Relating to eligibility to request a deposition before bringing a civil action.

SB 953 (Texas) establishes rules for requesting a deposition before filing a civil lawsuit. It allows individuals to petition a court to take a deposition to preserve testimony or investigate a potential claim, but only if they have sustained or reasonably expect to sustain actual damages. The bill prohibits such petitions if no actual damages are anticipated and imposes liability for attorney fees against those who file improper requests. This change directly affects people considering civil lawsuits by adding a requirement to demonstrate potential harm before gathering evidence through depositions.