Bill Text: TX HB1130 | 2021-2022 | 87th Legislature | Introduced


Bill Title: Relating to recovery in a civil action of damages attributable to excavation activities.

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 1-0)

Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2021-04-14 - Left pending in committee [HB1130 Detail]

Download: Texas-2021-HB1130-Introduced.html
 
 
  By: White H.B. No. 1130
 
 
 
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
 
AN ACT
  relating to recovery in a civil action of damages attributable to
  excavation activities.
         BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
         SECTION 1.  Section 251.008, Utilities Code, is amended to
  read as follows:
         Sec. 251.008.  EFFECT ON CIVIL REMEDIES. Except as
  otherwise specifically provided by Section 251.204 or another
  provision of this chapter, this chapter, including Section 251.201,
  does not affect any civil remedy for personal injury or for property
  damage, including any damage to an underground facility.
         SECTION 2.  The heading to Subchapter E, Chapter 251,
  Utilities Code, is amended to read as follows:
  SUBCHAPTER E.  PENALTIES AND REMEDIES
         SECTION 3.  Subchapter E, Chapter 251, Utilities Code, is
  amended by adding Section 251.204 to read as follows:
         Sec. 251.204.  CIVIL ACTION.  (a)  An operator or excavator
  may file a civil action for damages arising from a violation of
  Section 251.151, 251.152, 251.154, 251.155, 251.157, or 251.159.
         (b)  In a civil action filed under this section the
  substantially prevailing party may recover reasonable attorney's
  fees, court costs, and other expenses incurred in the action if:
               (1)  the substantially prevailing party was
  represented by an attorney;
               (2)  the substantially prevailing party presents the
  claim to the opposing party or the opposing party's authorized
  agent; and
               (3)  payment for the just amount owed is not tendered
  before the expiration of the 30th day after the claim is presented.
         (c)  Venue for a civil action under this section is
  determined on the same basis as under Section 251.201(e).
         (d)  A civil action under this section is in addition to any
  other procedure or remedy provided by law, including Section
  251.201.
         SECTION 4.  Section 251.204, Utilities Code, as added by
  this Act, applies only to a cause of action that accrues on or after
  the effective date of this Act.
         SECTION 5.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2021.
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