What happened: On April 16, in a major move, the Texas Senate passed Senate Bill 30 by a vote of 20-11. The common-sense lawsuit reform bill by Sen. Charles Schwertner will bring uniformity to Texas courtrooms by defining the noneconomic damages of pain and suffering and mental anguish, assuring that harmed persons are fully compensated on a fair and reasonable basis. 

Remind me: SB 30 was named among Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick’s top priority bills in March. Upon Senate passage of SB 30, Lt. Gov. Patrick said, “Nuclear verdicts have major financial consequences and can leave individuals and businesses in ruins. These monstrous verdicts drive up insurance costs for Texans and make it harder for businesses to effectively operate in Texas. I thank Sen. Schwertner for his leadership on this critical issue.”

Tell me more: Critically, SB 30 would limit the evidence of medical damages that plaintiffs may submit at trial to 300% of the 2025 Medicare reimbursement rate with an adjustment for inflation. The provision is meant to prevent lawyers from “colluding with providers who over-diagnose, overbill and overtreat” victims to come up with inflated medical charges. Additionally, SB 30 makes clear that noneconomic awards cannot be used to punish defendants, make an example to others or serve a social good.

TLR Thoughts: Senate passage of SB 30 is a meaningful step toward real reform—and a win for every Texan. The bill now heads to the Texas House, where it will be carried by Rep. Greg Bonnen.

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