Bill
HB 2783
85(R) - 2017
House Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence
Senate Business & Commerce
House Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence
Senate Business & Commerce
Courts
Civil Remedies
Vote Recommendation
Yes
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Neutral
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Neutral
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Neutral
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Positive
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Neutral
Author(s)
John Smithee
Sponsor(s)
Kirk Watson
Bill Caption
Relating to the assessment of litigation costs and attorney fees in certain lawsuits under the public information law.
Fiscal Notes
No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
Bill Analysis
Under current law, in an action related to a suit for a writ of mandamus or suites for a declaratory judgement or injunctive relief, the court is required to assess the costs of litigation and reasonable attorney’s fees incurred by a plaintiff who prevails in the suit. If this bill passes, the courts may assess the costs of litigation and reasonable attorney fees incurred by a plaintiff to whom the government body voluntarily released the information after a suit is filed.
Vote Recommendation Notes
This bill is a small move towards more government transparency therefore we support this bill.
Organizations Supporting
Freedom of Information Foundation of Texas
Texas Land Title Association
Texas Press Association
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