Bill > HB1139

This bill adds a new section to the Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code that addresses venue provisions in contracts for real property improvements. Specifically, the bill renders void any contract clause that requires Texas-based contractors, subcontractors, or material suppliers to bring legal actions outside of Texas, protecting local businesses from being forced to litigate in distant jurisdictions. If such a venue provision is deemed void, any resulting legal action must be filed in one of three potential Texas counties: the county where the defendant resides, the county where the cause of action originally occurred, or the county where the property in question is located. The law will only apply to contracts entered into on or after September 1, 2025, and provides flexibility for parties to mutually agree on a venue after a dispute arises. This legislation aims to provide more equitable and convenient legal venues for Texas-based construction and improvement professionals by preventing contractual attempts to force them into potentially unfavorable out-of-state litigation.

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https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB1139