C.S.S.B. 360 78(R)    BILL ANALYSIS


C.S.S.B. 360
By: Deuell
Civil Practices
Committee Report (Substituted)



BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 

Under current Texas law, chambers of commerce are not included in the
definition of charitable organizations in the Civil Practice and Remedies
Code.  Under this arrangement, members of a chamber of commerce could be
liable for actions of the chamber.   

As proposed, C.S.S.B. 360 amends the Civil Practice 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

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any
additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or
institution. 

ANALYSIS

CSSB 360 amends Subdivision (1), Section 84.003, 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."   

CSSB 360 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 with a
local chamber of commerce from this chapter, unless the cosponsor is a
charitable organization under this chapter.  


EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2003


COMPARISON OF ORIGINAL TO SUBSTITUTE

The substitute exempts a statewide trade association that represents local
chambers of commerce.