Bill > HJR65

This joint resolution proposes a constitutional amendment to the Texas Constitution that expands the ability of certain family members and an estate to recover exemplary damages (monetary compensation intended to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar conduct) in cases of homicide. Specifically, the amendment would modify existing language to allow surviving spouses, children, parents, or the deceased person's estate to seek these damages when a homicide occurs through willful act, omission, or gross neglect, regardless of whether a criminal proceeding is initiated. The proposed amendment would replace older language that limited recovery to a "husband, widow, heirs of his or her body" with more inclusive terminology. The resolution mandates that this proposed constitutional change be submitted to voters for approval at an election on November 4, 2025, with a ballot proposition that clearly states the amendment's purpose of allowing exemplary damages recovery in homicide cases.

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https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HJR65