Honorable Jim Keffer, Chair, House Committee on Natural Resources
FROM:
Ursula Parks, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:
HB3163 by Cyrier (Relating to filing suit against board members of groundwater conservation districts.), As Introduced
No fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
The bill would amend the Water Code to specify a groundwater conservation district board member acting in the individual's capacity is immune from suit and liability for actions taken on behalf of the board. Under the provisions of the bill, an attempt to bring suit against an individual district board member for actions taken on behalf of the board or for an official vote would be constituted as coercion of a public official as defined in Section 36.03, Texas Penal Code.
Local Government Impact
No significant fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated.
Clearwater Underground Water Conservation District reported no fiscal impact is anticipated.
Central Texas Groundwater Conservation District reported the district could have savings from the bill as it would no longer be necessary to protect members from lawsuits.