LEGISLATIVE BUDGET BOARD

Austin, Texas

FISCAL NOTE, 80TH LEGISLATIVE REGULAR SESSION

April 16, 2007

TO:	Honorable John Whitmire, Chair, Senate Committee on Criminal Justice
FROM:	John S. O'Brien, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:	SB1348 by Patrick, Dan (Relating to the liability of a governmental unit for action taken by a peace officer engaged in the pursuit of a motor vehicle.), As Introduced

Provisions of the bill could create an indeterminate amount of savings to the state in legal costs and damage awards that might otherwise be incurred if an action by a state peace officer were to result in a lawsuit.

The bill would amend the Civil Practice and Remedies Code to protect a governmental entity from liability arising from the action of a peace officer engaged in the pursuit of a motor vehicle, if the action is not taken with conscious indifference or reckless disregard for the safety of others.

The bill would apply only to a cause of action commenced on or after the effect date of the bill, which would be September 1, 2007.

Local Government Impact

Provisions of the bill could create an indeterminate amount of savings to local governments in legal costs and damage awards that might otherwise be incurred if an action by a peace officer were to result in a lawsuit.

Source Agencies:

LBB Staff:

JOB, ES, SD, DB