Honorable Robert Duncan, Chair, Senate Committee on State Affairs
FROM:
Ursula Parks, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:
HB382 by Burnam (Relating to certain limitations on settlement agreements with a governmental unit.), As Engrossed
No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
The bill would amend the Civil Practices and Remedies Code to provide that settlement agreements may not be confidential in civil cases represented by the Office of the Attorney General or another attorney representing a governmental unit if the settlement is equal to or greater than $30,000. It is assumed that the Office of the Attorney General would need to update agency training material and guidelines; however, it is anticipated that any costs associated with the bill could be absorbed within existing resources.
Local Government Impact
The bill would bar local governments in some cases from imposing a condition on any party that requires them to keep confidential any aspect of the settlement agreement and underlying facts. No significant fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated.