Honorable Robert Duncan, Chair, Senate Committee on State Affairs
FROM:
Ursula Parks, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:
HB332 by Guillen (Relating to tort liability arising from a volunteer's operation of a Parks and Wildlife Department motor-driven vehicle or motor-driven equipment.), As Engrossed
No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
The bill would amend portions of the Parks and Wildlife Code to allow a volunteer, while acting within the scope of assigned duties of the agency, to be immune from civil liability, arising from damages occurring while operating a motor-driven vehicle or motor-driven equipment.
The bill would provide that the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) shall compensate a claimant for such damages using any existing funds appropriated, subject to relevant provisions in the Civil Practice and Remedies Code. TPWD indicates that any future claims cannot be reliably estimated, but such costs are expected to be minimal. Accordingly, TPWD anticipates any costs could be absorbed within the department's existing resources.
The bill would take effect September 1, 2013.
Local Government Impact
No significant fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated.