Trucking Groups Renew Push for Tort Reform in Texas

Trucking groups and other stakeholders in Texas are taking another stab at tort reform, aiming to address the lingering issue of nuclear verdicts against trucking companies. The Lone Star Economic Alliance (LSEA), driven by Texans for Lawsuit Reform (TLR), has emerged as a key player in this renewed effort, focusing on amending the ineffective HB 19 law.

The original HB 19, enacted in 2021, sought to combat nuclear verdicts by implementing the "admission rule" and bifurcation. However, the law's impact has been deemed ineffective due to last-minute amendments. The LSEA is now pushing for changes to reinstate the admission rule and clarify the bifurcation process to better protect trucking companies from unjust and excessive lawsuits.


The admission rule, a long-standing part of Texas common law, allows employers to admit responsibility for their employees' actions, simplifying trials by focusing on accident causation and damages. Bifurcation separates trials into two phases: the first determining negligence and compensatory damages, and the second assessing punitive damages. The LSEA seeks to strengthen HB 19 by reinforcing these provisions and limiting the scope of driver history evidence to those violations that were a "proximate cause" for the incident.


Prominent trucking executives, such as John Esparza (Texas Trucking Association), Jerry Maldonado (Laredo Motor Carriers Association), and Adam Blanchard (Double Diamond Transport), have been engaged to advocate for these changes. Their involvement underscores the trucking industry's commitment to addressing the threat of nuclear verdicts, with a focus on the admission rule and bifurcation to simplify trials and limit punitive damages.

However, the effectiveness of the LSEA's approach remains uncertain. While the admission rule and bifurcation hold promise, the ultimate impact on the trucking industry will depend on the successful implementation of these changes and the willingness of Texas judges to adhere to the intended purpose of the law.

In conclusion, trucking groups and others are taking a renewed stab at tort reform in Texas, aiming to address the lingering issue of nuclear verdicts against trucking companies. The LSEA, driven by TLR, is pushing for changes to HB 19 to reinstate the admission rule and clarify the bifurcation process. While the potential benefits of these changes are significant, the ultimate impact on the trucking industry remains to be seen.