Honorable John T. Smithee, Chair, House Committee on Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence
FROM:
Ursula Parks, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:
HB2612 by Meyer (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.), As Introduced
No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
The bill would amend the Health and Safety Code making an actor liable for damages caused by synthetic substances, allow for the imposition of joint and several liability, allow claims brought under the Deceptive Trade Practices Act, and allow for the recovery of exemplary damages in certain circumstances. The bill also prohibits the court from calculating liability under principles of proportionate responsibility and sets forth certain defenses to liability. Based on information provided by the Office of Court Administration and the Office of the Attorney General, it is assumed that 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, 302 Office of the Attorney General