HB2960 - Relating to choice of law and venue for certain construction contracts.

      H.B. No. 2960         AN ACT   relating to choice of law and venue for certain construction   contracts.          BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:          SECTION 1.  The heading to Section 272.001, Business &   Commerce Code, is amended to read as follows:          Sec. 272.001.   CERTAIN [ VOIDABLE ] CONTRACT PROVISIONS VOID   [ PROVISION ].          SECTION 2.  Section 272.001, Business & Commerce Code, is   amended by amending Subsection (b) and adding Subsection (c) to   read as follows:          (b)  If a construction contract or an agreement collateral to   or affecting the construction contract contains a provision making   the contract or agreement or any conflict arising under the   contract or agreement subject to another state's law, litigation in   the courts of another state, or arbitration in another state, that   provision is void as against public policy [ voidable by a party   obligated by the contract or agreement to perform the work that is   the subject of the construction contract ].           (c)     To the extent that a venue provision in a contract is   void under Subsection (b), unless the parties stipulate to another   venue after the dispute arises, an action arising out of the   contract shall be brought only in this state in the county in which   the property that is the subject of the litigation is located.          SECTION 3.  Section 15.020(d), Civil Practice and Remedies   Code, is amended to read as follows:          (d)  This section does not apply to an action if:                (1)  the agreement described by this section was   unconscionable at the time that it was made;                (2)  the agreement regarding venue is void [ voidable ]   under Chapter 272, Business & Commerce Code; or                (3)  venue is established under a statute of this state   other than this title.          SECTION 4.  The changes in law made by this Act apply only to   a contract that is entered into or renewed on or after the effective   date of this Act.          SECTION 5.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.       ______________________________ ______________________________      President of the Senate Speaker of the House                   I certify that H.B. No. 2960 was passed by the House on April   29, 2025, by the following vote:  Yeas 148, Nays 0, 1 present, not   voting.     ______________________________   Chief Clerk of the House                 I certify that H.B. No. 2960 was passed by the Senate on May   19, 2025, by the following vote:  Yeas 31, Nays 0.     ______________________________   Secretary of the Senate       APPROVED:  _____________________                      Date                           _____________________                    Governor