Honorable Kevin Bailey, Chair, House Committee on Urban Affairs
FROM:
John S. O'Brien, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:
HB1473 by Turner (Relating to the waiver of sovereign immunity of a political subdivision for claims arising under employment law.), As Introduced
No fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
The bill would amend the Local Government Code by authorizing an employee of a political subdivision to file a suit for back pay and other necessary relief against the employing subdivision if the employee alleges a violation of employment laws.
Local Government Impact
A political subdivision to which sovereign immunity would be waived under the provisions of the bill would incur at a minimum, legal costs for defending itself in court. If the political subdivision were to lose the suit, the political subdivision would incur additional costs for paying the award to the employee. Costs would vary per suit and would depend on the amount of damages awarded as well as length of trial and preparation time involved for trial.