Texans for Lawsuit Reform

Through political action, legal, academic and market research, and grassroots initiatives, TLR fights for common-sense reforms that keep Texas open for business.

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For the Record

That’s a Wrap!

While the U.S. marked the Memorial Day holiday, May 27 also marked the official end of the 86th Legislative Session. The Legislature adjourned sine die, having accomplished a number of important priorities for Texans, including several important reforms to the legal system. We’ll have a more thorough review of notable bills for you in the next Advocate, but until then, here’s an update on the status of some of TLR’s key bills. Gov. Abbott has until June 16 to sign or veto bills. Any legislation that he does not sign or veto becomes law without his signature.

SENT TO THE GOVERNOR: Transparency in Local Government Contracting—House Bill 2826
This bill is one of TLR’s primary legislative priorities. It will ensure that local governments are transparent and open when entering into contingency fee contracts with attorneys. It also ensures that the local government keeps more of any legal settlement it may be awarded, rather than giving an exorbitant share of the recovery to the attorney. House bill author Rep. Greg Bonnen and Senate sponsor Joan Huffman devoted significant time to working with stakeholders to develop a bill that allows local governments to continue hiring contingency fee attorneys, while giving taxpayers the transparency they expect any time a private attorney is hired to do the government’s work.

SENT TO THE GOVERNOR: Access to Courts—Senate Bill 2342
Another of TLR’s major priorities for this session is making litigation less expensive and time consuming so all Texans can pursue their legitimate claims in court. This bill expands the jurisdiction of justice of the peace courts, which quickly and efficiently handle smaller cases and do not require an attorney. It also expands the use of successful expedited procedures that have helped make the legal process more streamlined and efficient. The bill authors, Sen. Brandon Creighton and Rep. Jeff Leach, are strong proponents of common-sense lawsuit reforms and received strong support for this legislation.

SENT TO THE GOVERNOR: Attorney Advertising—Senate Bill 1189
Sen. Dawn Buckingham, who is a practicing physician, led the charge for this bill in the Senate and Rep. Giovanni Capriglione led the charge in the House to ensure legal services TV ads are truthful and provide important information to consumers. Dr. Buckingham is particularly concerned about the effects drug-related ads have on older Texans who are targeted by the ads and sometimes frightened into discontinuing use of critically important medicines. The bill requires a few common-sense disclaimers, including, ‘Do not stop taking a prescribed medication without first consulting a physician.’

SENT TO THE GOVERNOR: Anti-SLAPP Statute—House Bill 2730
This issue has received a lot of media attention in the past few months. As we’ve discussed, when the Legislature passed the Texas Citizens’ Participation Act in 2011, it wanted to ensure a powerful entity couldn’t use a frivolous lawsuit to bully Texans out of exercising their rights of free speech and association. However, the law has been used in ways the Legislature never intended—for example, to shield actions like extortion and theft of trade secrets. House Bill 2730, authored by Rep. Jeff Leach and sponsored in the Senate by Bryan Hughes, is the product of feedback from key stakeholders—including media organizations, attorneys and judges who work with this law every day. It helps guarantee that Texans can exercise their constitutional rights of speech and association, while making adjustments to prevent the statute’s overly broad application.

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Texans for Lawsuit Reform

10 hours ago

Texans for Lawsuit Reform

Texas is less safe, less prepared and less resilient in recovery without commercial vehicles. Stopping abusive lawsuits against them will make or break our ability to handle the next natural disaster our state faces. Read and share the latest TLR blog: bit.ly/301JNQl ... See MoreSee Less

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Disaster Preparedness, Response, Recovery

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The pandemic and recent winter storms have highlighted a stark reality: Commercial vehicles are essential for disaster preparedness, response and recovery. Whether they’re carrying life-saving medic...
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Texans for Lawsuit Reform

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Texans for Lawsuit Reform

Happy Texas Independence Day! ... See MoreSee Less

Happy Texas Independence Day!
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Texans for Lawsuit Reform

1 day ago

Texans for Lawsuit Reform

Abusive lawsuits against commercial vehicles are hurting Texas jobs and businesses. Your lawmakers in the Texas Legislature need to hear from you. Ask them to support Senate Bill 17, Senate Bill 207, House Bill 19, and House Bill 1617. Take action: ow.ly/SDaD50DNgSb ... See MoreSee Less

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Write your Texas Lawmakers – Keep Texas Trucking Coalition

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Abusive lawsuits against commercial vehicles are hurting Texas jobs and businesses. Your representatives in the Texas Legislature need to hear from you. Ask them to support Senate Bill 17, Senate Bill...
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lawsuitreform avatarTLR@lawsuitreform·
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TLR has thousands of supporters across Texas who are committed to a fair and balanced civil justice system. Join our team today!

Get Involved - Texans for Lawsuit Reform

Texans for Lawsuit Reform has thousands of supporters from across Texas who are committed to a fair and balanced civil justice system.

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TLR is working to make the Texas legal system fair, efficient and accessible for all. Learn more:

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TLR's objective is to restore litigation to its traditional and appropriate role in our society. A lawsuit takes a heavy emotional and financial toll ...

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lawsuitreform avatarTLR@lawsuitreform·
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Texas is less safe, less prepared & less resilient in recovery without commercial vehicles. Stopping abusive lawsuits against them will make or break our ability to handle the next natural disaster Texas faces. Read & RT the latest TLR blog: #tortreform

Disaster Preparedness, Response, Recovery

The pandemic and recent winter storms have highlighted a stark reality: Commercial vehicles are essential for disaster preparedness, response and reco...

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Texans for Lawsuit Reform
1701 Brun Street
Houston, Texas 77019

Ph. 713-963-9363
  • About TLR
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