TXTA Chairman statement on Governor Abbott signing hb 19

FOR IMMEDIATE DISTRIBUTION—June 16, 2021
TXTA Contact: Kimberly Leggett
kimberly@texastrucking.com

AUSTIN—Jonathan Kennemer, TXTA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of CKJ Transport, today released the following statement regarding Governor Greg Abbott signing House Bill 19:   
 
“Today is truly a historic day for the entire trucking industry and sends a message to predatory trial lawyers—hard working truckers are no longer your personal piggy banks. House Bill 19 strikes at the heart of the abusive litigation climate the trucking industry has suffered under for years. I could not be prouder of our collective efforts this legislative session. These significant changes, coupled with some timely Texas Supreme Court opinions dealing with medical pricing, reposition Texas from a state with some of the worst lawsuit abuse in the country. 

This was a collective effort and would not have been possible without the leadership of House author Jeff Leach (R-Plano), Senate sponsor Larry Taylor (R-Friendswood) and all the legislators that co-sponsored, as well as the advocacy efforts of Texans for Lawsuit Reform, Southwest Movers Association and the entire Keep Texas Trucking Coalition. Together, we have been able to accomplish meaningful legislation that will reshape the course of lawsuit abuse not just for trucking, but the entire commercial motor vehicle industry. TXTA has once again proven why we are the unified voice of the trucking industry. Thank you to Governor Greg Abbott for recognizing the importance of House Bill 19 and signing it today.”