Honorable Tryon D. Lewis, Chair, House Committee on Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence
FROM:
Ursula Parks, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:
HB487 by Bell (Relating to liability of certain persons assisting in hazardous or dangerous situations.), As Introduced
No fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
The bill would amend sections of the Local Government Code to authorize a municipality or a county to accept voluntary assistance in hazardous or dangerous situations relating to fire safety and protection.
The bill would amend the Civil Practice and Remedies Code to clarify that an owner or licensed operator of construction or other heavy equipment would not be liable for an act or omission that is not reckless or intentional, that occurs while providing voluntary assistance to a municipality or a county.
Local Government Impact
There could be a fiscal impact to a municipality or a county in hazardous or dangerous situations; however, those amounts would vary depending on the severity of the act or omission which resulted in damages that a volunteer would not be liable for reimbursing to the local entity.