The NDCC strongly supports Senate Bill 2299, which would standardize governmental immunity across all home-rule municipalities in Texas. Following Dallas voters' approval of Proposition S, which undermined longstanding immunity protections, there's an urgent need for state-level standards to prevent a confusing patchwork of legal environments for businesses.
SB 2299 clarifies that immunity is established solely by the Legislature, not through local charter amendments. This creates the consistent legal standards businesses need when operating across multiple Texas jurisdictions.
The NDCC has formally expressed support through a coalition letter with the Dallas Black Chamber of Commerce, The Real Estate Council, Dallas Citizens Council, and North Texas Commission.
Key Takeaways
SB 2299 creates consistent immunity standards across all Texas municipalities, preventing changes through local charter amendments
Standardized immunity protects municipal resources for essential services and infrastructure rather than litigation
Businesses benefit from predictable legal standards when operating across multiple Texas cities
The NDCC has endorsed this legislation through a coalition letter with other business organizations
Why This Matters to Businesses
When immunity protections vary by municipality, businesses face inconsistent legal standards and unpredictable risk. This particularly affects companies operating in multiple Texas cities, who must navigate different liability environments based solely on location.
The fiscal implications are significant: cities with reduced immunity protections face greater exposure to lawsuits that drain public resources. These costs ultimately affect businesses through potential tax increases or reduced funding for infrastructure and economic development.
For companies engaged in public-private partnerships or development projects requiring municipal approvals, standardized immunity creates a more predictable environment for investment decisions and long-term planning.
Action Steps
Contact Your State Representatives
Request: Express your support for Senate Bill 2299 on standardized governmental immunity.
Find Your Representatives:
https://wrm.capitol.texas.gov/home
Sample Message:
"As a business leader in your district, I support Senate Bill 2299 on standardized governmental immunity. This legislation ensures consistent legal standards across Texas municipalities while protecting resources for essential services. Predictable legal environments help businesses plan effectively and contribute to economic growth. Please support SB 2299 to prevent a confusing patchwork of rules for businesses operating across municipal boundaries."
Additional Actions:
Share this information with your business networks
Review the bill text: https://legiscan.com/TX/text/SB2299/2025
NDCC's Position
The NDCC supports SB 2299 based on our Guiding Principles of Business-Friendliness and Adherence to Business Principles. Standardized immunity creates a predictable legal environment for businesses while promoting fiscal responsibility in local government.
By protecting municipal resources from unnecessary litigation, SB 2299 helps ensure public funds support essential services and infrastructure rather than legal expenses. The NDCC Board of Directors Public Policy Council has advised this position.
For more information on our Guiding Principles for Advocacy, visit: Guiding Principles
This analysis is based on information compiled by the NDCC, including the coalition letter submitted to Senator Nathan Johnson on April 28, 2025.