LEGISLATIVE BUDGET BOARD

Austin, Texas

FISCAL NOTE, 80TH LEGISLATIVE REGULAR SESSION

April 23, 2007

TO:	Honorable Byron Cook, Chair, House Committee on Civil Practices
FROM:	John S. O'Brien, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:	HB1053 by Van Arsdale (Relating to exemplary damages awarded to a noncitizen.), As Introduced

No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.

This bill would amend the Civil Practice and Remedies Code, relating to exemplary damages awarded to persons who are not citizens or nationals of the United States. Under the bill, exemplary damages awarded to non-citizens would be distributed to the Comptroller for deposit to the General Revenue Fund 0001, by court order. It is assumed that any additional costs associated with implementation of provisions of the bill could be absorbed within existing resources.

This bill would take effect immediately upon enactment, assuming that it received the requisite two-thirds majority votes in both houses of the Legislature. Otherwise, it would take effect September 1, 2007. The bill only would apply to exemplary damages awarded on or after the effective date.

Local Government Impact

No fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated.

Source Agencies:

304 Comptroller of Public Accounts

LBB Staff:

JOB, MN, JM