BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 3891

By: Martinez Fischer

Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

It has been noted that municipally owned utilities are not currently considered a governmental entity for the purposes of the Texas Tort Claims Act and that such consideration would be beneficial. H.B. 3891 seeks to address this issue by classifying a unit of a political subdivision, including a municipally owned water utility, as a governmental unit for the purposes of the act.

CRIMINAL JUSTICE IMPACT

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly create a criminal offense, increase the punishment for an existing criminal offense or category of offenses, or change the eligibility of a person for community supervision, parole, or mandatory supervision.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution.

ANALYSIS

H.B. 3891 amends the Civil Practice and Remedies Code to classify a unit of a political subdivision, including a municipally owned water utility, as a governmental unit for purposes of the Texas Tort Claims Act.

EFFECTIVE DATE

On passage, or, if the bill does not receive the necessary vote, September 1, 2019.