HBA-ATS H.B. 2168 76(R) BILL ANALYSIS Office of House Bill AnalysisH.B. 2168 By: Naishtat Business & Industry 3/23/1999 Introduced BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Currently, Texas law requires every foreign or domestic business entity that transacts business in the state to appoint a registered agent to accept service of process. On occasion, some businesses list as their agents persons who are unaware that they have been so appointed. Through no fault of their own, they may be held liable for failing to carry out their responsibilities as agents. H.B. 2168 provides that the appointment of a registered agent to accept service of process for an entity authorized to transact business in this state is ineffective until the agent signs the document evidencing the appointment or files with the secretary of state a written statement accepting the appointment. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY It is the opinion of the Office of House Bill Analysis that this bill does not expressly delegate any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution. SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS SECTION 1. Amends Chapter 30, Civil Practice and Remedies Code, by adding Section 30.011, as follows: Sec. 30.011. APPOINTMENT OF REGISTERED AGENT OF BUSINESS ENTITY. Provides that the appointment of a registered agent to accept service of process for an entity authorized to transact business in this state is ineffective until the agent signs the document evidencing the appointment or files with the secretary of state a written statement accepting the appointment. SECTION 2.Effective date: September 1, 1999. Makes application of this Act prospective. SECTION 3. Emergency clause.