LEGISLATIVE BUDGET BOARD
Austin, Texas
 
FISCAL NOTE, 84TH LEGISLATIVE REGULAR SESSION
 
April 19, 2015

TO:
Honorable John T. Smithee, Chair, House Committee on Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence
 
FROM:
Ursula Parks, Director, Legislative Budget Board
 
IN RE:
HB1766 by Hunter (Relating to certain publications that are privileged and not grounds for a libel action.), As Introduced

No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.

The bill would amend the Civil Practice and Remedies Code to add a publication of allegations made by a third party regarding matters of public concern, regardless of the truth of the allegations, to the list of publications that are privileged and not grounds for libel actions. The bill would also provide that these provisions would not abrogate or lessen any other defense, remedy, immunity, or privilege available under the law, and would require that the section be construed liberally. 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
LBB Staff:
UP, FR, GDz