FIFTY-SEVENTH LEGISLATUREHB 31/a

SECOND SESSION, 2026

February 16, 2026

Mr. President:

    Your HEALTH AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS COMMITTEE, to whom has been referred

HOUSE JUDICIARY COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE FOR HOUSE BILL 31

has had it under consideration and reports same with recommendation that it DO PASS, amended as follows:

    1. On page 14, strike lines 5 through 10.

    2. On page 22, strike lines 18 through 25, on page 23, strike lines 1 through 25 and on page 24, strike lines 1 through 4 and insert in lieu thereof:

             "(1) the officers and employees of the commission shall not be liable or subject to suit, either personally or in their official capacity, when acting within the scope of that person's employment or duties for acts, errors or omissions occurring within that person's state. Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to protect a person from suit or liability for damage, loss, injury or liability caused by the intentional or willful and wanton misconduct of the person; and

             (2) the commission shall defend, indemnify and hold harmless the executive director and the director's employees according to the commission's rules and bylaws. The executive director and employees of the commission shall be held harmless in the amount of a settlement or judgment, including attorney fees and costs, obtained against that person arising out of an actual or alleged act, error or omission that occurred within the scope of commission employment, duties or responsibilities, or that the person had a reasonable basis for believing occurred within the scope of commission employment, duties or responsibilities; provided that the actual or alleged act, error or omission did not result from intentional or willful and wanton misconduct on the part of that person.".

and thence referred to the JUDICIARY COMMITTEE.

                               Respectfully submitted,

                               ___________________________________

                               Senator LINDA M. LOPEZ, Chair

Adopted_______________________ Not Adopted_______________________

          (Chief Clerk) (Chief Clerk)

                  Date ________________________

The roll call vote was 9 For 0 Against

Yes:      Block, Charley, Gallegos, Hickey, López, Pinto, Pope, Scott, Wilson

No:       0

Excused: Nava

Absent:   None

HB0031PA1.wpd                                              .234119.1