BILL ANALYSIS

S.B. 1919

By: West

Transportation

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Claims of $10,000 or more against the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) fall under the Texas Tort Claims Act. The bill sponsor has informed the committee that the process for resolving these claims can take months, while claims for under $10,000 are settled much more efficiently. S.B. 1919 seeks to ease the administrative burdens of the claims process by increasing the amount for which TxDOT is authorized to directly settle claims.

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

S.B. 1919 amends the Transportation Code to revise the provision authorizing the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) to settle a claim against TxDOT arising from the use, operation, or maintenance of equipment that is used or may be used in connection with the laying out, construction, or maintenance of the roads, highways, rest areas, or other public grounds in Texas. The bill increases from less than $10,000 to less than $100,000 the terms of the settlement that TxDOT is authorized to settle a claim for, provided that TxDOT may be liable under the Texas Tort Claims Act and the executive director of TxDOT determines that a settlement is in the best interest of TxDOT.

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2025.