Honorable John T. Smithee, Chair, House Committee on Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence
FROM:
Ursula Parks, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:
HB1692 by Sheets (Relating to the doctrine of forum non conveniens.), As Introduced
No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
The bill would amend the Civil Practices and Remedies Code to delete language providing that a court may not stay or dismiss a proceeding if the plaintiff is a legal resident of Texas, unless the court finds that a party was joined as a plaintiff solely for obtaining jurisdiction in Texas. The bill would provide that a plaintiff's choice of a forum in Texas would be given substantial deference if the plaintiff was a legal resident of Texas and the litigation had a significant connection to Texas.
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