LEGISLATIVE BUDGET BOARD

Austin, Texas

FISCAL NOTE, 83RD LEGISLATIVE REGULAR SESSION

May 25, 2013

TO:	Honorable David Dewhurst, Lieutenant Governor, Senate Honorable Joe Straus, Speaker of the House, House of Representatives
FROM:	Ursula Parks, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:	HB586 by Workman (Relating to the waiver of sovereign immunity for certain design and construction claims arising under written contracts with state agencies.), Conference Committee Report

No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.

The bill would amend the Civil Practice and Remedies Code to waive sovereign immunity for the state related to a breach of contract for engineering, architectural, or construction services or for materials related to those professional services.

The Office of the Attorney General indicates that additional lawsuits could arise against the state upon enactment of the bill.

The OAG estimates that an additional 5 Assistant Attorney General and Legal Assistant positions would be required to address the increased workload. However, it is anticipated that any costs associated with the bill could be absorbed within existing resources.

The Office of Court Administration indicates that any costs associated with the bill to the court system could be absorbed within existing resources.

Local Government Impact

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

Source Agencies:

302 Office of the Attorney General, 212 Office of Court Administration, Texas Judicial Council

LBB Staff:

UP, AG, JM, CL, EP, JP