Settlements and Judgments
Certain Settlement Agreements Prohibited
A state agency may not enter into a settlement of a claim or action against the agency if:
- The amount of the settlement is equal to or greater than $30,000.
- A condition of the settlement requires a party seeking affirmative relief against the agency to agree not to disclose any fact, allegation, evidence or other matter to any other person, including a journalist or other member of the media.
- The money that would be used to pay the settlement is:
- Derived from taxes collected by a state agency.
- Received from the state of Texas.
- Insurance proceeds received from an insurance policy for which the premium was paid with taxes collected by a state agency.
A settlement agreement that violates this prohibition is void and unenforceable.
This provision does not affect information that is privileged or confidential under other law.
Civil Practice and Remedies Code, Sections 116.002 and 116.003.
