Houston Daily

Dustin Burrows, Speaker of the Texas House, said that Texas is reinforcing its reputation as a premier business destination by passing pro-growth laws aimed at ensuring all Texans benefit from a thriving economy.

"Texas is globally renowned for innovation and economic opportunities, and with these new measures, we are solidifying our place as America's premier business destination," said Burrows, Speaker of the House, according to Office of the Texas Governor. "This session, the Texas Legislature worked to bolster our state's business-friendly reputation by providing certainty for businesses and investors so that every Texan feels the benefit of our thriving economy. I look forward to seeing these new laws attract more investments and opportunities to Texas and thank Governor Abbott, Lieutenant Governor Patrick and my colleagues in the legislature for securing a promising financial future for Texans."

Governor Greg Abbott announced in a press release that he signed three significant pro-business bills into law, including Senate Bill 29 (SB 29). This legislation codifies the business judgment rule in Texas and enhances the state's appeal as a corporate hub. During a ceremony attended by top state leaders and business executives, Abbott emphasized that these new laws will help Texas maintain its status as an optimal state for business through innovation and predictability. According to TXSE Group CEO James Lee, the legislation positions Texas as the leading destination for corporate registrations, relocations, and securities listings. SB 29 also reforms how derivative claims are handled and establishes a process for evaluating corporate director independence. Collectively, these new laws aim to accelerate Texas' economic leadership.

The tort reform bill SB 29 has received bipartisan support on its way to Governor Abbott's desk. The bill introduces key corporate tort reforms designed to make Texas a prime location for business relocation and reincorporation, challenging Delaware's dominance by offering clearer and more predictable legal standards. SB 29 codifies the business judgment rule and sets limits on shareholder derivative claims, reinforcing protections for corporate decision-making. The bill is expected to boost job creation and economic development while signaling that Texas is "open for business" and committed to innovation and growth.

A study from the U.S. Chamber Institute for Legal Reform revealed that Texas ranks among the top five states for nuclear verdicts, with 130 personal injury and wrongful death cases resulting in $16 billion in awards from 2013 to 2022. The study highlighted how "anchoring" tactics—where attorneys suggest arbitrary high-dollar damage amounts—played a major role in inflating jury awards. One notable example involved a $39 million verdict in an auto accident case after a plaintiff’s lawyer proposed a symbolic per-mile damage figure; this was later overturned by the Texas Supreme Court due to improper tactics. These excessive awards contribute to higher insurance premiums and consumer costs while undermining fairness in the legal system.

A report from the American Tort Reform Association (ATRA) indicates that Texas is a major hub for legal services advertising, with Dallas and Houston both ranking in the top ten U.S. media markets for total spending on these ads in 2024. Dallas saw approximately $69.8 million spent on 622,212 ads, while Houston accounted for over $56.6 million spent on more than 411,000 ads. These figures reflect a broader national surge in trial lawyer advertising, which reached $2.5 billion across the U.S. last year—more than double what pizza restaurants spent.

Speaker Dustin Burrows has represented House District 83 since 2014 and was elected as the 77th Speaker of the Texas House in 2025. A lifelong Lubbock resident and Texas Tech alumnus, he has led major legislative efforts on property tax reform, regulatory consistency, school safety, and support for first responders. Burrows has also played key roles in high-profile investigations and remains an advocate for Texas Tech University, helping secure over $1 billion for its endowment.