Honorable John T. Smithee, Chair, House Committee on Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence
FROM:
Ursula Parks, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:
HB1200 by Simpson (Relating to civil liability of a person who produces, distributes, sells, or provides or aids in the production, distribution, sale, or provision of certain synthetic substances to another person for damages caused by the other person.), Committee Report 1st House, Substituted
No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
The bill would amend the Health and Safety and Civil Practice and Remedies Codes to establish civil liability for producing, distributing, or selling synthetic substances with the actor liable for all proximate damages caused by a person who consumed or ingested the substance, and strictly liable for all such damages caused by a minor who consumed or ingested the substance. In addition, the bill would designate this conduct as a deceptive trade practice, would permit exemplary damages to be awarded, and provides for affirmative defenses. Based on the analysis of the Office of Court Administration, duties and responsibilities associated with implementing the provisions of the bill could be accomplished by utilizing existing resources.
Local Government Impact
No significant fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated.
Source Agencies:
212 Office of Court Administration, Texas Judicial Council