BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 1159

By: Murr

Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

In Texas, four major civil case types are filed in justice courts: small claims, debt claims, evictions, and repair and remedy. The legislature enacted a law in 2019 that increased the maximum amount in controversy in civil cases over which justice courts have jurisdiction from $10,000 to $20,000. However, the increase only affected small claims, debt claims, and evictions. H.B. 1159 addresses this issue by increasing the maximum amount that may be awarded by justice courts in repair and remedy cases from $10,000 to $20,000.

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. 1159 amends the Property Code to increase the maximum judgment amount that may be awarded by a justice court in a case involving the repair or remedy of conditions of a residential rental property from $10,000 to $20,000, excluding interest and costs of court.      

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2021.