The bill, H.B. No. 2988, proposes an amendment to the Civil Practice and Remedies Code by adding a new section, 27.0091, which allows courts to award costs and reasonable attorney's fees in legal actions related to the exercise of certain constitutional rights. The language inserted specifies that such awards should be deemed "equitable and just," thereby providing courts with discretion in determining the appropriateness of costs and fees in these cases.

Additionally, the bill repeals existing sections 27.007 and 27.009 of the Civil Practice and Remedies Code, which may have previously governed the awarding of costs and fees in similar actions. The changes will only apply to actions filed on or after the effective date of the Act, which is set for September 1, 2025, ensuring that any actions filed before this date will continue to be governed by the previous law.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Civil Practice and Remedies Code 27.007 (Civil Practice and Remedies Code 27)