Bill
SB 949
85(R) - 2017
Senate State Affairs
Senate State Affairs
Courts
District Courts
Judges
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)
Lois Kolkhorst
Bill Caption
Relating to a limitation on the amount of attorney's fees awarded in a case assigned to a special three-judge district court.
Fiscal Notes
No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
Bill Analysis
Under current law, special three-judge district courts are convened under certain circumstances. SB 949 would limit the attorney's fees a special three-judge district court can grant to $250,000. The purpose of this legislation is to protect taxpayers by limiting the amount of attorneys fees that can be paid to plaintiffs in lawsuits against state agencies.
Vote Recommendation Notes
SB 949 limits government by preventing the state from paying excessive and frivolous attorneys fees to plaintiffs. Furthermore, this limits the incentive that some attorneys might have to sue the state in the hopes of getting a big payout. Limiting these fees necessarily limits the cost of government, therefore we support SB 949.
Organizations Supporting
Texas Conservative Coalition
Organizations Opposed
Democratic Party of Texas
Texas Trial Lawyers Association
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