BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 2381

By: Vasut

Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

In 2019, the Texas Legislature passed S.B. 2342 to increase the maximum amount in controversy in civil cases over which justice courts have jurisdiction from $10,000 to $20,000. However, the legislation did not increase the amount in controversy over which the courts have jurisdiction in civil cases regarding the repair of a residential rental property. H.B. 2381 seeks to address this oversight by increasing the maximum amount that may be awarded by a justice court in certain civil cases regarding the repair of residential rental property from $10,000 to $20,000 to match the increase made with respect to other civil cases.

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. 2381 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. The bill applies only to a cause of action that accrues on or after the bill's effective date.

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2023.