TX SB39

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 collision

Prohibits claimants from presenting evidence on negligent entrustment claims against employer defendants in the first phase of a bifurcated trial when the employer makes the required stipulation

Clarifies that claimants may still pursue ordinary negligence claims based on a defendant's independent negligent acts (such as negligent maintenance, repair, or loading) 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 these liability limitations

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