Bill > SB779

This bill establishes new limitations on common law public nuisance claims in Texas, creating Chapter 100C in the Civil Practice and Remedies Code. Specifically, the bill defines a public nuisance claim as a civil action seeking damages or relief for a public nuisance under common law, and then restricts such claims in several key ways. Public nuisance claims will not be allowed for actions or conditions that are already authorized by government regulations, where existing statutory or administrative mechanisms already address the conduct, or for claims related to the manufacturing, distributing, selling, labeling, or marketing of products. The bill also clarifies that simply aggregating multiple individual injuries does not constitute a public nuisance. While the bill limits certain types of claims, it does not completely prevent all public nuisance actions and explicitly states that it does not limit relief available under other laws. The provisions will apply only to actions filed on or after the bill's effective date, which will be either immediately upon receiving a two-thirds vote in the Texas Legislature or on September 1, 2025, if it does not receive the immediate vote threshold. The bill ultimately aims to provide more clarity and restrict the scope of public nuisance claims in Texas.

Government Affairs, Justice

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=SB779