SRC-AMY S.B. 360 78(R)    BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research CenterS.B. 360
By: Deuell
State Affairs
8/12/2003
Enrolled

DIGEST AND PURPOSE 

Under current Texas law, chambers of commerce are not included in the
definition of charitable organizations in the Civil Practices and Remedies
Code.  Under this arrangement, members of a chamber of commerce could be
liable for actions of the chamber.  S.B. 360 amends the Civil Practices
and Remedies Code to add certain chambers of commerce to the definition of
charitable organization and make members of such chambers of commerce
exempt from certain civil actions. 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

This bill does not expressly 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, by
adding Subdivision (E) to add a local chamber of commerce that meets
certain requirements to the definition of "charitable organization."
Makes conforming changes. 

SECTION 2.  Amends Section 84.007, Civil Practice and Remedies Code, by
adding Subsection (h) to exempt a statewide trade association that
represents local chambers of commerce or a cosponsor of an event or
activity with a local chamber of commerce from this chapter, unless the
cosponsor is a charitable organization under this chapter. 

SECTION 3.   Effective date:  September 1, 2003.
Makes application of this Act prospective.