Governor Abbott Vetoes SB 813 (85R)
Pursuant to Article IV, Section 14, of the Texas Constitution, I, Greg Abbott, Governor of Texas, do hereby disapprove of and veto Senate Bill No. 813 as passed by the Eighty-Fifth Texas Legislature, Regular Session, because of the following objections:
State agencies should be held accountable when they abuse their authority. There are many ways to accomplish that goal other than by enticing trial lawyers to sue the taxpayers for damages. Senate Bill 813 is well-intentioned, but it subjects the State to the possibility of extensive financial liability. Under the bill, taxpayer liability would be triggered any time a judge decides the State’s action is “unreasonable,” a vague and broad standard that varies with the eye of the beholder. This financial liability would be borne by the taxpayers, not by the bureaucrats who caused the problem. The bill was inspired by legitimate concerns about regulatory overreach, but exposing the State fisc to limitless jury verdicts is not the right solution.
Since the Eighty-Fifth Texas Legislature, Regular Session, by its adjournment has prevented the return of this bill, I am filing these objections in the office of the Secretary of State and giving notice thereof by this public proclamation according to the aforementioned constitutional provision.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have signed my name officially and caused the Seal of the State to be affixed hereto at Austin, this 15th day of June, 2017.
GREG ABBOTT
Governor of Texas