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.