TX SB1135

Expands the definition of "regulation or standard" in commercial motor vehicle liability cases to include internal policies and procedures adopted by the vehicle owner or operator, in addition to government-issued regulations

Adds requirement that evidence of regulatory non-compliance must be "admissible under other law" before it can be presented in the first phase of a bifurcated trial

Removes exceptions that previously allowed plaintiffs to pursue direct negligence claims against employers even when the employer stipulated to respondeat superior liability

Repeals provisions in Sections 72.054(c), (d), and (e) of the Civil Practice and Remedies Code that created exceptions to employer liability limitations

Applies to actions commenced on or after September 1, 2025, or pending cases where trial begins after that date