LEGISLATIVE BUDGET BOARD

Austin, Texas

FISCAL NOTE, 88TH LEGISLATIVE REGULAR SESSION

April 23, 2023

TO:	Honorable Jeff Leach, Chair, House Committee on Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence
FROM:	Jerry McGinty, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:	HB4897 by Lalani (Relating to the liability of online impersonation; providing a civil penalty.), As Introduced

The fiscal implications of the bill cannot be determined because the number of cases that would arise from the provisions of the bill are unknown.

The bill amends the Civil Practice and Remedies Code to prohibit a person from impersonating another person online in certain circumstance and providing a new cause of action. The bill would allow injured parties to seek injunctive relief, as well as actual and exemplary damages. The bill would also require prevailing claimants costs and attorney's fees be paid for by the defendant.

Based on information provided by the Office of Court Administration, the fiscal implications to the state cannot be determined because the number of new cases that would arise from the provisions of the bill are unknown. 

Local Government Impact

No significant fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated.

Source Agencies:

212 Office of Court Administration, Texas Judicial Council

LBB Staff:

JMc, KDw, MW, JPa