Texas Governor Calls for Expanded Lawsuit Reform

Texas Gov. Rick Perry is urging state lawmakers to further expand the lawsuit reforms that the state has enacted in recent years.

Texas lawmakers meet every two years. The 82nd Legislature Regular Session convened earlier this week.

Balancing the budget while strengthening Texas’ job-friendly climate — based on low taxes, predictable regulations, a fair legal system and world-class workforce — is a top priority for the governor, according to an announcement released by the governor’s office.

Perry’s suggestions for expanding lawsuit reform in the state include:

• Creating an early dismissal option for frivolous lawsuits;
• Ensuring victims of frivolous lawsuits do not bear the financial burden of defending themselves through the creation of a “loser pays” system;
• Ensuring new laws cannot create causes of action unless expressly established by the Legislature; and
• Setting up expedited trials and limited discovery for lawsuits with claims between $10,000 and $100,000.

Gov. Perry also reiterated his call for legislators to use available state revenue and thoroughly review all agencies and programs in order to balance the budget without raising taxes.

To ensure state agencies continue to use taxpayer dollars prudently, the governor, lieutenant governor and House speaker have already directed state agencies to identify savings of 5 percent in the 2010-2011 biennium, an additional 2.5 percent for the 2011 fiscal year, and 10 percent for the 2012-2013 biennium.

Source: Texas Governor’s Office

Topics Lawsuits Texas Legislation