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Effort to curb personal injury lawsuit payouts dies in the Texas Legislature
-Lombard
Back in March I went to the Texas State Capitol where I had multiple conversations with legislators on the importance of truck parking, but I was also there to talk about an important bill SB30, and it’s unfortunate to hear about how a long fight ends in defeat
What began as a major legislative push to rein in the personal injury lawsuit industry in Texas ended with a quiet fizzle over the weekend. Senate Bill 30, once poised to dramatically reshape how accident victims pursue damages, died after lawmakers failed to reconcile key differences before the deadline.
Originally designed to impose strict limits on what juries could consider when awarding damages, the bill eventually emerged from negotiations as a shadow of its former self. By the end, it merely required the disclosure of referral relationships between attorneys and healthcare providers, and broadened admissible evidence for calculating damages.
Even that stripped-down version couldn’t clear the final hurdle.
This is a notable defeat for Texans for Lawsuit Reform (TLR), a powerful business-backed group that made SB 30 one of its top priorities. The bill, authored by Sen. Charles Schwertner, aimed to curb what supporters call “nuclear verdicts” courtroom awards of $10 million or more, by setting strict evidence rules and capping damage payouts based on Medicare rates and other benchmarks.
At an April hearing, business owners warned that runaway lawsuits were inflating insurance costs and threatening Texas’s business climate.
TLR President Lee Parsley didn’t mince words after the bill’s demise. “A kind of fraud is occurring in courtrooms across Texas,” he said, accusing some attorneys and doctors of inflating medical bills to mislead juries. “This unethical activity is increasing insurance premiums for every business operating in our state.”
The bill had momentum, it passed the Senate 20-11 in April and the House 87-51 in May. But the House added changes the Senate couldn’t accept, including a bipartisan amendment from Reps. Mitch Little (R-Lewisville) and Joe Moody (D-El Paso) that gave juries more discretion in deciding which evidence to weigh. According to House sponsor Rep. Greg Bonnen, that undermined the entire point of the bill.
For the Texas Trial Lawyers Association, which opposed SB 30 from the start, the breakdown was a win. “This moment serves as an important reminder that protecting our civil justice system requires ongoing care and attention,” said Jack Walker, the group’s president.
SB 30’s failure is especially striking given its status as a priority for Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, who also championed a related measure, SB 39, targeting commercial vehicle lawsuits. That bill, too, faced its own legislative hurdles.
In the end, a sweeping rewrite of Texas’s personal injury system didn’t make it across the finish line. But with business interests and trial lawyers both vowing to stay vigilant, expect this fight to return in future sessions, likely with just as much intensity, and I hope to be involved with it alongside OOIDA and TXTA. This had the potential to be a game changer for the industry, especially after the Werner nuclear verdict.
I want to hear from you! For Driver Submissions, questions, and comments contact me at: [email protected] or Text me directly at 423-275-2444
DOT Compliance Corner: FMCSA Proposals for Rescinding Regulations
by, Santiago Talamantez
🔧 FMCSA Proposed Changes – May 29, 2025
Last Thursday, FMCSA unveiled 20 proposed rule changes to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs). These proposals are split into two categories: rules to be rescinded and rules to be amended. Here are the most impactful highlights:
🚫 Proposals to Rescind
1. Rear Impact Guard Labeling
FMCSA wants to remove the requirement for permanent certification labels on rear impact guards. Labels often wear off, causing issues for carriers. Removing this rule eliminates unnecessary burdens without impacting safety.
2. Retroreflective Sheeting for Pre-1993 Trailers
Trailers built before December 1993 were subject to retrofitting rules for reflectors. FMCSA says most trailers now in use were built after ’93, so this rule is outdated.
3. Spare Fuse Requirement
Proposed elimination of the mandate for CMVs to carry spare fuses—FMCSA considers this rule obsolete.
4. Liquid-Burning Flares
FMCSA proposes to drop all references to liquid-burning flares in regulations, citing their outdated nature.
5. CDL Self-Reporting
With state-to-state electronic violation reporting now in place, CDL drivers may no longer need to self-report violations to their home state.
6. ELD Operator’s Manual
FMCSA suggests eliminating the requirement to carry a printed ELD manual in the vehicle, reducing paperwork and hassle.
✍️ Proposals to Amend
1. Railroad Crossing Exceptions
CMVs transporting passengers or hazmat may not need to stop at crossings if active warning devices (like lights or gates) are not activated, as long as it’s safe and allowed by local law.
2. Electronic DVIRs
FMCSA plans to clarify that electronic Daily Vehicle Inspection Reports (DVIRs) are fully acceptable, helping carriers save time and money.
3. Roadside Inspection Form Return
If a state doesn’t request the return of signed inspection reports, carriers won’t need to send them back—another step toward efficiency.
4. Fuel Tank Overfill Rule
FMCSA proposes to remove the outdated rule that fuel tanks can't be filled beyond 95% capacity during normal fueling.
5. Auxiliary Fuel Tanks
FMCSA may allow gravity-fed or syphon-fed small auxiliary fuel tanks (<5 gallons) for non-operational use while the vehicle is stationary.
6. “Medical Treatment” Definition Update
An updated definition would clarify what counts as “medical treatment” for accident reporting, based on current guidance.
7. License Plate Lamp Exception
Tractor-trailers may no longer need illuminated license plate lamps on the tractor when towing—FMCSA says this has no safety impact.
8. Tire Load Marking Clarification
FMCSA aims to clarify that tire load restriction markings are not required by FMCSRs, clearing up confusion.
📌 Final Note
These changes are proposals only—they won’t take effect until FMCSA issues a final rule.
📰 Read the full press release here:
🔗 FMCSA Newsroom
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Health Tip of the Week
Risk of the Road: Deep Vein Thrombosis
Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) is a serious medical condition where a blood clot (thrombus) forms in a deep vein, usually in the legs.
🚨 Why It’s Dangerous:
The clot can partially or completely block blood flow in the vein.
If the clot breaks loose, it can travel to your lungs and cause a pulmonary embolism (PE)—a life-threatening emergency.
🧠 Key Facts:
Commonly occurs in the lower legs or thighs.
Can happen after long periods of sitting or inactivity—like long-haul trucking.
Often silent (no symptoms), but when symptoms show, they can include:
Swelling (especially in one leg)
Pain or tenderness
Warmth or redness in the affected leg
Visible surface veins
🚛 Why Truckers Are at Risk:
Truckers spend long hours sitting, which slows circulation in the legs. Combine that with dehydration, poor diet, or smoking, and the risk of DVT goes up fast.
🛡️ How to Lower Your Risk on the Road:
Get moving: Walk during breaks. Do ankle pumps, toe taps, and calf raises while seated.
Hydrate: Drink plenty of water with electrolytes—dehydration thickens your blood.
Wear compression socks: They help improve circulation in your legs.
Quit smoking: It damages your blood vessels and raises clot risk.
Know the signs and seek medical help immediately if something feels wrong.
DVT is preventable—but only if you take it seriously. Movement, hydration, and awareness can literally save your life.
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Partner Post of the Week
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