governments may pay tort claims. 

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 Section 102.001(1), Civil Practice and Remedies Code, to
provide that the term "employee" does not include a county extension agent.

SECTION 2. Emergency clause. 
  Effective date: upon passage.