What happened: Two prominent, liberal personal injury trial lawyers have funneled $10 million into a new Political Action Committee (PAC) to influence Republican primaries and to undermine tort reform in Texas. Read more
Tell me more: The PAC—Texans for Truth and Liberty PAC—reported spending nearly $1 million in June 2025, largely on Republican members of the Texas House of Representatives who voted in favor of a last-minute amendment gutting Senate Bill (SB) 30, legislation aimed at curtailing abusive litigation practices. SB 30—a Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick priority—received the support of every Republican State Senator during the recent legislative session.
Worth noting: Records show that Kurt Arnold and Jason Itkin of Arnold & Itkin have also funded Soros-linked Democratic PACs, and both voted in the 2024 Democratic primary.
TLR Thoughts: The creation of Arnold and Itkin’s Texans for Truth and Liberty PAC is a clear sign of personal injury trial lawyers’ attempt to weaken Texas’s civil justice system by positioning themselves as kingmakers in Republican primaries. TLR stands resolute in its support of principled leaders who understand the need to shut down abusive litigation and who are committed to keeping our legal system fair and efficient for all.
What happened: Several states have enacted tort reform measures within the past few years addressing abusive commercial vehicle lawsuits, while federal reform remains stalled in Congress. Read more
States taking action: West Virginia and Iowa passed laws capping non-economic damages at $5 million in trucking lawsuits and codifying the Admission Rule. The codification of the Admission Rule, a primary piece of TLR-supported SB 39, prevents a plaintiff from bringing a negligent hiring claim if the defendant trucking company admits that the involved driver was its employee and was acting within the course and scope of his employment.
States falling behind: Colorado and Minnesota are moving in the opposite direction, expanding liability and increasing caps—changes that could fuel inflated verdicts and legal uncertainty.
TLR Thoughts: The success of tort reforms in other states demonstrates that a stable, well-balanced legal system fuels economic growth and job creation. States that stand against frivolous lawsuits are experiencing improvements in affordability, fairness and economic resilience—while those reversing course are inviting more abuse.
What happened: John Paul Mitchell Systems (JPMS) is relocating its corporate headquarters from California to Wilmer, Texas, and establishing a new global product distribution center. The project will create 80 new jobs and more than $12 million in capital investment. Read more
Why it matters: JPMS’ move adds another major headquarters to Texas, reinforcing the state’s reputation as the “headquarters of headquarters” and bringing new jobs and economic development to southern Dallas County.
In his own words: “With our skilled and growing workforce, leading position in U.S. and global markets, and the strongest pro-growth economic policies in America, we will continue to attract more headquarters and create more jobs across our great state.” — Gov. Greg Abbott
TLR Thoughts: Texas’s business-friendly environment continues to attract major employers from across the country. While some states burden businesses with lawsuit abuse and regulatory red tape, Texas offers a more predictable legal and economic environment, making the Lone Star State the preeminent destination for companies to grow, invest and innovate.
