HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
                          NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING


COMMITTEE: Civil Practices

TIME & DATE: 10:00AM or upon final adjourn./recess
             Wednesday, May 3, 2006

PLACE: E2.026

CHAIR: Rep. Joe Nixon

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The Committee will meet to hear testimony on Interim Charge #1, #2 and #4
as follows:

Interim Charge #1
Review the scope and extent of governmental immunity in contract disputes
under the Texas Tort Claims Act and consider whether there is a need for
statutory changes to the process by which contract claims against
governmental entities are considered.  The Texas Tort Claims Act, in
section 101.021(2), Civil Practice and Remedies Act, provides for the
waiver of governmental immunity to claims for injury and death arising from
a use-of-property.  The committee will study statutory changes needed to
clarify the application of this section.

Interim Charge #2
Evaluate the staffing needs for multidistrict litigation courts, and
recommend any changes needed to ensure the judicial access and
efficiency intended by recent legislation.

Interim Charge #4
Examine the prevalence of multiple plaintiff trials in tort cases other
than those concerning asbestos and silica, and recommend any
statutory changes needed to increase judicial efficiency and ensure
access to the courts for all plaintiffs.

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