S.B. No. 2823 amends Chapter 97 of the Civil Practice and Remedies Code to limit the liability of certain highway, road, and street contractors. The bill specifies that contractors who design, install, construct, or maintain highways, roads, or any public safety or traffic management devices are not liable for personal injury, property damage, or death if they are in material compliance with contract documents at the time of the incident. This change broadens the scope of activities covered under the liability limitation and clarifies the conditions under which contractors can be held accountable.
Additionally, the bill introduces a presumption of sole causation by legally impaired drivers in certain civil actions, although specific details regarding this presumption are not provided in the text. The effective date for this legislation is set for September 1, 2025. Overall, the bill aims to provide greater legal protection for contractors while addressing issues related to driver impairment in civil liability cases.