LEGISLATIVE BUDGET BOARD

Austin, Texas

FISCAL NOTE, 83RD LEGISLATIVE REGULAR SESSION

May 15, 2013

TO:	Honorable Joe Straus, Speaker of the House, House of Representatives
FROM:	Ursula Parks, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:	HB1711 by Fletcher (Relating to barratry.), As Passed 2nd House

No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.

The bill would amend the Government Code to specify that a client bringing an action to void a legal contract procured as a result of barratry may also bring a damages recovery action. The bill specifies that a client may bring a recovery action even if the contract the action is based on was voided voluntarily, and adds a $10,000 penalty as an element of recovery. The bill specifies that the expedited actions process established by Rule 169 of the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure does not apply to an action brought under the bill's provisions. The bill would amend the Penal Code in relation to certain actions constituting criminal offenses.

No significant fiscal impact to the court system is anticipated. The bill would take effect September 1, 2013. 

Local Government Impact

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

Source Agencies:

212 Office of Court Administration, Texas Judicial Council

LBB Staff:

UP, SD, AG, CL, AM