LEGISLATIVE BUDGET BOARD

Austin, Texas

FISCAL NOTE, 80TH LEGISLATIVE REGULAR SESSION

March 20, 2007

TO:	Honorable Byron Cook, Chair, House Committee on Civil Practices
FROM:	John S. O'Brien, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:	HB2192 by Eiland (Relating to venue in civil actions brought under the federal Employers' Liability Act or the Jones Act.), As Introduced

No fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.

The bill would amend Section 15.018(b) of the Civil Practice and Remedies Code to authorize suits brought under the federal Employers' Liability Act or the Jones Act to be brought in a county defined by Section 33.004(5) of the Natural Resources Code as a coastal area.

The proposed change in statute would apply only to an action commenced on or after the effective date of the bill. The bill would take effect immediately if it were to receive the required two-thirds vote in each house; otherwise, it would take effect September 1, 2007.

Local Government Impact

No significant fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated.

Source Agencies:

LBB Staff:

JOB, MN, DB