Houston Daily

Julie O’Donoghue, a senior writer for the Louisiana Illuminator, has observed a shift in the stance of Texas conservatives regarding additional tort limits. While Louisiana conservatives continue to push similar measures, she noted that Senate Bill 30 (SB 30) failed in Austin. Her statement was made on X, a social media platform.

"Interesting that ‘tort reform' bills are struggling to gain traction in the Texas legislature because they have lost favor with more conservative Republicans," said O’Donoghue. "In Louisiana, it seems like conservative Republicans are pushing ‘tort reform.'"

The Texas 2025 legislative session highlighted evolving dynamics within the Republican coalition concerning civil justice policy. SB 30, initially intended to impose further restrictions on medical-damages evidence in personal injury cases, encountered late-session disagreements and was ultimately pared down before time expired. This development indicated that some conservative lawmakers prioritized other agenda items despite their support for pro-growth policies. Consequently, SB 30 did not reach the governor's desk as the regular session concluded in early June 2025.

According to reports, SB 30 started as a bill focused on "recovery of health care-related damages," with proponents arguing it would enhance accuracy and fairness in medical damages evidence. However, as negotiations advanced and deadlines approached, its provisions were narrowed. When the 89th Legislature adjourned on June 2, 2025, the measure had not passed. The session saw approximately 13.8% of bills succeed overall, highlighting the crowded calendar and complex tradeoffs that can impede otherwise viable legislation.

Texans for Lawsuit Reform (TLR), a business-backed group influential in civil justice debates, witnessed none of its three priorities for 2025—including SB 30—come to fruition. This reflects new trends within the Republican majority. Despite this setback, TLR still possesses substantial resources, including a multimillion-dollar war chest, and remains committed to advancing policies aimed at strengthening the economy and protecting consumers from lawsuit abuse in future sessions.

O’Donoghue is an experienced statehouse reporter who covers state government, budgets, education, and ethics for the Louisiana Illuminator. She has previously reported for NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune and worked in Missouri, Virginia, and Washington D.C., earning recognition from both the Virginia Press Association and the Louisiana–Mississippi Associated Press.

The Louisiana Illuminator is an independent newsroom based in Baton Rouge that focuses on how state decisions impact Louisianians. Launched in 2020 as part of States Newsroom’s network of state-focused outlets, it publishes accountability reporting and policy explainers to inform civic life across the state.