TX HB4688

Limits an employer defendant's liability for damages caused by ordinary negligence of a commercial motor vehicle operator to respondeat superior only, if the employer stipulates the operator was an employee acting within the scope of employment at the time of the collision

Prohibits claimants from presenting evidence on ordinary negligence claims (such as negligent entrustment) against employer defendants in the first phase of a bifurcated trial when the employer has made the required stipulation

Preserves claimants' ability to pursue ordinary negligence claims based on a defendant's independent acts (negligent maintenance, repair, loading, or similar claims) that do not require proving employee negligence as a prerequisite

Repeals Sections 72.054(c), (d), and (e) of the Civil Practice and Remedies Code, which previously contained exceptions to the liability limitations

Applies to actions commenced on or after September 1, 2025, or pending actions where trial begins after that date, while trials already in progress remain governed by prior law