Relating to civil liability of a commercial motor vehicle owner or operator.

SB 1135 modifies Texas law regarding civil liability for commercial motor vehicle owners and operators. It clarifies that evidence of failing to follow safety regulations (like vehicle standards or operating procedures) can only be used in court if the violation directly caused injury and the regulation specifically applied to the defendant's situation. The bill also limits employer liability in such cases: if an employer admits the driver was their employee acting within job duties, the lawsuit's first phase cannot consider ordinary negligence claims against the employer based on the driver's actions. These changes apply only to cases filed or in trial after the bill's effective date.