H.B. No. 53
 
 
 
 
AN ACT
  relating to certain limitations on settlement agreements with a
  governmental unit.
         BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
         SECTION 1.  Title 5, Civil Practice and Remedies Code, is
  amended by adding Chapter 116 to read as follows:
  CHAPTER 116. SETTLEMENT OF CLAIM OR ACTION AGAINST GOVERNMENTAL
  UNIT
         Sec. 116.001.  DEFINITION.  In this chapter, "governmental
  unit" has the meaning assigned by Section 101.001.
         Sec. 116.002.  CERTAIN SETTLEMENT TERMS PROHIBITED.  (a)  A
  governmental unit may not enter into a settlement of a claim or
  action against the governmental unit in which:
               (1)  the amount of the settlement is equal to or greater
  than $30,000;
               (2)  the money that would be used to pay the settlement
  is:
                     (A)  derived from taxes collected by a
  governmental unit;
                     (B)  received from the state; or
                     (C)  insurance proceeds received from an
  insurance policy for which the premium was paid with taxes
  collected by a governmental unit or money received from the state;
  and
               (3)  a condition of the settlement requires a party
  seeking affirmative relief against the governmental unit to agree
  not to disclose any fact, allegation, evidence, or other matter to
  any other person, including a journalist or other member of the
  media.
         (b)  A settlement agreement provision entered into in
  violation of Subsection (a) is void and unenforceable.
         Sec. 116.003.  EFFECT OF CHAPTER.  This chapter does not
  affect information that is privileged or confidential under other
  law.
         SECTION 2.  The change in law made by this Act applies only
  with respect to a claim or action that is based on a cause of action
  that accrues on or after the effective date of this Act.
         SECTION 3.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2017.
 
 
  ______________________________ ______________________________
     President of the Senate Speaker of the House     
 
 
         I certify that H.B. No. 53 was passed by the House on April
  26, 2017, by the following vote:  Yeas 148, Nays 0, 1 present, not
  voting.
 
  ______________________________
  Chief Clerk of the House   
 
 
         I certify that H.B. No. 53 was passed by the Senate on May 19,
  2017, by the following vote:  Yeas 30, Nays 1.
 
  ______________________________
  Secretary of the Senate    
  APPROVED:  _____________________
                     Date          
   
            _____________________
                   Governor