HBA-ATS H.B. 1416 76(R) BILL ANALYSIS Office of House Bill AnalysisH.B. 1416 By: Uher Civil Practices 4/25/1999 Introduced BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Currently, Texas has more than 600 local chambers of commerce located throughout the state. Because chambers of commerce rely on volunteers to serve as board members, officers, and service volunteers, Texas liability laws may affect the decision of potential volunteers to serve. The possibility of litigation arising from volunteer duties is likely to dissuade potential volunteers. H.B. 1416 includes within the definition of "charitable organization" a local chamber of commerce that is exempt from federal income tax and that neither participates in a candidate's campaign for public office nor contributes to a political action committee supporting a candidate for public office directly or indirectly. However, Chapter 84 (Charitable Immunity and Liability), Civil Practice and Remedies Code, is inapplicable to a cosponsor of an event or activity with a local chamber of commerce. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY It is the opinion of the Office of House Bill Analysis that this bill does not expressly delegate any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution. SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS SECTION 1. Amends Section 84.003(1), Civil Practice and Remedies Code, to include a local chamber of commerce that is exempt from federal income tax and that neither participates in a candidate's campaign for public office nor contributes to a political action committee supporting a candidate for public office directly or indirectly within the definition of "charitable organization." SECTION 2. Amends Section 84.007, Civil Practice and Remedies Code, by adding Subsection (h), to provide that Chapter 84 (Charitable Immunity and Liability) is inapplicable to a cosponsor of an event or activity with a local chamber of commerce. SECTION 3. Effective date: September 1, 1999. Makes application of this Act prospective. SECTION 4. Emergency clause.