Honorable Byron Cook, Chair, House Committee on State Affairs
FROM:
Ursula Parks, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:
HB3388 by King, Ken (Relating to certain limitations on a journalist's qualified privilege not to testify; creating a civil penalty.), As Introduced
No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
The bill would amend the Civil Practice and Remedies Code by setting forth categories of persons that are not considered journalists for the purpose of the journalist's qualified privilege not to testify and allowing the court to issue subpoenas or other compulsory process to determine whether a person falls into one of these categories. The bill would also impose related costs and/or civil penalties in certain situations. Based on the analysis of the Office of Court Administration and the Texas Ethics Commission, 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.