SRC-DBM S.B. 348 76(R) BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center S.B. 348 By: Haywood Economic Development 3/16/1999 As Filed DIGEST Currently, Texas has more than 600 local chambers of commerce located throughout the state. The role of every chamber of commerce is to improve the quality of life in its community, to create new jobs, and to improve local tax bases. This function is impaired by Texas liability laws. Chambers of commerce rely on volunteers from the community for board members, officers, and service volunteers. If these members are threatened with potential litigation arising from their volunteer duties, they are much less likely to serve. S.B. 348 would provide laws regarding the civil liability of charitable organizations that are chambers of commerce. PURPOSE As proposed, S.B. 348 sets forth the civil liability of charitable organizations that are chambers of commerce. 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 84.003(1), Civil Practice and Remedies Code, to include a local apolitical chamber of commerce in the definition of a "charitable organization." SECTION 2. Amends Section 84.007, Civil Practice and Remedies Code, by adding Subsection (h), to provide that this chapter does not apply to a cosponsor of an event or activity with a local chamber of commerce. SECTION 3. Effective date: September 1, 1999. Makes application of this Act prospective. SECTION 4. Emergency clause.