Relating to the award of costs and attorney's fees in an action involving the exercise of certain constitutional rights.

HB 2988 modifies Texas law to give courts discretion in awarding costs and attorney fees in civil cases involving constitutional rights. Specifically, it adds a new section (27.0091) allowing courts to award "reasonable and necessary" costs and fees as "equitable and just" in such cases, replacing prior rules. This directly affects parties (plaintiffs or defendants) in lawsuits challenging government actions under constitutional protections, such as free speech or due process claims. The change applies only to cases filed on or after September 1, 2025, with older cases governed by previous law.