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HB 145 — Suits Against the Government
by Rep. McFarland (CS/SB 1366 by Rules Committee and Senators Brodeur and Rouson)
This summary is provided for information only and does not represent the opinion of any Senator, Senate Officer, or Senate Office.
Prepared by: Judiciary Committee (JU)
The bill revises the state’s statutory waiver of sovereign immunity to increase the limits on amounts that the state, its agencies, and political subdivision may pay for tort claims without further action by the Legislature. The bill also changes the statute of limitations applicable to different types of tort actions against a government entity. Absent the state’s statutory waiver of sovereign immunity, which is immunity from lawsuits, lawsuits against the state would be barred.
The specific changes by the bill:
- Increase the statutory caps on payment of claims or the collectability of judgments against the state or its agencies or subdivisions, from $200,000 per person and $300,000 per incident, to $350,000 per person and $500,000 per incident.
- Revise certain statutes of limitation and presuit procedures for certain types of claims against government entities, including claims for negligence, contribution, medical malpractice, wrongful death, and sexual battery on victims under 16 years of age.
The changes made by the bill apply to causes of action accruing on or after October 1, 2026.
If approved by the Governor, or allowed to become law without the Governor's signature, these provisions take effect on October 1, 2026.
Vote: Senate 36-0; House 108-1