LEGISLATIVE BUDGET BOARD

Austin, Texas

FISCAL NOTE, 81ST LEGISLATIVE REGULAR SESSION

April 30, 2009

TO:	Honorable Todd Hunter, Chair, House Committee on Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence
FROM:	John S. O'Brien, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:	HB4167 by Gutierrez (Relating to the jurisdiction of the court over a nonresident manufacturer in a products liability action involving a nonmanufacturing seller.), Committee Report 1st House, Substituted

No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.

The bill would provide that if after service through the Secretary of State, a nonresident manufacturer fails to answer or otherwise make an appearance in the time required by law, that it is presumed that the manufacturer is not subject to the jurisdiction of the court unless the seller is able to secure personal jurisdiction of the manufacturer.  The bill would be effective immediately if it receives a vote of two-thirds or on September 1, 2009.

Local Government Impact

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

Source Agencies:

307 Secretary of State

LBB Staff:

JOB, MN, BTA