Bill > HB3647

This bill modifies Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code provisions regarding appeals from court orders, specifically focusing on appeals related to jurisdictional pleas by governmental units. The bill creates new limitations on when governmental units can appeal orders granting or denying jurisdiction, explicitly excluding appeals for mandamus actions or claims alleging ultra vires (beyond legal power) acts. Under the new provisions, if a governmental unit appeals an order denying a jurisdictional plea and loses (meaning the original order is affirmed), the governmental unit will be required to pay all costs and reasonable attorney's fees associated with the appeal. The bill also makes a technical change to the language about attorney's fees in another section. These changes will apply only to orders issued on or after the bill's effective date of September 1, 2025, and are designed to provide more clarity and potentially discourage certain types of governmental appeals by imposing potential financial consequences. The modifications aim to streamline the appellate process and create more specific guidelines for when governmental units can challenge jurisdictional determinations in court.

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https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB3647