B 7 (Official Form 7) (04/10)
UNITED STATES BANKRUPTCY COURT
__________ District of __________
In re:_____ ___________________________________, Case No. ___________________________________
Debtor (if known)
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL AFFAIRS
This statement is to be completed by every debtor. Spouses filing a joint petition may file a single statement on which
the information for both spouses is combined. If the case is filed under chapter 12 or chapter 13, a married debtor must furnish
information for both spouses whether or not a joint petition is filed, unless the spouses are separated and a joint petition is not
filed. An individual debtor engaged in business as a sole proprietor, partner, family farmer, or self-employed professional,
should provide the information requested on this statement concerning all such activities as well as the individual’s personal
affairs. To indicate payments, transfers and the like to minor children, state the child’s initials and the name and address of the
child’s parent or guardian, such as “A.B., a minor child, by John Doe, guardian.” Do not disclose the child’s name. See, 11 U.S.C.
§112 and Fed. R. Bankr. P. 1007(m).
Questions 1 – 18 are to be completed by all debtors. Debtors that are or have been in business, as defined below, also
must complete Questions 19 – 25. If the answer to an applicable question is “None,” mark the box labeled “None.” If
additional space is needed for the answer to any question, use and attach a separate sheet properly identified with the case name,
case number (if known), and the number of the question.
DEFINITIONS
“In business.” A debtor is “in business” for the purpose of this form if the debtor is a corporation or partnership. An
individual debtor is “in business” for the purpose of this form if the debtor is or has been, within six years immediately preceding
the filing of this bankruptcy case, any of the following: an officer, director, managing executive, or owner of 5 percent or more
of the voting or equity securities of a corporation; a partner, other than a limited partner, of a partnership; a sole proprietor or
self-employed full-time or part-time. An individual debtor also may be “in business” for the purpose of this form if the debtor
engages in a trade, business, or other activity, other than as an employee, to supplement income from the debtor’s primary
employment.
“Insider.” The term “insider” includes but is not limited to: relatives of the debtor; general partners of the debtor and
their relatives; corporations of which the debtor is an officer, director, or person in control; officers, directors, and any owner of
5 percent or more of the voting or equity securities of a corporate debtor and their relatives; affiliates of the debtor and insiders
of such affiliates; any managing agent of the debtor. 11 U.S.C. § 101.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
1. Income from employment or operation of business
None State the gross amount of income the debtor has received from employment, trade, or profession, or from operation of
the debtor’s business, including part-time activities either as an employee or in independent trade or business, from the
beginning of this calendar year to the date this case was commenced. State also the gross amounts received during the
two years immediately preceding this calendar year. (A debtor that maintains, or has maintained, financial records on
the basis of a fiscal rather than a calendar year may report fiscal year income. Identify the beginning and ending dates
of the debtor’s fiscal year.) If a joint petition is filed, state income for each spouse separately. (Married debtors filing
under chapter 12 or chapter 13 must state income of both spouses whether or not a joint petition is filed, unless the
spouses are separated and a joint petition is not filed.)
AMOUNT SOURCE
2
*Amount subject to adjustment on 4/01/13, and every three years thereafter with respect to cases commenced on or
after the date of adjustment.
2. Income other than from employment or operation of business
None State the amount of income received by the debtor other than from employment, trade, profession, operation of the
debtor’s business during the two years immediately preceding the commencement of this case. Give particulars. If a
joint petition is filed, state income for each spouse separately. (Married debtors filing under chapter 12 or chapter 13
must state income for each spouse whether or not a joint petition is filed, unless the spouses are separated and a joint
petition is not filed.)
AMOUNT SOURCE
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
3. Payments to creditors
Complete a. or b., as appropriate, and c.
None
G a. Individual or joint debtor(s) with primarily consumer debts: List all payments on loans, installment purchases of
goods or services, and other debts to any creditor made within 90 days immediately preceding the commencement of
this case unless the aggregate value of all property that constitutes or is affected by such transfer is less than $600.
Indicate with an asterisk (*) any payments that were made to a creditor on account of a domestic support obligation or
as part of an alternative repayment schedule under a plan by an approved nonprofit budgeting and credit counseling
agency. (Married debtors filing under chapter 12 or chapter 13 must include payments by either or both spouses
whether or not a joint petition is filed, unless the spouses are separated and a joint petition is not filed.)
NAME AND ADDRESS OF CREDITOR DATES OF AMOUNT AMOUNT
PAYMENTS PAID STILL OWING
None
G b. Debtor whose debts are not primarily consumer debts: List each payment or other transfer to any creditor made
within 90 days immediately preceding the commencement of the case unless the aggregate value of all property that
constitutes or is affected by such transfer is less than $5,850*. If the debtor is an individual, indicate with an asterisk
(*) any payments that were made to a creditor on account of a domestic support obligation or as part of an alternative
repayment schedule under a plan by an approved nonprofit budgeting and credit counseling agency. (Married debtors
filing under chapter 12 or chapter 13 must include payments and other transfers by either or both spouses whether or
not a joint petition is filed, unless the spouses are separated and a joint petition is not filed.)
NAME AND ADDRESS OF CREDITOR DATES OF AMOUNT AMOUNT
PAYMENTS/ PAID OR STILL
TRANSFERS VALUE OF OWING
TRANSFERS
3
None
G c. All debtors: List all payments made within one year immediately preceding the commencement of this case
to or for the benefit of creditors who are or were insiders. (Married debtors filing under chapter 12 or chapter 13 must
include payments by either or both spouses whether or not a joint petition is filed, unless the spouses are separated and
a joint petition is not filed.)
NAME AND ADDRESS OF CREDITOR DATE OF AMOUNT AMOUNT
AND RELATIONSHIP TO DEBTOR PAYMENT PAID STILL OWING
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
4. Suits and administrative proceedings, executions, garnishments and attachments
None a. List all suits and administrative proceedings to which the debtor is or was a party within one year immediately
preceding the filing of this bankruptcy case. (Married debtors filing under chapter 12 or chapter 13 must include
information concerning either or both spouses whether or not a joint petition is filed, unless the spouses are separated
and a joint petition is not filed.)
CAPTION OF SUIT COURT OR AGENCY STATUS OR
AND CASE NUMBER NATURE OF PROCEEDING AND LOCATION DISPOSITION
None b. Describe all property that has been attached, garnished or seized under any legal or equitable process within one
year immediately preceding the commencement of this case. (Married debtors filing under chapter 12 or chapter 13
must include information concerning property of either or both spouses whether or not a joint petition is filed, unless
the spouses are separated and a joint petition is not filed.)
NAME AND ADDRESS DESCRIPTION
OF PERSON FOR WHOSE DATE OF AND VALUE
BENEFIT PROPERTY WAS SEIZED SEIZURE OF PROPERTY
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
5. Repossessions, foreclosures and returns
None List all property that has been repossessed by a creditor, sold at a foreclosure sale, transferred through a deed in lieu
of foreclosure or returned to the seller, within one year immediately preceding the commencement of this case.
(Married debtors filing under chapter 12 or chapter 13 must include information concerning property of either or both
spouses whether or not a joint petition is filed, unless the spouses are separated and a joint petition is not filed.)
DATE OF REPOSSESSION, DESCRIPTION
NAME AND ADDRESS FORECLOSURE SALE, AND VALUE
OF CREDITOR OR SELLER TRANSFER OR RETURN OF PROPERTY
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
4
6. Assignments and receiverships
None a. Describe any assignment of property for the benefit of creditors made within 120 days immediately preceding the
commencement of this case. (Married debtors filing under chapter 12 or chapter 13 must include any assignment by
either or both spouses whether or not a joint petition is filed, unless the spouses are separated and a joint petition is not
filed.)
TERMS OF
NAME AND ADDRESS DATE OF ASSIGNMENT
OF ASSIGNEE ASSIGNMENT OR SETTLEMENT
None b. List all property which has been in the hands of a custodian, receiver, or court-appointed official within one year
immediately preceding the commencement of this case. (Married debtors filing under chapter 12 or chapter 13 must
include information concerning property of either or both spouses whether or not a joint petition is filed, unless the
spouses are separated and a joint petition is not filed.)
NAME AND LOCATION DESCRIPTION
NAME AND ADDRESS OF COURT DATE OF AND VALUE
OF CUSTODIAN CASE TITLE & NUMBER ORDER Of PROPERTY
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
7. Gifts
None List all gifts or charitable contributions made within one year immediately preceding the commencement of this case
except ordinary and usual gifts to family members aggregating less than $200 in value per individual family member
and charitable contributions aggregating less than $100 per recipient. (Married debtors filing under chapter 12 or
chapter 13 must include gifts or contributions by either or both spouses whether or not a joint petition is filed, unless
the spouses are separated and a joint petition is not filed.)
NAME AND ADDRESS RELATIONSHIP DESCRIPTION
OF PERSON TO DEBTOR, DATE AND VALUE
OR ORGANIZATION IF ANY OF GIFT OF GIFT
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
8. Losses
None List all losses from fire, theft, other casualty or gambling within one year immediately preceding the commencement
of this case or since the commencement of this case. (Married debtors filing under chapter 12 or chapter 13 must
include losses by either or both spouses whether or not a joint petition is filed, unless the spouses are separated and a
joint petition is not filed.)
DESCRIPTION DESCRIPTION OF CIRCUMSTANCES AND, IF
AND VALUE OF LOSS WAS COVERED IN WHOLE OR IN PART DATE
PROPERTY BY INSURANCE, GIVE PARTICULARS OF LOSS
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
5
9. Payments related to debt counseling or bankruptcy
None List all payments made or property transferred by or on behalf of the debtor to any persons, including attorneys, for
consultation concerning debt consolidation, relief under the bankruptcy law or preparation of a petition in bankruptcy
within one year immediately preceding the commencement of this case.
DATE OF PAYMENT, AMOUNT OF MONEY OR
NAME AND ADDRESS NAME OF PAYER IF DESCRIPTION AND
OF PAYEE OTHER THAN DEBTOR VALUE OF PROPERTY
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
10. Other transfers
None
a. List all other property, other than property transferred in the ordinary course of the business or financial affairs of
the debtor, transferred either absolutely or as security within two years immediately preceding the commencement of
this case. (Married debtors filing under chapter 12 or chapter 13 must include transfers by either or both spouses
whether or not a joint petition is filed, unless the spouses are separated and a joint petition is not filed.)
NAME AND ADDRESS OF TRANSFEREE, DESCRIBE PROPERTY
RELATIONSHIP TO DEBTOR TRANSFERRED AND
DATE VALUE RECEIVED
None
G b. List all property transferred by the debtor within ten years immediately preceding the commencement of this case
to a self-settled trust or similar device of which the debtor is a beneficiary.
NAME OF TRUST OR OTHER DATE(S) OF AMOUNT OF MONEY OR DESCRIPTION
DEVICE TRANSFER(S) AND VALUE OF PROPERTY OR DEBTOR’S
INTEREST IN PROPERTY
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
11. Closed financial accounts
None List all financial accounts and instruments held in the name of the debtor or for the benefit of the debtor which were
closed, sold, or otherwise transferred within one year immediately preceding the commencement of this case. Include
checking, savings, or other financial accounts, certificates of deposit, or other instruments; shares and share accounts
held in banks, credit unions, pension funds, cooperatives, associations, brokerage houses and other financial
institutions. (Married debtors filing under chapter 12 or chapter 13 must include information concerning accounts or
instruments held by or for either or both spouses whether or not a joint petition is filed, unless the spouses are
separated and a joint petition is not filed.)
TYPE OF ACCOUNT, LAST FOUR AMOUNT AND
NAME AND ADDRESS DIGITS OF ACCOUNT NUMBER, DATE OF SALE
OF INSTITUTION AND AMOUNT OF FINAL BALANCE OR CLOSING
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
6
12. Safe deposit boxes
None List each safe deposit or other box or depository in which the debtor has or had securities, cash, or other valuables
within one year immediately preceding the commencement of this case. (Married debtors filing under chapter 12 or
chapter 13 must include boxes or depositories of either or both spouses whether or not a joint petition is filed, unless
the spouses are separated and a joint petition is not filed.)
NAME AND ADDRESS NAMES AND ADDRESSES DESCRIPTION DATE OF TRANSFER
OF BANK OR OF THOSE WITH ACCESS OF OR SURRENDER,
OTHER DEPOSITORY TO BOX OR DEPOSITORY CONTENTS IF ANY
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
13. Setoffs
None List all setoffs made by any creditor, including a bank, against a debt or deposit of the debtor within 90 days preceding
the commencement of this case. (Married debtors filing under chapter 12 or chapter 13 must include information
concerning either or both spouses whether or not a joint petition is filed, unless the spouses are separated and a joint
petition is not filed.)
DATE OF AMOUNT
NAME AND ADDRESS OF CREDITOR SETOFF OF SETOFF
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
14. Property held for another person
None List all property owned by another person that the debtor holds or controls.
NAME AND ADDRESS DESCRIPTION AND
OF OWNER VALUE OF PROPERTY LOCATION OF PROPERTY
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
15. Prior address of debtor
None
G If debtor has moved within three years immediately preceding the commencement of this case, list all premises
which the debtor occupied during that period and vacated prior to the commencement of this case. If a joint petition is
filed, report also any separate address of either spouse.
ADDRESS NAME USED DATES OF OCCUPANCY
_____________________________________________________________________________
7
16. Spouses and Former Spouses
None If the debtor resides or resided in a community property state, commonwealth, or territory (including Alaska, Arizona,
California, Idaho, Louisiana, Nevada, New Mexico, Puerto Rico, Texas, Washington, or Wisconsin) within eight
years immediately preceding the commencement of the case, identify the name of the debtor’s spouse and of
any former spouse who resides or resided with the debtor in the community property state.
NAME
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
17. Environmental Information.
For the purpose of this question, the following definitions apply:
“Environmental Law” means any federal, state, or local statute or regulation regulating pollution, contamination,
releases of hazardous or toxic substances, wastes or material into the air, land, soil, surface water, groundwater, or
other medium, including, but not limited to, statutes or regulations regulating the cleanup of these substances, wastes,
or material.
“Site” means any location, facility, or property as defined under any Environmental Law, whether or not presently or
formerly owned or operated by the debtor, including, but not limited to, disposal sites.
“Hazardous Material” means anything defined as a hazardous waste, hazardous substance, toxic substance, hazardous
material, pollutant, or contaminant or similar term under an Environmental Law.
None a. List the name and address of every site for which the debtor has received notice in writing by a governmental
unit that it may be liable or potentially liable under or in violation of an Environmental Law. Indicate the
governmental unit, the date of the notice, and, if known, the Environmental Law:
SITE NAME NAME AND ADDRESS DATE OF ENVIRONMENTAL
AND ADDRESS OF GOVERNMENTAL UNIT NOTICE LAW
None b. List the name and address of every site for which the debtor provided notice to a governmental unit of a release
of Hazardous Material. Indicate the governmental unit to which the notice was sent and the date of the notice.
SITE NAME NAME AND ADDRESS DATE OF ENVIRONMENTAL
AND ADDRESS OF GOVERNMENTAL UNIT NOTICE LAW
None c. List all judicial or administrative proceedings, including settlements or orders, under any Environmental Law with
respect to which the debtor is or was a party. Indicate the name and address of the governmental unit that is or was a party
to the proceeding, and the docket number.
NAME AND ADDRESS DOCKET NUMBER STATUS OR
OF GOVERNMENTAL UNIT DISPOSITION
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
18 . Nature, location and name of business
None a. If the debtor is an individual, list the names, addresses, taxpayer-identification numbers, nature of the businesses,
and beginning and ending dates of all businesses in which the debtor was an officer, director, partner, or managing
8
executive of a corporation, partner in a partnership, sole proprietor, or was self-employed in a trade, profession, or
other activity either full- or part-time within six years immediately preceding the commencement of this case, or in
which the debtor owned 5 percent or more of the voting or equity securities within six years immediately preceding
the commencement of this case.
If the debtor is a partnership, list the names, addresses, taxpayer-identification numbers, nature of the businesses,
and beginning and ending dates of all businesses in which the debtor was a partner or owned 5 percent or more of
the voting or equity securities, within six years immediately preceding the commencement of this case.
If the debtor is a corporation, list the names, addresses, taxpayer-identification numbers, nature of the businesses,
and beginning and ending dates of all businesses in which the debtor was a partner or owned 5 percent or more of
the voting or equity securities within six years immediately preceding the commencement of this case.
LAST FOUR DIGITS
OF SOCIAL-SECURITY BEGINNING AND
NAME OR OTHER INDIVIDUAL ADDRESS NATURE OF BUSINESS ENDING DATES
TAXPAYER-I.D. NO.
(ITIN)/ COMPLETE EIN
None b. Identify any business listed in response to subdivision a., above, that is “single asset real estate” as
defined in 11 U.S.C. § 101.
NAME ADDRESS
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
The following questions are to be completed by every debtor that is a corporation or partnership and by any individual
debtor who is or has been, within six years immediately preceding the commencement of this case, any of the following: an
officer, director, managing executive, or owner of more than 5 percent of the voting or equity securities of a corporation; a
partner, other than a limited partner, of a partnership, a sole proprietor, or self-employed in a trade, profession, or other activity,
either full- or part-time.
(An individual or joint debtor should complete this portion of the statement only if the debtor is or has been in
business, as defined above, within six years immediately preceding the commencement of this case. A debtor who has not been
in business within those six years should go directly to the signature page.)
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
19. Books, records and financial statements
None a. List all bookkeepers and accountants who within two years immediately preceding the filing of this
bankruptcy case kept or supervised the keeping of books of account and records of the debtor.
NAME AND ADDRESS DATES SERVICES RENDERED
None b. List all firms or individuals who within two years immediately preceding the filing of this bankruptcy
case have audited the books of account and records, or prepared a financial statement of the debtor.
NAME ADDRESS DATES SERVICES RENDERED
9
None c. List all firms or individuals who at the time of the commencement of this case were in possession of the
books of account and records of the debtor. If any of the books of account and records are not available, explain.
NAME ADDRESS
None d. List all financial institutions, creditors and other parties, including mercantile and trade agencies, to whom a
financial statement was issued by the debtor within two years immediately preceding the commencement of this case.
NAME AND ADDRESS DATE ISSUED
________________________________________________________________________________________________
20. Inventories
None a. List the dates of the last two inventories taken of your property, the name of the person who supervised the
taking of each inventory, and the dollar amount and basis of each inventory.
DOLLAR AMOUNT
OF INVENTORY
DATE OF INVENTORY INVENTORY SUPERVISOR (Specify cost, market or other
basis)
None b. List the name and address of the person having possession of the records of each of the inventories reported
in a., above.
NAME AND ADDRESSES
OF CUSTODIAN
DATE OF INVENTORY OF INVENTORY RECORDS
____________________________________________________________________________________________________
21 . Current Partners, Officers, Directors and Shareholders
None a. If the debtor is a partnership, list the nature and percentage of partnership interest of each member of the
partnership.
NAME AND ADDRESS NATURE OF INTEREST PERCENTAGE OF INTEREST
None b. If the debtor is a corporation, list all officers and directors of the corporation, and each stockholder who
directly or indirectly owns, controls, or holds 5 percent or more of the voting or equity securities of the
corporation.
NATURE AND PERCENTAGE
NAME AND ADDRESS TITLE OF STOCK OWNERSHIP
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
10
22 . Former partners, officers, directors and shareholders
None a. If the debtor is a partnership, list each member who withdrew from the partnership within one year immediately
preceding the commencement of this case.
NAME ADDRESS DATE OF WITHDRAWAL
None b. If the debtor is a corporation, list all officers or directors whose relationship with the corporation terminated
within one year immediately preceding the commencement of this case.
NAME AND ADDRESS TITLE DATE OF TERMINATION
___________________________________________________________________________________________________
23 . Withdrawals from a partnership or distributions by a corporation
None If the debtor is a partnership or corporation, list all withdrawals or distributions credited or given to an insider,
including compensation in any form, bonuses, loans, stock redemptions, options exercised and any other perquisite
during one year immediately preceding the commencement of this case.
NAME & ADDRESS AMOUNT OF MONEY
OF RECIPIENT, DATE AND PURPOSE OR DESCRIPTION
RELATIONSHIP TO DEBTOR OF WITHDRAWAL AND VALUE OF PROPERTY
___________________________________________________________________
24. Tax Consolidation Group.
None If the debtor is a corporation, list the name and federal taxpayer-identification number of the parent corporation of any
consolidated group for tax purposes of which the debtor has been a member at any time within six years
immediately preceding the commencement of the case.
NAME OF PARENT CORPORATION TAXPAYER-IDENTIFICATION NUMBER (EIN)
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
25. Pension Funds.
None If the debtor is not an individual, list the name and federal taxpayer-identification number of any pension fund to
which the debtor, as an employer, has been responsible for contributing at any time within six years immediately
preceding the commencement of the case.
NAME OF PENSION FUND TAXPAYER-IDENTIFICATION NUMBER (EIN)
* * * * * *
11
[If completed by an individual or individual and spouse]
I declare under penalty of perjury that I have read the answers contained in the foregoing statement of financial affairs
and any attachments thereto and that they are true and correct.
Date
Signature
of Debtor
Date
Signature of
Joint Debtor
(if any)
____________________________________________________________________________
[If completed on behalf of a partnership or corporation]
I declare under penalty of perjury that I have read the answers contained in the foregoing statement of financial affairs and any attachments
thereto and that they are true and correct to the best of my knowledge, information and belief.
Date Signature
Print Name and
Title
[An individual signing on behalf of a partnership or corporation must indicate position or relationship to debtor.]
___continuation sheets attached
Penalty for making a false statement: Fine of up to $500,000 or imprisonment for up to 5 years, or both. 18 U.S.C. §§ 152 and 3571
___________________________________________________________________________________________________
DECLARATION AND SIGNATURE OF NON-ATTORNEY BANKRUPTCY PETITION PREPARER (See 11 U.S.C. § 110)
I declare under penalty of perjury that: (1) I am a bankruptcy petition preparer as defined in 11 U.S.C. § 110; (2) I prepared this document for
compensation and have provided the debtor with a copy of this document and the notices and information required under 11 U.S.C. §§ 110(b), 110(h), and
342(b); and, (3) if rules or guidelines have been promulgated pursuant to 11 U.S.C. § 110(h) setting a maximum fee for services chargeable by bankruptcy
petition preparers, I have given the debtor notice of the maximum amount before preparing any document for filing for a debtor or accepting any fee from
the debtor, as required by that section.
Printed or Typed Name and Title, if any, of Bankruptcy Petition Preparer Social-Security No. (Required by 11 U.S.C. § 110.)
If the bankruptcy petition preparer is not an individual, state the name, title (if any), address, and social-security number of the officer, principal,
responsible person, or partner who signs this document.
Address
Signature of Bankruptcy Petition Preparer Date
Names and Social-Security numbers of all other individuals who prepared or assisted in preparing this document unless the bankruptcy petition preparer is
not an individual:
If more than one person prepared this document, attach additional signed sheets conforming to the appropriate Official Form for each person
A bankruptcy petition preparer’s failure to comply with the provisions of title 11 and the Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure may result in
fines or imprisonment or both. 18 U.S.C. § 156.
Williams, McClure & Parmelee is dedicated to high quality legal representation of businesses and insurance companies in a variety of matters. We are experienced Texas civil litigation attorneys based in Fort Worth who know Texas courts and Texas law. For more information, please contact the law firm at 817-335-8800. The firm’s new office location is 5601 Bridge Street, Suite 300, Fort Worth, Texas 76112.
TEXAS CIVIL PRACTICE AND REMEDIES CODE CHAPTER 33. PROPORTIONATE RESPONSIBILITY
CIVIL PRACTICE AND REMEDIES CODE
TITLE 2. TRIAL, JUDGMENT, AND APPEAL
SUBTITLE C. JUDGMENTS
CHAPTER 33. PROPORTIONATE RESPONSIBILITY
SUBCHAPTER A. PROPORTIONATE RESPONSIBILITY
Sec. 33.001. PROPORTIONATE RESPONSIBILITY. In an action to which this chapter applies, a claimant may not recover damages if his percentage of responsibility is greater than 50 percent.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 959, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985. Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., 1st C.S., ch. 2, Sec. 2.04, eff. Sept. 2, 1987; Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 136, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
Sec. 33.002. APPLICABILITY. (a) This chapter applies to:
(1) any cause of action based on tort in which a defendant, settling person, or responsible third party is found responsible for a percentage of the harm for which relief is sought; or
(2) any action brought under the Deceptive Trade Practices-Consumer Protection Act (Subchapter E, Chapter 17, Business & Commerce Code) in which a defendant, settling person, or responsible third party is found responsible for a percentage of the harm for which relief is sought.
(b) Repealed by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 204, Sec. 4.10(1).
(c) This chapter does not apply to:
(1) an action to collect workers’ compensation benefits under the workers’ compensation laws of this state (Subtitle A, Title 5, Labor Code) or actions against an employer for exemplary damages arising out of the death of an employee;
(2) a claim for exemplary damages included in an action to which this chapter otherwise applies; or
(3) a cause of action for damages arising from the manufacture of methamphetamine as described by Chapter 99.
(d) to (h) Repealed by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 204, Sec. 4.10(1).
Added by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., 1st C.S., ch. 2, Sec. 2.05, eff. Sept. 2, 1987. Amended by Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 380, Sec. 4, eff. Sept. 1, 1989; Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 136, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995; Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 414, Sec. 17, eff. Sept. 1, 1995; Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 643, Sec. 2, eff. Sept. 1, 2001; Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 204, Sec. 4.01, 4.10(1), eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
Sec. 33.003. DETERMINATION OF PERCENTAGE OF RESPONSIBILITY. (a) The trier of fact, as to each cause of action asserted, shall determine the percentage of responsibility, stated in whole numbers, for the following persons with respect to each person’s causing or contributing to cause in any way the harm for which recovery of damages is sought, whether by negligent act or omission, by any defective or unreasonably dangerous product, by other conduct or activity that violates an applicable legal standard, or by any combination of these:
(1) each claimant;
(2) each defendant;
(3) each settling person; and
(4) each responsible third party who has been designated under Section 33.004.
(b) This section does not allow a submission to the jury of a question regarding conduct by any person without sufficient evidence to support the submission.
Added by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., 1st C.S., ch. 2, Sec. 2.06, eff. Sept. 2, 1987. Amended by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 136, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995; Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 204, Sec. 4.02, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
Sec. 33.004. DESIGNATION OF RESPONSIBLE THIRD PARTY. (a) A defendant may seek to designate a person as a responsible third party by filing a motion for leave to designate that person as a responsible third party. The motion must be filed on or before the 60th day before the trial date unless the court finds good cause to allow the motion to be filed at a later date.
(b) Nothing in this section affects the third-party practice as previously recognized in the rules and statutes of this state with regard to the assertion by a defendant of rights to contribution or indemnity. Nothing in this section affects the filing of cross-claims or counterclaims.
(c) Repealed by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 204, Sec. 4.10(2).
(d) A defendant may not designate a person as a responsible third party with respect to a claimant’s cause of action after the applicable limitations period on the cause of action has expired with respect to the responsible third party if the defendant has failed to comply with its obligations, if any, to timely disclose that the person may be designated as a responsible third party under the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure.
(e) Repealed by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 203, Sec. 5.02, eff. September 1, 2011.
(f) A court shall grant leave to designate the named person as a responsible third party unless another party files an objection to the motion for leave on or before the 15th day after the date the motion is served.
(g) If an objection to the motion for leave is timely filed, the court shall grant leave to designate the person as a responsible third party unless the objecting party establishes:
(1) the defendant did not plead sufficient facts concerning the alleged responsibility of the person to satisfy the pleading requirement of the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure; and
(2) after having been granted leave to replead, the defendant failed to plead sufficient facts concerning the alleged responsibility of the person to satisfy the pleading requirements of the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure.
(h) By granting a motion for leave to designate a person as a responsible third party, the person named in the motion is designated as a responsible third party for purposes of this chapter without further action by the court or any party.
(i) The filing or granting of a motion for leave to designate a person as a responsible third party or a finding of fault against the person:
(1) does not by itself impose liability on the person; and
(2) may not be used in any other proceeding, on the basis of res judicata, collateral estoppel, or any other legal theory, to impose liability on the person.
(j) Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, if, not later than 60 days after the filing of the defendant’s original answer, the defendant alleges in an answer filed with the court that an unknown person committed a criminal act that was a cause of the loss or injury that is the subject of the lawsuit, the court shall grant a motion for leave to designate the unknown person as a responsible third party if:
(1) the court determines that the defendant has pleaded facts sufficient for the court to determine that there is a reasonable probability that the act of the unknown person was criminal;
(2) the defendant has stated in the answer all identifying characteristics of the unknown person, known at the time of the answer; and
(3) the allegation satisfies the pleading requirements of the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure.
(k) An unknown person designated as a responsible third party under Subsection (j) is denominated as “Jane Doe” or “John Doe” until the person’s identity is known.
(l) After adequate time for discovery, a party may move to strike the designation of a responsible third party on the ground that there is no evidence that the designated person is responsible for any portion of the claimant’s alleged injury or damage. The court shall grant the motion to strike unless a defendant produces sufficient evidence to raise a genuine issue of fact regarding the designated person’s responsibility for the claimant’s injury or damage.
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 136, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995. Amended by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 204, Sec. 4.03, 4.04, 4.10(2), eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
Amended by:
Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 203 (H.B. 274), Sec. 5.01, eff. September 1, 2011.
Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 203 (H.B. 274), Sec. 5.02, eff. September 1, 2011.
SUBCHAPTER B. CONTRIBUTION
Sec. 33.011. DEFINITIONS. In this chapter:
(1) “Claimant” means a person seeking recovery of damages, including a plaintiff, counterclaimant, cross-claimant, or third-party plaintiff. In an action in which a party seeks recovery of damages for injury to another person, damage to the property of another person, death of another person, or other harm to another person, “claimant” includes:
(A) the person who was injured, was harmed, or died or whose property was damaged; and
(B) any person who is seeking, has sought, or could seek recovery of damages for the injury, harm, or death of that person or for the damage to the property of that person.
(2) “Defendant” includes any person from whom, at the time of the submission of the case to the trier of fact, a claimant seeks recovery of damages.
(3) “Liable defendant” means a defendant against whom a judgment can be entered for at least a portion of the damages awarded to the claimant.
(4) “Percentage of responsibility” means that percentage, stated in whole numbers, attributed by the trier of fact to each claimant, each defendant, each settling person, or each responsible third party with respect to causing or contributing to cause in any way, whether by negligent act or omission, by any defective or unreasonably dangerous product, by other conduct or activity violative of the applicable legal standard, or by any combination of the foregoing, the personal injury, property damage, death, or other harm for which recovery of damages is sought.
(5) “Settling person” means a person who has, at any time, paid or promised to pay money or anything of monetary value to a claimant in consideration of potential liability with respect to the personal injury, property damage, death, or other harm for which recovery of damages is sought.
(6) “Responsible third party” means any person who is alleged to have caused or contributed to causing in any way the harm for which recovery of damages is sought, whether by negligent act or omission, by any defective or unreasonably dangerous product, by other conduct or activity that violates an applicable legal standard, or by any combination of these. The term “responsible third party” does not include a seller eligible for indemnity under Section 82.002.
(7) Repealed by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 204, Sec. 4.10(3).
Sec. 33.012. AMOUNT OF RECOVERY. (a) If the claimant is not barred from recovery under Section 33.001, the court shall reduce the amount of damages to be recovered by the claimant with respect to a cause of action by a percentage equal to the claimant’s percentage of responsibility.
(b) If the claimant has settled with one or more persons, the court shall further reduce the amount of damages to be recovered by the claimant with respect to a cause of action by the sum of the dollar amounts of all settlements.
(c) Notwithstanding Subsection (b), if the claimant in a health care liability claim filed under Chapter 74 has settled with one or more persons, the court shall further reduce the amount of damages to be recovered by the claimant with respect to a cause of action by an amount equal to one of the following, as elected by the defendant:
(1) the sum of the dollar amounts of all settlements; or
(2) a percentage equal to each settling person’s percentage of responsibility as found by the trier of fact.
(d) An election made under Subsection (c) shall be made by any defendant filing a written election before the issues of the action are submitted to the trier of fact and when made, shall be binding on all defendants. If no defendant makes this election or if conflicting elections are made, all defendants are considered to have elected Subsection (c)(1).
(e) This section shall not apply to benefits paid by or on behalf of an employer to an employee pursuant to workers’ compensation insurance coverage, as defined in Section 401.011(44), Labor Code, in effect at the time of the act, event, or occurrence made the basis of claimant’s suit.
Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 277 (S.B. 890), Sec. 1, eff. June 9, 2005.
Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 728 (H.B. 2018), Sec. 23.001(6), eff. September 1, 2005.
Sec. 33.013. AMOUNT OF LIABILITY. (a) Except as provided in Subsection (b), a liable defendant is liable to a claimant only for the percentage of the damages found by the trier of fact equal to that defendant’s percentage of responsibility with respect to the personal injury, property damage, death, or other harm for which the damages are allowed.
(b) Notwithstanding Subsection (a), each liable defendant is, in addition to his liability under Subsection (a), jointly and severally liable for the damages recoverable by the claimant under Section 33.012 with respect to a cause of action if:
(1) the percentage of responsibility attributed to the defendant with respect to a cause of action is greater than 50 percent; or
(2) the defendant, with the specific intent to do harm to others, acted in concert with another person to engage in the conduct described in the following provisions of the Penal Code and in so doing proximately caused the damages legally recoverable by the claimant:
(G) Section 22.04 (injury to a child, elderly individual, or disabled individual);
(H) Section 32.21 (forgery);
(I) Section 32.43 (commercial bribery);
(J) Section 32.45 (misapplication of fiduciary property or property of financial institution);
(K) Section 32.46 (securing execution of document by deception);
(L) Section 32.47 (fraudulent destruction, removal, or concealment of writing);
(M) conduct described in Chapter 31 the punishment level for which is a felony of the third degree or higher; or
(N) Section 21.02 (continuous sexual abuse of young child or children).
(c) Repealed by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 204, Sec. 4.10(5).
(d) This section does not create a cause of action.
(e) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary stated in the provisions of the Penal Code listed in Subsection (b)(2), that subsection applies only if the claimant proves the defendant acted or failed to act with specific intent to do harm. A defendant acts with specific intent to do harm with respect to the nature of the defendant’s conduct and the result of the person’s conduct when it is the person’s conscious effort or desire to engage in the conduct for the purpose of doing substantial harm to others.
(f) The jury may not be made aware through voir dire, introduction into evidence, instruction, or any other means that the conduct to which Subsection (b)(2) refers is defined by the Penal Code.
Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 593 (H.B. 8), Sec. 3.02, eff. September 1, 2007.
Sec. 33.015. CONTRIBUTION. (a) If a defendant who is jointly and severally liable under Section 33.013 pays a percentage of the damages for which the defendant is jointly and severally liable greater than his percentage of responsibility, that defendant has a right of contribution for the overpayment against each other liable defendant to the extent that the other liable defendant has not paid the percentage of the damages found by the trier of fact equal to that other defendant’s percentage of responsibility.
(b) As among themselves, each of the defendants who is jointly and severally liable under Section 33.013 is liable for the damages recoverable by the claimant under Section 33.012 in proportion to his respective percentage of responsibility. If a defendant who is jointly and severally liable pays a larger proportion of those damages than is required by his percentage of responsibility, that defendant has a right of contribution for the overpayment against each other defendant with whom he is jointly and severally liable under Section 33.013 to the extent that the other defendant has not paid the proportion of those damages required by that other defendant’s percentage of responsibility.
(c) If for any reason a liable defendant does not pay or contribute the portion of the damages required by his percentage of responsibility, the amount of the damages not paid or contributed by that defendant shall be paid or contributed by the remaining defendants who are jointly and severally liable for those damages. The additional amount to be paid or contributed by each of the defendants who is jointly and severally liable for those damages shall be in proportion to his respective percentage of responsibility.
(d) No defendant has a right of contribution against any settling person.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 959, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985. Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., 1st C.S., ch. 2, Sec. 2.11, eff. Sept. 2, 1987; Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 136, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
Sec. 33.016. CLAIM AGAINST CONTRIBUTION DEFENDANT. (a) In this section, “contribution defendant” means any defendant, counterdefendant, or third-party defendant from whom any party seeks contribution with respect to any portion of damages for which that party may be liable, but from whom the claimant seeks no relief at the time of submission.
(b) Each liable defendant is entitled to contribution from each person who is not a settling person and who is liable to the claimant for a percentage of responsibility but from whom the claimant seeks no relief at the time of submission. A party may assert this contribution right against any such person as a contribution defendant in the claimant’s action.
(c) The trier of fact shall determine as a separate issue or finding of fact the percentage of responsibility with respect to each contribution defendant and these findings shall be solely for purposes of this section and Section 33.015 and not as a part of the percentages of responsibility determined under Section 33.003. Only the percentage of responsibility of each defendant and contribution defendant shall be included in this determination.
(d) As among liable defendants, including each defendant who is jointly and severally liable under Section 33.013, each contribution defendant’s percentage of responsibility is to be included for all purposes of Section 33.015. The amount to be contributed by each contribution defendant pursuant to Section 33.015 shall be in proportion to his respective percentage of responsibility relative to the sum of percentages of responsibility of all liable defendants and liable contribution defendants.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 959, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985. Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., 1st C.S., ch. 2, Sec. 2.11A, eff. Sept. 2, 1987; Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 136, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
Sec. 33.017. PRESERVATION OF EXISTING RIGHTS OF INDEMNITY. Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to affect any rights of indemnity granted by any statute, by contract, or by common law. To the extent of any conflict between this chapter and any right to indemnification granted by statute, contract, or common law, those rights of indemnification shall prevail over the provisions of this chapter.
North Central Texas1. Hardeman – Chillicothe, Goodlett, Quanah
2. Wilbarger – Fargo, Harrold, Lockett, Oklaunion, Vernon
3. Wichita – Burkburnett, Electra, Iowa Park, Wichita Falls
4. Clay – Bellevue, Byers, Dean, Henrietta, Jolly, Joy, Petrolia
5. Montague – Bowie, Forestburg, Montague, Nocona, St. Jo
6. Cooke – Callisburg, Gainesville, Lindsay, Muenster, Oak Ridge
7. Foard – Crowell, Thalia
8. Knox – Benjamin, Goree, Knox City, Munday
9. Baylor – Seymour
10. Archer – Archer City, Holliday, Megargel, Scotland, Windthorst
11. Haskell – Haskell, O’Brien, Paint Creek, Rochester, Rule, Sagerton, Stamford, Weinert
12. Throckmorton – Throckmorton, Woodson
13. Young – Graham, Jean, Loving, Newcastle, Olney
14. Jack – Bryson, Jacksboro, Jermyn, Perrin
15. Wise – Alvord, Aurora, Balsora, Boonsvile, Boyd, Briar, Bridgeport, Chico, Cottondale, Decatur, Fairview, Newark, Paradise, Rhome, Runaway Bay, Slidell
16. Denton – Argyle, Aubrey, Bartonville, Carrollton, Copper Canyon, Corinth, Corral City, Cross Roads, Dallas, Denton, Double Oak, Flower Mound, Fort Worth, Frisco, Hackberry, Haslet, Hebron, Hickory Creek, Highland Village, Justin, Krugerville, Krum, Lake Dallas, Lakewood Village, Lewisville, Lincoln Park, Little Elm, Marshall Creek, Northlake, Oak Point, Pilot Point, Ponder, Providence Village, Roanoke, Sanger, Shady Shores, Southlake, The Colony, Trophy Club, Westlake
17. Jones – Anson, Hamlin, Hawley, Lueders, Stamford
18. Shackelford – Albany, Moran
19. Stephens – Breckenridge, Caddo
20. Palo Pinto – Gordon, Graford, Mineral Wells, Mingus, Palo Pinto, Santo, Strawn
21. Parker – Aledo, Annetta, Azle, Briar, Cool, Hudson Oaks, Millsap, Poolville, Reno, Sanctuary, Springtown, Weatherford, Willow Park
22. Tarrant – Arlington, Bedford, Benbrook, Blue Mound, Colleyville, Crowley, Dalworthington Gardens, Eagle Mountain, Edgecliff Village, Euless, Everman, Forest Hill, Fort Worth, Grapevine, Grand Prairie, Haltom City, Hurst, Keller, Kennedale, Lake Worth, Lakeside, Newark, North Richland Hills, Pantego, Pecan Acres, Pelican Bay, Rendon, Richland Hills, River Oaks, Saginaw, Sansom Park, Southlake, Watauga, Westover Hills, Westworth Village, White Settlement
23. Taylor – Abilene, Buffalo Gap, Impact, Lawn, Merkel, Ovalo, Potosi, Trent, Tuscola, Tye
24. Callahan – Baird, Clyde, Cross Plains, Putnam
25. Eastland – Carbon, Cisco, Desdemona, Eastland, Gorman, Ranger, Rising Star
26. Erath – Dublin, Morgan Mill, Stephenville
27. Hood – Cresson, Granbury, Lipan, Oak Trail Shores, Pecan Plantation, Tolar
28. Somervell – Glen Rose, Rainbow
29. Johnson – Alvarado, Briaroaks, Burleson, Cleburne, Cross Timber, Godley, Grandview, Joshua, Keene, Rio Vista, Venus
Northeast Texas1. Grayson – Bells, Collinsville, Denison, Dorchester, Gunter, Howe, Knollwood, Pottsboro, Sadler, Sherman, Southmayd, Tioga, Tom Bean, Van Alstyne, Whitesboro, Whitewright
2. Fannin – Bailey, Bonham, Dodd City, Ector, Honey Grove, Ivanhoe, Ladonia, Leonard, Monkstown, Randolph, Ravenna, Savoy, Telephone, Trenton, Windom
3. Lamar – Blossom, Deport, Paris, Powderly, Roxton, Sumner
4. Red River – Annona, Avery, Bogata, Clarksville, Detroit
5. Bowie – Dalby Springs, De Kalb, Hooks, Leary, Maud, Nash, New Boston, Red Lick, Redwater, Simms, Texarkana, Wake Village
6. Collin -McKinney, Allen, Frisco, Plano, Melissa, Wylie
7. Hunt – Caddo Mills, Campbell, Celeste, Commerce, Greenville, Lone Oak, Quinlan, West Tawakoni, Wolfe City
8. Delta – Ben Franklin, Cooper, Klondike, Pecan Gap
9. Hopkins – Brashear, Como, Cumby, Pickton, Saltillo, Sulphur Bluff, Sulphur Springs, Tira
10. Franklin – Mount Vernon, Scroggins, Winnsboro
11. Titus – Cookville, Mount Pleasant, Talco, Winfield
12. Morris – Daingerfield, Lone Star, Naples, Omaha
13. Cass – Atlanta, Avinger, Bivins, Bloomburg, Bryans Mill, Domino, Douglassville, Hughes Springs, Linden, Marietta, Queen City
14. Dallas – Addison, Balch Springs, Cedar Hill, Carrollton, Cockrell Hill, Combine, Coppell, Dallas, DeSoto, Duncanville, Farmers Branch, Ferris, Garland, Glenn Heights, Grand Prairie, Grapevine, Highland Park, Hutchins, Irving, Lancaster, Lewisville, Mesquite, Ovilla, Rowlett, Seagoville, Sunnyvale, University Park, Wilmer
15. Rockwall – Fate, Heath, McLendon-Chisholm, Mobile City, Rockwall, Rowlett, Royse City
16. Rains – East Tawakoni, Emory, Point
17. Wood – Alba, Hawkins, Mineola, Quitman, Winnsboro, Yantis
18. Camp – Leesburg, Pittsburg, Rocky Mound
19. Upshur – Bettie, Big Sandy, Diana, East Mountain, Gilmer, Ore City, Union Grove
20. Marion – Jefferson
21. Ellis – Alma, Bardwell, Ennis, Ferris, Garrett, Grand Prairie, Italy, Mansfield, Maypearl, Midlothian, Milford, Oak Leaf, Ovilla, Palmer, Pecan Hill, Red Oak, Telico, Venus, Waxahachie
22. Kaufman – Crandall, Combine, Dallas, Forney, Grays Prairie, Kaufman, Kemp, Lawrence, Mabank, Oak Grove, Oak Ridge, Post Oak Bend, Rosser, Scurry, Talty, Terrell
23. Van Zandt – Ben Wheeler, Canton, Edgewood, Edom, Fruitvale, Grand Saline, Van, Wills Point
24. Navarro – Angus, Barry, Blooming Grove, Corsicana, Dawson, Emhouse, Eureka, Frost, Goodlow Park, Kerens, Mildred, Mustang, Navarro, Oak Valley, Powell, Purdon, Retreat, Rice, Richland, Silver City
25. Henderson – Athens, Berryville, Brownsboro, Caney City, Chandler, Coffee City, Enchanted Oaks, Eustace, Evelyn, Gun Barrel City, Log Cabin, Mabank, Malakoff, Moore Station, Murchison, Payne Springs, Poynor, Seven Points, Star Harbor, Tool, Trinidad
26. Smith – Arp, Bullard, Lindale, New Chapel Hill, Noonday, Troup, Tyler, Whitehouse, Winona
27. Gregg – Clarksville City, Easton, Gladewater, Kilgore, Lakeport, Liberty City, Longview, Warren City, White Oak
28. Harrison – Elysian Fields, Gill, Hallsville, Harleton, Jonesville, Karnack, Latex, Longview, Marshall, Nesbitt, Scottsville, Uncertain, Waskom, Woodlawn
29. Rusk – Henderson, Laneville, Mount Enterprise, New London, Overton, Pinehill, Tatum, Turnertown
30. Panola – Beckville, Bethany, Carthage, Clayton, Deadwood, De Berry, Gary City, Long Branch, Murvaul, Tatum
Southern West Texas 1. El Paso – Agua Dulce, Anthony, Butterfield, Canutillo, Clint, El Paso, Fabens, Fort Bliss, Homestead Meadows North, Homestead Meadows South, Horizon City, Morning Glory, Newman, Prado Verde, San Elizario, Socorro, Sparks, Tornillo, Vinton, Westway
2. Hudspeth – Dell City, Fort Hancock, Salt Flat, Sierra Blanca
3. Culberson – Van Horn
4. Reeves – Balmorhea, Lindsay, Pecos, Toyah
5. Loving – Mentone
6. Winkler – Kermit, Wink
7. Ector – Gardendale, Goldsmith, Odessa, West Odessa
8. Midland – Midland
9. Ward – Barstow, Grandfalls, Monahans, Pyote, Thorntonville, Wickett
10. Crane – Crane
11. Upton – McCamey, Rankin
12. Jeff Davis – Fort Davis, Valentine
13. Pecos – Coyanosa, Fort Stockton, Imperial, Sheffield
14. Presidio – Marfa, Presidio, Redford
15. Brewster – Alpine, Marathon
16. Terrell – Dryden, Sanderson
Central West Texas1. Glasscock – Garden City
2. Sterling – Sterling City
3. Coke – Blackwell, Bronte, Robert Lee, Silver
4. Runnels – Ballinger, Miles, Norton, Rowena, Wingate, Winters
5. Coleman – Burkett, Coleman, Goldsboro, Gouldbusk, Novice, Rockwood, Santa Anna, Talpa, Valera, Voss
6. Brown – Bangs, Blanket, Brookesmith, Brownwood, Early, May, Zephyr
7. Reagan – Big Lake
8. Irion – Barnhart, Mertzon
9. Tom Green – Carlsbad, Christoval, Mereta, San Angelo, Vancourt, Wall
10. Concho – Eden, Eola, Millersview, Paint Rock
11. McCulloch – Brady, Doole, Lohn, Melvin, Pear Valley, Rochelle, Voca
12. Crockett – Ozona
13. Schleicher – Eldorado
14. Menard – Fort McKavett, Menard
15. Mason – Art, Fredonia, Mason, Pontotoc
16. Sutton – Sonora
17. Kimble – Junction, London, Roosevelt
18. Gillespie – Fredericksburg, Harper, Luckenbach, Stonewall, Willow City
19. Val Verde – Comstock, Del Rio, Langtry, Pandale
20. Edwards – Barksdale, Rocksprings
21. Real – Camp Wood, Leakey, Rio Frio
22. Kerr – Center Point, Ingram, Kerrville, Mountain Home
23. Bandera – Bandera, Medina, Vanderpool
24. Kinney – Brackettville
25. Uvalde – Sabinal, Utopia, Uvalde
26. Medina – Castroville, Devine, D’Hanis, Hondo, Mico, Natalia
Central Texas1. Comanche – Comanche, Gustine
2. Hamilton – Hamilton, Hico
3. Bosque – Clifton, Cranfills Gap, Iredell, Meridian, Morgan, Valley Mills, Walnut Springs
4. Hill – Abbott, Blum, Hillsboro, Hubbard, Itasca, Malone, Mount Calm, Penelope, Whitney
5. Mills – Goldthwaite, Mullin, Priddy, Star
6. San Saba – Richland Springs, San Saba
7. Lampasas – Adamsville, Kempner, Lampasas, Lometa
8. Coryell – Copperas Cove, Evant, Gatesville, Jonesboro, Oglesby, South Mountain
9. McLennan – Axtell, Bellmead, Beverly Hills, China Springs, Crawford, Elm Mott, Gholson, Hallsburg, Hewitt, Lacy-Lakeview, Leroy, Lorena, Mart, McGregor, Moody, Riesel, Robinson, Ross, Waco, West, Woodway
10. Limestone – Coolidge, Groesbeck, Kosse, Mexia, Personville, Tehuacana, Thornton
11. Falls – Chilton, Golinda, Lott, Marlin, Reagan, Rosebud
12. Bell – Academy, Bartlett, Belton, Ding Dong, Harker Heights, Holland, Killeen, Nolanville, Rogers, Salado, Temple, Troy
13. Llano – Buchanan Dam, Castell, Kingsland, Llano, Sunrise Beach Village, Tow, Valley Spring
14. Burnet – Bertram, Burnet, Cottonwood Shores, Marble Falls
15. Williamson – Cedar Park, Florence, Georgetown, Granger, Hutto, Jarrell, Leander, Round Rock, Taylor, Thrall
16. Milam – Buckholts, Burlington, Cameron, Davilla, Gause, Milano, Rockdale, Thorndale
17. Robertson – Bremond, Calvert, Franklin, Hearne
18. Blanco – Blanco, Johnson City, Round Mountain
19. Travis – Austin, Del Valley, Garfield, Jollyville, Jonestown, Lago Vista, Lakeway, Manchaca, Pflugerville, Rollingwood, West Lake Hills
20. Lee – Dime Box, Giddings, Lexington, Lincoln
21. Burleson – Caldwell, Snook, Somerville
22. Brazos – Bryan, College Station
23. Kendall – Bergheim, Boerne, Comfort, Kendalia
24. Comal – Bulverde, Canyon Lake Forest, Fischer, Garden Ridge, New Braunfels, Spring Branch
25. Hays – Buda, Driftwood, Dripping Springs, Kyle, San Marcos, Wimberley
26. Caldwell – Dale, Lockhart, Luling, Martindale, Niederwald, Uhland, Maxwell
27. Bastrop – Bastrop, Cedar Creek, Elgin, Paige, Smithville
28. Washington – Brenham, Burton, Chappell Hill, Independence
29. Bexar – Alamo Heights, Balcones Heights, China Grove, Converse, Fair Oaks Ranch, Helotes, Hollywood Park, Kirby, Leon Valley, Live Oak, Olmos Park, San Antonio, Shavano Park, Somerset, St. Hedwig, Terrell Hills, Von Ormy, Windcrest
30. Guadalupe – Cibolo, Marion, McQueeney, Seguin, Schertz
31. Gonzales – Gonzales, Nixon, Smiley, Waelder
32. Fayette – Carmine, Fayetteville, Flatonia, La Grange, Schulenburg
33. Lavaca – Hallettsville, Moulton, Shiner
34. Colorado – Columbus, Garwood, Eagle Lake, Weimar
Central East Texas1. Freestone – Fairfield, Oakwood, Streetman, Teague, Worthman
2. Anderson – Cayuga, Elkhart, Frankston, Montalba, Palestine
3. Cherokee – Alto, Cumey, Gallatin, Jacksonville, Mount Selman, New Summerfield, Rusk, Wells
4. Nacogdoches – Appleby, Chireno, Cushing, Douglass, Garrison, Nacogdoches
5. Shelby – Center, Huxley, Joaquin, Neuville, Shelbyville, Tenaha, Timpson
6. Leon – Buffalo, Centerville, Jewett, Leona, Marquez, Normangee, Oakwood
7. Houston – Crockett, Grapeland, Kennard, Latexo, Lovelady, Porter Springs
8. Angelina – Burke, Diboll, Huntington, Lufkin, Pollok, Zavalla
9. San Augustine – Broaddus, San Augustine
10. Sabine – Bronson, Hemphill, Milam, Pineland
11. Madison – Madisonville, Midway, North Zulch
12. Trinity – Apple Springs, Glendale, Groveton, Trinity
13. Grimes – Anderson, Navasota
14. Walker – Huntsville, New Waverly
15. San Jacinto – Coldspring, Oakhurst, Pointblank, Shepherd
16. Polk – Corrigan, Goodrich, Livingston, Moscow, Onalaska, Seven Oaks
17. Tyler – Chester, Colmesneil, Fred, Spurger, Warren, Woodville
18. Jasper – Browndell, Buna, Evadale, Jasper, Kirbyville
19. Newton – Burkeville, Deweyville, Newton
20. Montgomery – Conroe, Cut and Shoot, Magnolia, Oak Ridge North, Porter, Shenandoah, Splendora, The Woodlands, Willis
21. Liberty – Cleveland, Daisetta, Dayton, Hardin, Hull, Liberty
22. Hardin – Batson, Kountze, Loeb, Lumberton, Saratoga, Silsbee, Sour Lake
23. Orange – Bridge City, Mauriceville, Orange, Orangefield, Rose City, Vidor, West Orange
24. Austin – Bellville, Bleiblerville, Cat Spring, New Ulm, Industry, San Felipe, Sealy, Wallis
25. Waller – Brookshire, Hempstead, Katy, Pattison, Prairie View, Waller
26. Harris – Atascocita, Barrett, Baytown, Bellaire, Bunker Hill Village, Channelview, Cloverleaf, Crosby, Deer Park, El Lago, Friendswood, Galena Park, Hedwig Village, Highlands, Hilshire Village, Houston, Humble, Hunters Creek Village, Jacinto City, Jersey Village, Katy, Klein, La Porte, League City, Missouri City, Morgan’s Point, Nassau Bay, Pasadena, Pearland, Piney Point Village, Seabrook, Sheldon, Shoreacres, South Houston, Southside Place, Spring, Spring Valley, Stafford, Taylor Lake Village, Tomball, Webster, West University Place
27. Chambers – Anahuac, Baytown, Beach City, Mont Belvieu, Seabrook, Shoreacres, Stowell, Wallisville, Winnie
28. Jefferson – Beaumont, Bevil Oaks, China, Groves, Nederland, Port Arthur, Port Neches, Sabine Pass
29. Fort Bend – Fulshear, Katy, Kendleton, Meadows, Missouri City, Needville, Rosenberg, Simonton, Stafford, Sugar Land
30. Galveston – Bacliff, Bayou Vista, Clear Lake Shores, Dickinson, Friendswood, Galveston, High Island, Hitchcock, Jamaica Beach, Kemah, La Marque, League City, Port Bolivar, San Leon, Santa Fe, Texas City, Tiki Island
31. Wharton – Boling, East Bernard, El Campo, Louise, Newgulf, Wharton
32. Brazoria – Alvin, Angleton, Brazoria, Clute, Danbury, Freeport, Hillcrest, Lake Jackson, Liverpool, Manvel, Oyster Creek, Pearland, Richwood, West Columbia
33. Matagorda – Bay City, Markham, Matagorda, Palacios, Van Vleck
South Texas1. Maverick – Eagle Pass, Quemado
2. Zavala – Batesville, Crystal City, La Pryor
3. Dimmit – Asherton, Big Wells, Carrizo Springs
4. Frio – Bigfoot, Dilley, Moore, Pearsall
5. La Salle – Cotulla, Fowlerton
6. Atascosa – Campbellton, Charlotte, Christine, Jourdanton, Leming, Lytle, Pleasanton, Poteet
7. McMullen – Calliham, Tilden
8. Wilson – Floresville, La Vernia, Poth, Stockdale
9. Karnes – Falls City, Gillett, Karnes City, Kenedy, Runge
10. Live Oak – George West, Three Rivers
11. De Witt – Arneckville, Cuero, Nordheim, Yoakum, Yorktown
12. Jackson – Cordele, Edna, Ganado, Vanderbilt
13. Goliad – Ander, Goliad
14. Victoria – Bloomington, Inez, Victoria
15. Calhoun – Point Comfort, Port Lavaca, Seadrift
16. Bee – Beeville, Pettus, Skidmore
17. Refugio – Austwell, Bayside, Refugio, Tivoli, Woodsboro
18. Aransas – Fulton, Rockport
19. San Patricio – Aransas Pass, Gregory, Ingleside, Odem, Portland, San Patricio, Sinton, Taft
20. Webb – Botines, Bruni, El Cenizo, La Presa, Laredo, Laredo Ranchettes, Larga Vista, Mirando City, Oilton, Ranchitos Las Lomas, Ranchos Penitas West, Rio Bravo
21. Duval – Benavides, Concepcion, Freer, Realitos, San Diego
22. Jim Wells – Alice, Pernitas Point, Orange Grove, Premont
23. Nueces – Agua Dulce, Corpus Christi, Driscoll, Ingleside, Petronila, Portland, Port Aransas, Robstown
24. Kleberg – Kingsville, Riviera
25. Zapata – Zapata
26. Jim Hogg – Hebbronville
27. Brooks – Encino, Falfurrias
28. Kenedy – Sarita
29. Starr – Escobares, Garciasville, La Grulla, Rio Grande City, Roma-Los Saenz, Santa Elena
30. Hidalgo – Abram, Alamo, Alton, Donna, Edcouch, Edinburg, Elsa, Hidalgo, La Joya, Lopezville, Mercedes, Mission, Pharr, Progreso, San Juan, Sullivan City, Weslaco
31. Willacy – Lyford, Port Mansfield, Raymondville, San Perlita, Sebastian
32. Cameron – Brownsville, Combes, Harlingen, La Feria, Laguna Heights, Laureles, Los Fresnos, Port Isabel, Primera, Rio Hondo ,San Benito, South Padre Island
Williams, McClure & Parmelee is dedicated to high quality legal representation of businesses and insurance companies in a variety of matters. We are experienced Texas civil litigation attorneys based in Fort Worth who know Texas courts and Texas law. For more information, please contact the law firm at 817-335-8800. The firm’s new office location is 5601 Bridge Street, Suite 300, Fort Worth, Texas 76112.
TEXAS BUSINESS ORGANIZATIONS CODE CHAPTER 101. LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANIES
BUSINESS ORGANIZATIONS CODE
TITLE 3. LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANIES
CHAPTER 101. LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANIES
SUBCHAPTER A. GENERAL PROVISIONS
Sec. 101.001. DEFINITIONS. In this title:
(1) “Company agreement” means any agreement, written or oral, of the members concerning the affairs or the conduct of the business of a limited liability company. A company agreement of a limited liability company having only one member is not unenforceable because only one person is a party to the company agreement.
(2) “Foreign limited liability company” or “foreign company” means a limited liability company formed under the laws of a jurisdiction other than this state.
(3) “Limited liability company” or “company” means a domestic limited liability company subject to this title.
Sec. 101.002. APPLICABILITY OF OTHER LAWS. (a) Subject to Section 101.114, Sections 21.223, 21.224, 21.225, and 21.226 apply to a limited liability company and the company’s members, owners, assignees, affiliates, and subscribers.
(b) For purposes of the application of Subsection (a):
(1) a reference to “shares” includes “membership interests”;
(2) a reference to “holder,” “owner,” or “shareholder” includes a “member” and an “assignee”;
(3) a reference to “corporation” or “corporate” includes a “limited liability company”;
(4) a reference to “directors” includes “managers” of a manager-managed limited liability company and “members” of a member-managed limited liability company;
(5) a reference to “bylaws” includes “company agreement”; and
(6) the reference to “Sections 21.157-21.162” in Section 21.223(a)(1) refers to the provisions of Subchapter D of this chapter.
Added by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 25 (S.B. 323), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2011.
SUBCHAPTER B. FORMATION AND GOVERNING DOCUMENTS
Sec. 101.051. CERTAIN PROVISIONS CONTAINED IN CERTIFICATE OF FORMATION. (a) A provision that may be contained in the company agreement of a limited liability company may alternatively be included in the certificate of formation of the company as provided by Section 3.005(b).
(b) A reference in this title to the company agreement of a limited liability company includes any provision contained in the company’s certificate of formation instead of the company agreement as provided by Subsection (a).
Sec. 101.0515. EXECUTION OF FILINGS. Unless otherwise provided by this title, a filing instrument of a limited liability company must be signed by an authorized officer, manager, or member of the limited liability company.
Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 688 (H.B. 1737), Sec. 96, eff. September 1, 2007.
Sec. 101.052. COMPANY AGREEMENT. (a) Except as provided by Section 101.054, the company agreement of a limited liability company governs:
(1) the relations among members, managers, and officers of the company, assignees of membership interests in the company, and the company itself; and
(2) other internal affairs of the company.
(b) To the extent that the company agreement of a limited liability company does not otherwise provide, this title and the provisions of Title 1 applicable to a limited liability company govern the internal affairs of the company.
(c) Except as provided by Section 101.054, a provision of this title or Title 1 that is applicable to a limited liability company may be waived or modified in the company agreement of a limited liability company.
(d) The company agreement may contain any provisions for the regulation and management of the affairs of the limited liability company not inconsistent with law or the certificate of formation.
(e) A company agreement may provide rights to any person, including a person who is not a party to the company agreement, to the extent provided by the company agreement.
Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 9 (S.B. 847), Sec. 5, eff. September 1, 2013.
Sec. 101.053. AMENDMENT OF COMPANY AGREEMENT. The company agreement of a limited liability company may be amended only if each member of the company consents to the amendment.
Sec. 101.054. WAIVER OR MODIFICATION OF CERTAIN STATUTORY PROVISIONS PROHIBITED; EXCEPTIONS. (a) Except as provided by this section, the following provisions may not be waived or modified in the company agreement of a limited liability company:
(1) this section;
(2) Section 101.101, 101.151, 101.206, 101.501, 101.602(b), or 101.613;
(3) Chapter 1, if the provision is used to interpret a provision or define a word or phrase contained in a section listed in this subsection;
(4) Chapter 2, except that Section 2.104(c)(2), 2.104(c)(3), or 2.113 may be waived or modified in the company agreement;
(5) Chapter 3, except that Subchapters C and E may be waived or modified in the company agreement; or
(6) Chapter 4, 5, 7, 10, 11, or 12, other than Section 11.056.
(b) A provision listed in Subsection (a) may be waived or modified in the company agreement if the provision that is waived or modified authorizes the limited liability company to waive or modify the provision in the company’s governing documents.
(c) A provision listed in Subsection (a) may be modified in the company agreement if the provision that is modified specifies:
(1) the person or group of persons entitled to approve a modification; or
(2) the vote or other method by which a modification is required to be approved.
(d) A provision in this title or in that part of Title 1 applicable to a limited liability company that grants a right to a person, other than a member, manager, officer, or assignee of a membership interest in a limited liability company, may be waived or modified in the company agreement of the company only if the person consents to the waiver or modification.
(e) The company agreement may not unreasonably restrict a person’s right of access to records and information under Section 101.502.
Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 688 (H.B. 1737), Sec. 97, eff. September 1, 2007.
Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 84 (S.B. 1442), Sec. 38, eff. September 1, 2009.
Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 139 (S.B. 748), Sec. 34, eff. September 1, 2011.
SUBCHAPTER C. MEMBERSHIP
Sec. 101.101. MEMBERS REQUIRED. (a) A limited liability company may have one or more members. Except as provided by this section, a limited liability company must have at least one member.
(b) A limited liability company that has managers is not required to have any members during a reasonable period between the date the company is formed and the date the first member is admitted to the company.
(c) A limited liability company is not required to have any members during the period between the date the continued membership of the last remaining member of the company is terminated and the date the agreement to continue the company described by Section 11.056 is executed.
Sec. 101.102. QUALIFICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP. (a) A person may be a member of or acquire a membership interest in a limited liability company unless the person lacks capacity apart from this code.
(b) A person is not required, as a condition to becoming a member of or acquiring a membership interest in a limited liability company, to:
(1) make a contribution to the company;
(2) otherwise pay cash or transfer property to the company; or
(3) assume an obligation to make a contribution or otherwise pay cash or transfer property to the company.
(c) If one or more persons own a membership interest in a limited liability company, the company agreement may provide for a person to be admitted to the company as a member without acquiring a membership interest in the company.
Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 64 (H.B. 1319), Sec. 71, eff. January 1, 2006.
Sec. 101.103. EFFECTIVE DATE OF MEMBERSHIP. (a) In connection with the formation of a company, a person becomes a member of the company on the date the company is formed if the person is named as an initial member in the company’s certificate of formation.
(b) In connection with the formation of a company, a person being admitted as a member of the company but not named as an initial member in the company’s certificate of formation becomes a member of the company on the latest of:
(1) the date the company is formed;
(2) the date stated in the company’s records as the date the person becomes a member of the company; or
(3) if the company’s records do not state a date described by Subdivision (2), the date the person’s admission to the company is first reflected in the company’s records.
(c) A person who, after the formation of a limited liability company, acquires directly or is assigned a membership interest in the company or is admitted as a member of the company without acquiring a membership interest becomes a member of the company on approval or consent of all of the company’s members.
Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 64 (H.B. 1319), Sec. 72, eff. January 1, 2006.
Sec. 101.104. CLASSES OR GROUPS OF MEMBERS OR MEMBERSHIP INTERESTS. (a) The company agreement of a limited liability company may:
(1) establish within the company classes or groups of one or more members or membership interests each of which has certain expressed relative rights, powers, and duties, including voting rights; and
(2) provide for the manner of establishing within the company additional classes or groups of one or more members or membership interests each of which has certain expressed relative rights, powers, and duties, including voting rights.
(b) The rights, powers, and duties of a class or group of members or membership interests described by Subsection (a)(2) may be stated in the company agreement or stated at the time the class or group is established.
(c) If the company agreement of a limited liability company does not provide for the manner of establishing classes or groups of members or membership interests under Subsection (a)(2), additional classes or groups of members or membership interests may be established only by the adoption of an amendment to the company agreement.
(d) The rights, powers, or duties of any class or group of members or membership interests of a limited liability company may be senior to the rights, powers, or duties of any other class or group of members or membership interests in the company, including a previously established class or group.
Sec. 101.105. ISSUANCE OF MEMBERSHIP INTERESTS AFTER FORMATION OF COMPANY. A limited liability company, after the formation of the company, may:
(1) issue membership interests in the company to any person with the approval of all of the members of the company; and
(2) if the issuance of a membership interest requires the establishment of a new class or group of members or membership interests, establish a new class or group as provided by Sections 101.104(a)(2), (b), and (c).
Sec. 101.106. NATURE OF MEMBERSHIP INTEREST. (a) A membership interest in a limited liability company is personal property.
(a-1) A membership interest may be community property under applicable law.
(a-2) A member’s right to participate in the management and conduct of the business of the limited liability company is not community property.
(b) A member of a limited liability company or an assignee of a membership interest in a limited liability company does not have an interest in any specific property of the company.
(c) Sections 9.406 and 9.408, Business & Commerce Code, do not apply to a membership interest in a limited liability company, including the rights, powers, and interests arising under the company’s certificate of formation or company agreement or under this code. To the extent of any conflict between this subsection and Section 9.406 or 9.408, Business & Commerce Code, this subsection controls. It is the express intent of this subsection to permit the enforcement, as a contract among the members of a limited liability company, of any provision of a company agreement that would otherwise be ineffective under Section 9.406 or 9.408, Business & Commerce Code.
Sec. 101.109. RIGHTS AND DUTIES OF ASSIGNEE OF MEMBERSHIP INTEREST BEFORE MEMBERSHIP. (a) A person who is assigned a membership interest in a limited liability company is entitled to:
(1) receive any allocation of income, gain, loss, deduction, credit, or a similar item that the assignor is entitled to receive to the extent the allocation of the item is assigned;
(2) receive any distribution the assignor is entitled to receive to the extent the distribution is assigned;
(3) require, for any proper purpose, reasonable information or a reasonable account of the transactions of the company; and
(4) make, for any proper purpose, reasonable inspections of the books and records of the company.
(b) An assignee of a membership interest in a limited liability company is entitled to become a member of the company on the approval of all of the company’s members.
(c) An assignee of a membership interest in a limited liability company is not liable as a member of the company until the assignee becomes a member of the company.
Sec. 101.110. RIGHTS AND LIABILITIES OF ASSIGNEE OF MEMBERSHIP INTEREST AFTER BECOMING MEMBER. (a) An assignee of a membership interest in a limited liability company, after becoming a member of the company, is:
(1) entitled, to the extent assigned, to the same rights and powers granted or provided to a member of the company by the company agreement or this code;
(2) subject to the same restrictions and liabilities placed or imposed on a member of the company by the company agreement or this code; and
(3) except as provided by Subsection (b), liable for the assignor’s obligation to make contributions to the company.
(b) An assignee of a membership interest in a limited liability company, after becoming a member of the company, is not obligated for a liability of the assignor that:
(1) the assignee did not have knowledge of on the date the assignee became a member of the company; and
(2) could not be ascertained from the company agreement.
Sec. 101.111. RIGHTS AND DUTIES OF ASSIGNOR OF MEMBERSHIP INTEREST. (a) An assignor of a membership interest in a limited liability company continues to be a member of the company and is entitled to exercise any unassigned rights or powers of a member of the company until the assignee becomes a member of the company.
(b) An assignor of a membership interest in a limited liability company is not released from the assignor’s liability to the company, regardless of whether the assignee of the membership interest becomes a member of the company.
Sec. 101.1115. EFFECT OF DEATH OR DIVORCE ON MEMBERSHIP INTEREST. (a) For purposes of this code:
(1) on the divorce of a member, the member’s spouse, to the extent of the spouse’s membership interest, if any, is an assignee of the membership interest;
(2) on the death of a member, the member’s surviving spouse, if any, and an heir, devisee, personal representative, or other successor of the member, to the extent of their respective membership interest, are assignees of the membership interest; and
(3) on the death of a member’s spouse, an heir, devisee, personal representative, or other successor of the spouse, other than the member, to the extent of their respective membership interest, if any, is an assignee of the membership interest.
(b) This chapter does not impair an agreement for the purchase or sale of a membership interest at any time, including on the death or divorce of an owner of the membership interest.
Added by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 139 (S.B. 748), Sec. 36, eff. September 1, 2011.
Sec. 101.112. MEMBER’S MEMBERSHIP INTEREST SUBJECT TO CHARGING ORDER. (a) On application by a judgment creditor of a member of a limited liability company or of any other owner of a membership interest in a limited liability company, a court having jurisdiction may charge the membership interest of the judgment debtor to satisfy the judgment.
(b) If a court charges a membership interest with payment of a judgment as provided by Subsection (a), the judgment creditor has only the right to receive any distribution to which the judgment debtor would otherwise be entitled in respect of the membership interest.
(c) A charging order constitutes a lien on the judgment debtor’s membership interest. The charging order lien may not be foreclosed on under this code or any other law.
(d) The entry of a charging order is the exclusive remedy by which a judgment creditor of a member or of any other owner of a membership interest may satisfy a judgment out of the judgment debtor’s membership interest.
(e) This section may not be construed to deprive a member of a limited liability company or any other owner of a membership interest in a limited liability company of the benefit of any exemption laws applicable to the membership interest of the member or owner.
(f) A creditor of a member or of any other owner of a membership interest does not have the right to obtain possession of, or otherwise exercise legal or equitable remedies with respect to, the property of the limited liability company.
Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 688 (H.B. 1737), Sec. 98, eff. September 1, 2007.
Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 84 (S.B. 1442), Sec. 40, eff. September 1, 2009.
Sec. 101.113. PARTIES TO ACTIONS. A member of a limited liability company may be named as a party in an action by or against the limited liability company only if the action is brought to enforce the member’s right against or liability to the company.
Sec. 101.114. LIABILITY FOR OBLIGATIONS. Except as and to the extent the company agreement specifically provides otherwise, a member or manager is not liable for a debt, obligation, or liability of a limited liability company, including a debt, obligation, or liability under a judgment, decree, or order of a court.
Sec. 101.151. REQUIREMENTS FOR ENFORCEABLE PROMISE. A promise to make a contribution or otherwise pay cash or transfer property to a limited liability company is enforceable only if the promise is:
Sec. 101.152. ENFORCEABLE PROMISE NOT AFFECTED BY CHANGE IN CIRCUMSTANCES. A member of a limited liability company is obligated to perform an enforceable promise to make a contribution or otherwise pay cash or transfer property to the company without regard to the death, disability, or other change in circumstances of the member.
Sec. 101.153. FAILURE TO PERFORM ENFORCEABLE PROMISE; CONSEQUENCES. (a) A member of a limited liability company, or the member’s legal representative or successor, who does not perform an enforceable promise to make a contribution, including a previously made contribution, or to otherwise pay cash or transfer property to the company, is obligated, at the request of the company, to pay in cash the agreed value of the contribution, as stated in the company agreement or the company’s records required under Sections 3.151 and 101.501, less:
(1) any amount already paid for the contribution; and
(2) the value of any property already transferred.
(b) The company agreement of a limited liability company may provide that the membership interest of a member who fails to perform an enforceable promise to make a payment of cash or transfer property to the company, whether as a contribution or in connection with a contribution already made, may be:
(1) reduced;
(2) subordinated to other membership interests of nondefaulting members;
(3) redeemed or sold at a value determined by appraisal or other formula; or
(4) made the subject of:
(A) a forced sale;
(B) forfeiture;
(C) a loan from other members of the company in an amount necessary to satisfy the enforceable promise; or
Sec. 101.154. CONSENT REQUIRED TO RELEASE ENFORCEABLE OBLIGATION. The obligation of a member of a limited liability company, or of the member’s legal representative or successor, to make a contribution or otherwise pay cash or transfer property to the company, or to return cash or property to the company paid or distributed to the member in violation of this code or the company agreement, may be released or settled only by consent of each member of the company.
Sec. 101.155. CREDITOR’S RIGHT TO ENFORCE CERTAIN OBLIGATIONS. A creditor of a limited liability company who extends credit or otherwise acts in reasonable reliance on an enforceable obligation of a member of the company that is released or settled as provided by Section 101.154 may enforce the original obligation if the obligation is stated in a document that is:
(1) signed by the member; and
(2) not amended or canceled to evidence the release or settlement of the obligation.
Sec. 101.156. REQUIREMENTS TO ENFORCE CONDITIONAL OBLIGATION. (a) An obligation of a member of a limited liability company that is subject to a condition may be enforced by the company or a creditor described by Section 101.155 only if the condition is satisfied or waived by or with respect to the member.
(b) A conditional obligation of a member of a limited liability company under this section includes a contribution payable on a discretionary call of the limited liability company before the time the call occurs.
Sec. 101.201. ALLOCATION OF PROFITS AND LOSSES. The profits and losses of a limited liability company shall be allocated to each member of the company on the basis of the agreed value of the contributions made by each member, as stated in the company’s records required under Section 101.501.
Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 64 (H.B. 1319), Sec. 73, eff. January 1, 2006.
Sec. 101.202. DISTRIBUTION IN KIND. A member of a limited liability company is entitled to receive or demand a distribution from the company only in the form of cash, regardless of the form of the member’s contribution to the company.
Sec. 101.203. SHARING OF DISTRIBUTIONS. Distributions of cash and other assets of a limited liability company shall be made to each member of the company according to the agreed value of the member’s contribution to the company as stated in the company’s records required under Sections 3.151 and 101.501.
Sec. 101.204. INTERIM DISTRIBUTIONS. A member of a limited liability company, before the winding up of the company, is not entitled to receive and may not demand a distribution from the company until the company’s governing authority declares a distribution to:
(1) each member of the company; or
(2) a class or group of members that includes the member.
Sec. 101.205. DISTRIBUTION ON WITHDRAWAL. A member of a limited liability company who validly exercises the member’s right to withdraw from the company granted under the company agreement is entitled to receive, within a reasonable time after the date of withdrawal, the fair value of the member’s interest in the company as determined as of the date of withdrawal.
Sec. 101.206. PROHIBITED DISTRIBUTION; DUTY TO RETURN. (a) Unless the distribution is made in compliance with Chapter 11, a limited liability company may not make a distribution to a member of the company if, immediately after making the distribution, the company’s total liabilities, other than liabilities described by Subsection (b), exceed the fair value of the company’s total assets.
(b) For purposes of Subsection (a), the liabilities of a limited liability company do not include:
(1) a liability related to the member’s membership interest; or
(2) except as provided by Subsection (c), a liability for which the recourse of creditors is limited to specified property of the company.
(c) For purposes of Subsection (a), the assets of a limited liability company include the fair value of property subject to a liability for which recourse of creditors is limited to specified property of the company only if the fair value of that property exceeds the liability.
(d) A member of a limited liability company who receives a distribution from the company in violation of this section is not required to return the distribution to the company unless the member had knowledge of the violation.
(e) This section may not be construed to affect the obligation of a member of a limited liability company to return a distribution to the company under the company agreement or other state or federal law.
(f) For purposes of this section, “distribution” does not include an amount constituting reasonable compensation for present or past services or a reasonable payment made in the ordinary course of business under a bona fide retirement plan or other benefits program.
Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 84 (S.B. 1442), Sec. 41, eff. September 1, 2009.
Sec. 101.207. CREDITOR STATUS WITH RESPECT TO DISTRIBUTION. Subject to Sections 11.053 and 101.206, when a member of a limited liability company is entitled to receive a distribution from the company, the member, with respect to the distribution, has the same status as a creditor of the company and is entitled to any remedy available to a creditor of the company.
Sec. 101.208. RECORD DATE. A company agreement may establish or provide for the establishment of a record date with respect to allocations and distributions.
Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 84 (S.B. 1442), Sec. 42, eff. September 1, 2009.
SUBCHAPTER F. MANAGEMENT
Sec. 101.251. GOVERNING AUTHORITY. The governing authority of a limited liability company consists of:
(1) the managers of the company, if the company’s certificate of formation states that the company will have one or more managers; or
(2) the members of the company, if the company’s certificate of formation states that the company will not have managers.
Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 84 (S.B. 1442), Sec. 43, eff. September 1, 2009.
Sec. 101.252. MANAGEMENT BY GOVERNING AUTHORITY. The governing authority of a limited liability company shall manage the business and affairs of the company as provided by:
(1) the company agreement; and
(2) this title and the provisions of Title 1 applicable to a limited liability company to the extent that the company agreement does not provide for the management of the company.
Sec. 101.253. DESIGNATION OF COMMITTEES; DELEGATION OF AUTHORITY. (a) The governing authority of a limited liability company by resolution may designate:
(1) one or more committees of the governing authority consisting of one or more governing persons of the company; and
(2) subject to any limitation imposed by the governing authority, a governing person to serve as an alternate member of a committee designated under Subdivision (1) at a committee meeting from which a member of the committee is absent or disqualified.
(b) A committee of the governing authority of a limited liability company may exercise the authority of the governing authority as provided by the resolution designating the committee.
(c) The designation of a committee under this section does not relieve the governing authority of any responsibility imposed by law.
Sec. 101.254. DESIGNATION OF AGENTS; BINDING ACTS. (a) Except as provided by this title and Title 1, each governing person of a limited liability company and each officer of a limited liability company vested with actual or apparent authority by the governing authority of the company is an agent of the company for purposes of carrying out the company’s business.
(b) An act committed by an agent of a limited liability company described by Subsection (a) for the purpose of apparently carrying out the ordinary course of business of the company, including the execution of an instrument, document, mortgage, or conveyance in the name of the company, binds the company unless:
(1) the agent does not have actual authority to act for the company; and
(2) the person with whom the agent is dealing has knowledge of the agent’s lack of actual authority.
(c) An act committed by an agent of a limited liability company described by Subsection (a) that is not apparently for carrying out the ordinary course of business of the company binds the company only if the act is authorized in accordance with this title.
Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 139 (S.B. 748), Sec. 37, eff. September 1, 2011.
Sec. 101.255. CONTRACTS OR TRANSACTIONS INVOLVING INTERESTED GOVERNING PERSONS OR OFFICERS. (a) This section applies to a contract or transaction between a limited liability company and:
(1) one or more governing persons or officers, or one or more affiliates or associates of one or more governing persons or officers, of the company; or
(2) an entity or other organization in which one or more governing persons or officers, or one or more affiliates or associates of one or more governing persons or officers, of the company:
(A) is a managerial official; or
(B) has a financial interest.
(b) An otherwise valid and enforceable contract or transaction described by Subsection (a) is valid and enforceable, and is not void or voidable, notwithstanding any relationship or interest described by Subsection (a), if any one of the following conditions is satisfied:
(1) the material facts as to the relationship or interest described by Subsection (a) and as to the contract or transaction are disclosed to or known by:
(A) the company’s governing authority or a committee of the governing authority and the governing authority or committee in good faith authorizes the contract or transaction by the approval of the majority of the disinterested governing persons or committee members, regardless of whether the disinterested governing persons or committee members constitute a quorum; or
(B) the members of the company, and the members in good faith approve the contract or transaction by vote of the members; or
(2) the contract or transaction is fair to the company when the contract or transaction is authorized, approved, or ratified by the governing authority, a committee of the governing authority, or the members of the company.
(c) Common or interested governing persons of a limited liability company may be included in determining the presence of a quorum at a meeting of the company’s governing authority or of a committee of the governing authority that authorizes the contract or transaction.
(d) A person who has the relationship or interest described by Subsection (a) may:
(1) be present at or participate in and, if the person is a governing person or committee member, may vote at a meeting of the governing authority or of a committee of the governing authority that authorizes the contract or transaction; or
(2) sign, in the person’s capacity as a governing person or committee member, a written consent of the governing persons or committee members to authorize the contract or transaction.
(e) If at least one of the conditions of Subsection (b) is satisfied, neither the company nor any of the company’s members will have a cause of action against any of the persons described by Subsection (a) for breach of duty with respect to the making, authorization, or performance of the contract or transaction because the person had the relationship or interest described by Subsection (a) or took any of the actions authorized by Subsection (d).
Sec. 101.302. NUMBER AND QUALIFICATIONS. (a) The managers of a limited liability company may consist of one or more persons.
(b) Except as provided by Subsection (c), the number of managers of a limited liability company consists of the number of initial managers listed in the company’s certificate of formation.
(c) The number of managers of a limited liability company may be increased or decreased by amendment to, or as provided by, the company agreement, except that a decrease in the number of managers may not shorten the term of an incumbent manager.
(d) A manager of a limited liability company is not required to be a:
Sec. 101.304. REMOVAL. Subject to Section 101.306(a), a manager of a limited liability company may be removed, with or without cause, at a meeting of the company’s members called for that purpose.
Sec. 101.305. MANAGER VACANCY. (a) Subject to Section 101.306(b), a vacancy in the position of a manager of a limited liability company may be filled by:
(1) the affirmative vote of the majority of the remaining managers of the company, without regard to whether the remaining managers constitute a quorum; or
(2) if the vacancy is a result of an increase in the number of managers, an election at an annual or special meeting of the company’s members called for that purpose.
(b) A person elected to fill a vacancy in the position of a manager serves for the unexpired term of the person’s predecessor.
Sec. 101.306. REMOVAL AND REPLACEMENT OF MANAGER ELECTED BY CLASS OR GROUP. (a) If a class or group of the members of a limited liability company is entitled by the company agreement of the company to elect one or more managers of the company, a manager may be removed from office only by the class or group that elected the manager.
(b) A vacancy in the position of a manager elected as provided by Subsection (a) may be filled only by:
(1) a majority vote of the managers serving on the date the vacancy occurs who were elected by the class or group of members; or
(2) a majority vote of the members of the class or group.
Sec. 101.307. METHODS OF CLASSIFYING MANAGERS. Other methods of classifying managers of a limited liability company, including providing for managers who serve for staggered terms of office or terms that are not uniform, may be established in the company agreement.
This section was amended by the 84th Legislature. Pending publication of the current statutes, see S.B. 859, 84th Legislature, Regular Session, for amendments affecting this section.
Sec. 101.351. APPLICABILITY OF SUBCHAPTER. This subchapter applies only to a meeting of and voting by:
(1) the governing authority of a limited liability company;
(2) the members of a limited liability company if the members do not constitute the governing authority of the company; and
(3) a committee of the governing authority of a limited liability company.
Sec. 101.352. GENERAL NOTICE REQUIREMENTS. (a) Except as provided by Subsection (b), notice of a regular or special meeting of the governing authority or members of a limited liability company, or a committee of the company’s governing authority, shall be given in writing to each governing person, member, or committee member, as appropriate, and as provided by Section 6.051.
(b) If the members of a limited liability company do not constitute the governing authority of the company, notice of a meeting of members required by Subsection (a) shall be given by or at the direction of the governing authority not later than the 10th day or earlier than the 60th day before the date of the meeting. Notice of a meeting required under this subsection must state the business to be transacted at the meeting or the purpose of the meeting if:
(1) the meeting is a special meeting; or
(2) a purpose of the meeting is to consider a matter described by Section 101.356.
Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 688 (H.B. 1737), Sec. 99, eff. September 1, 2007.
Sec. 101.353. QUORUM. A majority of all of the governing persons, members, or committee members of a limited liability company constitutes a quorum for the purpose of transacting business at a meeting of the governing authority, members, or committee of the company, as appropriate.
Sec. 101.354. EQUAL VOTING RIGHTS. Each governing person, member, or committee member of a limited liability company has an equal vote at a meeting of the governing authority, members, or committee of the company, as appropriate.
Sec. 101.355. ACT OF GOVERNING AUTHORITY, MEMBERS, OR COMMITTEE. Except as provided by this title or Title 1, the affirmative vote of the majority of the governing persons, members, or committee members of a limited liability company present at a meeting at which a quorum is present constitutes an act of the governing authority, members, or committee of the company, as appropriate.
Sec. 101.356. VOTES REQUIRED TO APPROVE CERTAIN ACTIONS. (a) Except as provided in this section or any other section in this title, an action of a limited liability company may be approved by the company’s governing authority as provided by Section 101.355.
(b) Except as provided by Subsection (c), (d), or (e) or any other section in this title, an action of a limited liability company not apparently for carrying out the ordinary course of business of the company must be approved by the affirmative vote of the majority of all of the company’s governing persons.
(c) Except as provided by Subsection (d) or (e) or any other section in this title, a fundamental business transaction of a limited liability company, or an action that would make it impossible for a limited liability company to carry out the ordinary business of the company, must be approved by the affirmative vote of the majority of all of the company’s members.
(d) Except as provided by Subsection (e) or any other section of this title, the company’s members must approve by an affirmative vote of all the members:
(1) an amendment to the certificate of formation of a limited liability company; or
(2) a restated certificate of formation that contains an amendment to the certificate of formation of a limited liability company.
(e) A requirement that an action of a limited liability company must be approved by the company’s members does not apply during the period prescribed by Section 101.101(b).
(f) Approval of a restated certificate of formation by a limited liability company’s members is required only if the restated certificate contains an amendment.
Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 139 (S.B. 748), Sec. 39, eff. September 1, 2011.
Sec. 101.358. ACTION BY LESS THAN UNANIMOUS WRITTEN CONSENT. (a) This section applies only to an action required or authorized to be taken at an annual or special meeting of the governing authority, the members, or a committee of the governing authority of a limited liability company under this title, Title 1, or the governing documents of the company.
(b) Notwithstanding Sections 6.201 and 6.202, an action may be taken without holding a meeting, providing notice, or taking a vote if a written consent or consents stating the action to be taken is signed by the number of governing persons, members, or committee members of a limited liability company, as appropriate, necessary to have at least the minimum number of votes that would be necessary to take the action at a meeting at which each governing person, member, or committee member, as appropriate, entitled to vote on the action is present and votes.
Sec. 101.359. EFFECTIVE ACTION BY MEMBERS OR MANAGERS WITH OR WITHOUT MEETING. Members or managers of a limited liability company may take action at a meeting of the members or managers or without a meeting in any manner permitted by this title, Title 1, or the governing documents of the company. Unless otherwise provided by the governing documents, an action is effective if it is taken:
(1) by an affirmative vote of those persons having at least the minimum number of votes that would be necessary to take the action at a meeting at which each member or manager, as appropriate, entitled to vote on the action is present and votes; or
(2) with the consent of each member of the limited liability company, which may be established by:
(A) the member’s failure to object to the action in a timely manner, if the member has full knowledge of the action;
(B) consent to the action in writing signed by the member; or
(C) any other means reasonably evidencing consent.
Added by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 64 (H.B. 1319), Sec. 75, eff. January 1, 2006.
SUBCHAPTER I. MODIFICATION OF DUTIES; INDEMNIFICATION
Sec. 101.401. EXPANSION OR RESTRICTION OF DUTIES AND LIABILITIES. The company agreement of a limited liability company may expand or restrict any duties, including fiduciary duties, and related liabilities that a member, manager, officer, or other person has to the company or to a member or manager of the company.
Sec. 101.402. PERMISSIVE INDEMNIFICATION, ADVANCEMENT OF EXPENSES, AND INSURANCE OR OTHER ARRANGEMENTS. (a) A limited liability company may:
(1) indemnify a person;
(2) pay in advance or reimburse expenses incurred by a person; and
(3) purchase or procure or establish and maintain insurance or another arrangement to indemnify or hold harmless a person.
(b) In this section, “person” includes a member, manager, or officer of a limited liability company or an assignee of a membership interest in the company.
(1) “Derivative proceeding” means a civil suit in the right of a domestic limited liability company or, to the extent provided by Section 101.462, in the right of a foreign limited liability company.
(2) “Member” includes a person who beneficially owns a membership interest through a voting trust or a nominee on the person’s behalf.
Sec. 101.452. STANDING TO BRING PROCEEDING. A member may not institute or maintain a derivative proceeding unless:
(1) the member:
(A) was a member of the limited liability company at the time of the act or omission complained of; or
(B) became a member by operation of law from a person that was a member at the time of the act or omission complained of; and
(2) the member fairly and adequately represents the interests of the limited liability company in enforcing the right of the limited liability company.
Sec. 101.453. DEMAND. (a) A member may not institute a derivative proceeding until the 91st day after the date a written demand is filed with the limited liability company stating with particularity the act, omission, or other matter that is the subject of the claim or challenge and requesting that the limited liability company take suitable action.
(b) The waiting period required by Subsection (a) before a derivative proceeding may be instituted is not required if:
(1) the member has been previously notified that the demand has been rejected by the limited liability company;
(2) the limited liability company is suffering irreparable injury; or
(3) irreparable injury to the limited liability company would result by waiting for the expiration of the 90-day period.
Sec. 101.454. DETERMINATION BY GOVERNING OR INDEPENDENT PERSONS. (a) The determination of how to proceed on allegations made in a demand or petition relating to a derivative proceeding must be made by an affirmative vote of the majority of:
(1) the independent and disinterested governing persons present at a meeting of the governing authority at which interested governing persons are not present at the time of the vote if the independent and disinterested governing persons constitute a quorum of the governing authority;
(2) a committee consisting of two or more independent and disinterested governing persons appointed by the majority of one or more independent and disinterested governing persons present at a meeting of the governing authority, regardless of whether the independent and disinterested governing persons constitute a quorum of the governing authority; or
(3) a panel of one or more independent and disinterested persons appointed by the court on a motion by the limited liability company listing the names of the persons to be appointed and stating that, to the best of the limited liability company’s knowledge, the persons to be appointed are disinterested and qualified to make the determinations contemplated by Section 101.458.
(b) The court shall appoint a panel under Subsection (a)(3) if the court finds that the persons recommended by the limited liability company are independent and disinterested and are otherwise qualified with respect to expertise, experience, independent judgment, and other factors considered appropriate by the court under the circumstances to make the determinations. A person appointed by the court to a panel under this section may not be held liable to the limited liability company or the limited liability company’s members for an action taken or omission made by the person in that capacity, except for acts or omissions constituting fraud or wilful misconduct.
Sec. 101.455. STAY OF PROCEEDING. (a) If the domestic or foreign limited liability company that is the subject of a derivative proceeding commences an inquiry into the allegations made in a demand or petition and the person or group of persons described by Section 101.454 is conducting an active review of the allegations in good faith, the court shall stay a derivative proceeding until the review is completed and a determination is made by the person or group regarding what further action, if any, should be taken.
(b) To obtain a stay, the domestic or foreign limited liability company shall provide the court with a written statement agreeing to advise the court and the member making the demand of the determination promptly on the completion of the review of the matter. A stay, on motion, may be reviewed every 60 days for the continued necessity of the stay.
(c) If the review and determination made by the person or group is not completed before the 61st day after the date on which the court orders the stay, the stay may be renewed for one or more additional 60-day periods if the domestic or foreign limited liability company provides the court and the member with a written statement of the status of the review and the reasons why a continued extension of the stay is necessary.
Sec. 101.456. DISCOVERY. (a) If a domestic or foreign limited liability company proposes to dismiss a derivative proceeding under Section 101.458, discovery by a member after the filing of the derivative proceeding in accordance with this subchapter shall be limited to:
(1) facts relating to whether the person or group of persons described by Section 101.458 is independent and disinterested;
(2) the good faith of the inquiry and review by the person or group; and
(3) the reasonableness of the procedures followed by the person or group in conducting the review.
(b) Discovery described by Subsection (a) may not be expanded to include a fact or substantive matter regarding the act, omission, or other matter that is the subject matter of the derivative proceeding. The scope of discovery may be expanded if the court determines after notice and hearing that a good faith review of the allegations for purposes of Section 101.458 has not been made by an independent and disinterested person or group in accordance with that section.
Sec. 101.457. TOLLING OF STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS. A written demand filed with the limited liability company under Section 101.453 tolls the statute of limitations on the claim on which demand is made until the earlier of:
(1) the 91st day after the date of the demand; or
(2) the 31st day after the date the limited liability company advises the member that the demand has been rejected or the review has been completed.
Sec. 101.458. DISMISSAL OF DERIVATIVE PROCEEDING. (a) A court shall dismiss a derivative proceeding on a motion by the limited liability company if the person or group of persons described by Section 101.454 determines in good faith, after conducting a reasonable inquiry and based on factors the person or group considers appropriate under the circumstances, that continuation of the derivative proceeding is not in the best interests of the limited liability company.
(b) In determining whether the requirements of Subsection (a) have been met, the burden of proof shall be on:
(1) the plaintiff member if:
(A) the majority of the governing authority consists of independent and disinterested persons at the time the determination is made;
(B) the determination is made by a panel of one or more independent and disinterested persons appointed under Section 101.454(a)(3); or
(C) the limited liability company presents prima facie evidence that demonstrates that the persons appointed under Section 101.454(a)(2) are independent and disinterested; or
(2) the limited liability company in any other circumstance.
Sec. 101.459. ALLEGATIONS IF DEMAND REJECTED. If a derivative proceeding is instituted after a demand is rejected, the petition must allege with particularity facts that establish that the rejection was not made in accordance with the requirements of Sections 101.454 and 101.458.
Sec. 101.460. DISCONTINUANCE OR SETTLEMENT. (a) A derivative proceeding may not be discontinued or settled without court approval.
(b) The court shall direct that notice be given to the affected members if the court determines that a proposed discontinuance or settlement may substantially affect the interests of other members.
Sec. 101.461. PAYMENT OF EXPENSES. (a) In this section, “expenses” means reasonable expenses incurred by a party in a derivative proceeding, including:
(1) attorney’s fees;
(2) costs of pursuing an investigation of the matter that was the subject of the derivative proceeding; or
(3) expenses for which the domestic or foreign limited liability company may be required to indemnify another person.
(b) On termination of a derivative proceeding, the court may order:
(1) the domestic or foreign limited liability company to pay the expenses the plaintiff incurred in the proceeding if the court finds the proceeding has resulted in a substantial benefit to the domestic or foreign limited liability company;
(2) the plaintiff to pay the expenses the domestic or foreign limited liability company or other defendant incurred in investigating and defending the proceeding if the court finds the proceeding has been instituted or maintained without reasonable cause or for an improper purpose; or
(3) a party to pay the expenses incurred by another party relating to the filing of a pleading, motion, or other paper if the court finds the pleading, motion, or other paper:
(A) was not well grounded in fact after reasonable inquiry;
(B) was not warranted by existing law or a good faith argument for the extension, modification, or reversal of existing law; or
(C) was interposed for an improper purpose, such as to harass, cause unnecessary delay, or cause a needless increase in the cost of litigation.
Sec. 101.462. APPLICATION TO FOREIGN LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANIES. (a) In a derivative proceeding brought in the right of a foreign limited liability company, the matters covered by this subchapter are governed by the laws of the jurisdiction of organization of the foreign limited liability company, except for Sections 101.455, 101.460, and 101.461, which are procedural provisions and do not relate to the internal affairs of the foreign limited liability company.
(b) In the case of matters relating to a foreign limited liability company under Section 101.454, a reference to a person or group of persons described by that section refers to a person or group entitled under the laws of the jurisdiction of organization of the foreign limited liability company to review and dispose of a derivative proceeding. The standard of review of a decision made by the person or group to dismiss the derivative proceeding shall be governed by the laws of the jurisdiction of organization of the foreign limited liability company.
Sec. 101.463. CLOSELY HELD LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY. (a) In this section, “closely held limited liability company” means a limited liability company that has:
(1) fewer than 35 members; and
(2) no membership interests listed on a national securities exchange or regularly quoted in an over-the-counter market by one or more members of a national securities association.
(b) Sections 101.452-101.459 do not apply to a closely held limited liability company.
(c) If justice requires:
(1) a derivative proceeding brought by a member of a closely held limited liability company may be treated by a court as a direct action brought by the member for the member’s own benefit; and
(2) a recovery in a direct or derivative proceeding by a member may be paid directly to the plaintiff or to the limited liability company if necessary to protect the interests of creditors or other members of the limited liability company.
Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 688 (H.B. 1737), Sec. 100, eff. September 1, 2007.
SUBCHAPTER K. SUPPLEMENTAL RECORDKEEPING REQUIREMENTS
Sec. 101.501. SUPPLEMENTAL RECORDS REQUIRED FOR LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANIES. (a) In addition to the books and records required to be kept under Section 3.151, a limited liability company shall keep at its principal office in the United States, or make available to a person at its principal office in the United States not later than the fifth day after the date the person submits a written request to examine the books and records of the company under Section 3.152(a) or 101.502:
(1) a current list that states:
(A) the percentage or other interest in the limited liability company owned by each member; and
(B) if one or more classes or groups of membership interests are established in or under the certificate of formation or company agreement, the names of the members of each specified class or group;
(2) a copy of the company’s federal, state, and local tax information or income tax returns for each of the six preceding tax years;
(3) a copy of the company’s certificate of formation, including any amendments to or restatements of the certificate of formation;
(4) if the company agreement is in writing, a copy of the company agreement, including any amendments to or restatements of the company agreement;
(5) an executed copy of any powers of attorney;
(6) a copy of any document that establishes a class or group of members of the company as provided by the company agreement; and
(7) except as provided by Subsection (b), a written statement of:
(A) the amount of a cash contribution and a description and statement of the agreed value of any other contribution made or agreed to be made by each member;
(B) the dates any additional contributions are to be made by a member;
(C) any event the occurrence of which requires a member to make additional contributions;
(D) any event the occurrence of which requires the winding up of the company; and
(E) the date each member became a member of the company.
(b) A limited liability company is not required to keep or make available at its principal office in the United States a written statement of the information required by Subsection (a)(7) if that information is stated in a written company agreement.
(c) A limited liability company shall keep at its registered office located in this state and make available to a member of the company on reasonable request the street address of the company’s principal office in the United States in which the records required by this section and Section 3.151 are maintained or made available.
Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 688 (H.B. 1737), Sec. 101, eff. September 1, 2007.
Sec. 101.502. RIGHT TO EXAMINE RECORDS AND CERTAIN OTHER INFORMATION. (a) A member of a limited liability company or an assignee of a membership interest in a limited liability company, or a representative of the member or assignee, on written request and for a proper purpose, may examine and copy at any reasonable time and at the member’s or assignee’s expense:
(1) records required under Sections 3.151 and 101.501; and
(2) other information regarding the business, affairs, and financial condition of the company that is reasonable for the person to examine and copy.
(b) A limited liability company shall provide to a member of the company or an assignee of a membership interest in the company, on written request by the member or assignee sent to the company’s principal office in the United States or, if different, the person and address designated in the company agreement, a free copy of:
(1) the company’s certificate of formation, including any amendments to or restatements of the certificate of formation;
(2) if in writing, the company agreement, including any amendments to or restatements of the company agreement; and
(3) any tax returns described by Section 101.501(a)(2).
SUBCHAPTER L. SUPPLEMENTAL WINDING UP AND TERMINATION PROVISIONS
Sec. 101.551. PERSONS ELIGIBLE TO WIND UP COMPANY. After an event requiring the winding up of a limited liability company unless a revocation as provided by Section 11.151 or a cancellation as provided by Section 11.152 occurs, the winding up of the company must be carried out by:
(1) the company’s governing authority or one or more persons, including a governing person, designated by the governing authority, the members, or the governing documents;
(2) if the event requiring the winding up of the company is the termination of the continued membership of the last remaining member of the company, the legal representative or successor of the last remaining member or one or more persons designated by the legal representative or successor; or
(3) a person appointed by the court to carry out the winding up of the company under Section 11.054, 11.405, 11.409, or 11.410.
Sec. 101.552. APPROVAL OF VOLUNTARY WINDING UP, REVOCATION, CANCELLATION, OR REINSTATEMENT. (a) A majority vote of all of the members of a limited liability company or, if the limited liability company has no members, a majority vote of all of the managers of the company is required to approve:
(1) a voluntary winding up of the company under Chapter 11;
(2) a revocation of a voluntary decision to wind up the company under Section 11.151; or
(3) a reinstatement of a terminated company under Section 11.202.
(b) The consent of all of the members of the limited liability company is required to approve a cancellation under Section 11.152 of an event requiring winding up specified in Section 11.051(1) or (3).
(c) An event requiring winding up specified in Section 11.056 may be canceled in accordance with Section 11.152(a) if the legal representative or successor of the last remaining member of the domestic limited liability company agrees to:
(1) cancel the event requiring winding up and continue the company; and
(2) become a member of the company effective as of the date of termination of the membership of the last remaining member of the company, or designate another person who agrees to become a member of the company effective as of the date of the termination.
Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 688 (H.B. 1737), Sec. 102, eff. September 1, 2007.
SUBCHAPTER M. SERIES LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY
Sec. 101.601. SERIES OF MEMBERS, MANAGERS, MEMBERSHIP INTERESTS, OR ASSETS. (a) A company agreement may establish or provide for the establishment of one or more designated series of members, managers, membership interests, or assets that:
(1) has separate rights, powers, or duties with respect to specified property or obligations of the limited liability company or profits and losses associated with specified property or obligations; or
(2) has a separate business purpose or investment objective.
(b) A series established in accordance with Subsection (a) may carry on any business, purpose, or activity, whether or not for profit, that is not prohibited by Section 2.003.
Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 84 (S.B. 1442), Sec. 45, eff. September 1, 2009.
Sec. 101.602. ENFORCEABILITY OF OBLIGATIONS AND EXPENSES OF SERIES AGAINST ASSETS. (a) Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter or any other law, but subject to Subsection (b) and any other provision of this subchapter:
(1) the debts, liabilities, obligations, and expenses incurred, contracted for, or otherwise existing with respect to a particular series shall be enforceable against the assets of that series only, and shall not be enforceable against the assets of the limited liability company generally or any other series; and
(2) none of the debts, liabilities, obligations, and expenses incurred, contracted for, or otherwise existing with respect to the limited liability company generally or any other series shall be enforceable against the assets of a particular series.
(b) Subsection (a) applies only if:
(1) the records maintained for that particular series account for the assets associated with that series separately from the other assets of the company or any other series;
(2) the company agreement contains a statement to the effect of the limitations provided in Subsection (a); and
(3) the company’s certificate of formation contains a notice of the limitations provided in Subsection (a).
Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 84 (S.B. 1442), Sec. 45, eff. September 1, 2009.
Sec. 101.603. ASSETS OF SERIES. (a) Assets associated with a series may be held directly or indirectly, including being held in the name of the series, in the name of the limited liability company, through a nominee, or otherwise.
(b) If the records of a series are maintained in a manner so that the assets of the series can be reasonably identified by specific listing, category, type, quantity, or computational or allocational formula or procedure, including a percentage or share of any assets, or by any other method in which the identity of the assets can be objectively determined, the records are considered to satisfy the requirements of Section 101.602(b)(1).
Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 84 (S.B. 1442), Sec. 45, eff. September 1, 2009.
Sec. 101.604. NOTICE OF LIMITATION ON LIABILITIES OF SERIES. Notice of the limitation on liabilities of a series required by Section 101.602 that is contained in a certificate of formation filed with the secretary of state satisfies the requirements of Section 101.602(b)(3), regardless of whether:
(1) the limited liability company has established any series under this subchapter when the notice is contained in the certificate of formation; and
(2) the notice makes a reference to a specific series of the limited liability company.
Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 84 (S.B. 1442), Sec. 45, eff. September 1, 2009.
Sec. 101.605. GENERAL POWERS OF SERIES. A series established under this subchapter has the power and capacity, in the series’ own name, to:
(1) sue and be sued;
(2) contract;
(3) acquire, sell, and hold title to assets of the series, including real property, personal property, and intangible property;
(4) grant liens and security interests in assets of the series; and
(5) exercise any power or privilege as necessary or appropriate to the conduct, promotion, or attainment of the business, purposes, or activities of the series.
Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 84 (S.B. 1442), Sec. 45, eff. September 1, 2009.
Amended by:
Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 9 (S.B. 847), Sec. 6, eff. September 1, 2013.
Sec. 101.606. LIABILITY OF MEMBER OR MANAGER FOR OBLIGATIONS; DUTIES. (a) Except as and to the extent the company agreement specifically provides otherwise, a member or manager associated with a series or a member or manager of the company is not liable for a debt, obligation, or liability of a series, including a debt, obligation, or liability under a judgment, decree, or court order.
(b) The company agreement may expand or restrict any duties, including fiduciary duties, and related liabilities that a member, manager, officer, or other person associated with a series has to:
(1) the series or the company;
(2) a member or manager associated with the series; or
(3) a member or manager of the company.
Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 84 (S.B. 1442), Sec. 45, eff. September 1, 2009.
Sec. 101.607. CLASS OR GROUP OF MEMBERS OR MANAGERS. (a) The company agreement may:
(1) establish classes or groups of one or more members or managers associated with a series each of which has certain express relative rights, powers, and duties, including voting rights; and
(2) provide for the manner of establishing additional classes or groups of one or more members or managers associated with the series each of which has certain express rights, powers, and duties, including providing for voting rights and rights, powers, and duties senior to existing classes and groups of members or managers associated with the series.
(b) The company agreement may provide for the taking of an action, including the amendment of the company agreement, without the vote or approval of any member or manager or class or group of members or managers, to create under the provisions of the company agreement a class or group of the series of membership interests that was not previously outstanding.
(c) The company agreement may provide that:
(1) all or certain identified members or managers or a specified class or group of the members or managers associated with a series have the right to vote on any matter separately or with all or any class or group of the members or managers associated with the series;
(2) any member or class or group of members associated with a series has no voting rights; and
(3) voting by members or managers associated with a series is on a per capita, number, financial interest, class, group, or any other basis.
Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 84 (S.B. 1442), Sec. 45, eff. September 1, 2009.
Sec. 101.608. GOVERNING AUTHORITY. (a) Notwithstanding any conflicting provision of the certificate of formation of a limited liability company, the governing authority of a series consists of the managers or members associated with the series as provided in the company agreement.
(b) If the company agreement does not provide for the governing authority of the series, the governing authority of the series consists of:
(1) the managers associated with the series, if the company’s certificate of formation states that the company will have one or more managers; or
(2) the members associated with the series, if the company’s certificate of formation states that the company will not have managers.
Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 84 (S.B. 1442), Sec. 45, eff. September 1, 2009.
Sec. 101.609. APPLICABILITY OF OTHER PROVISIONS OF CHAPTER OR TITLE 1; SYNONYMOUS TERMS. (a) To the extent not inconsistent with this subchapter, this chapter applies to a series and its associated members and managers.
(b) For purposes of the application of any other provision of this chapter to a provision of this subchapter, and as the context requires:
(1) a reference to “limited liability company” or “company” means the “series”;
(2) a reference to “member” means “member associated with the series”; and
(3) a reference to “manager” means “manager associated with the series.”
(c) To the extent not inconsistent with this subchapter, a series and the governing persons and officers associated with the series have the powers and rights provided by Subchapters C and D, Chapter 3, and Subchapter F, Chapter 10. For purposes of those provisions, and as the context requires:
(1) a reference to “entity,” “domestic entity,” or “filing entity” includes the “series”;
(2) a reference to “governing person” includes “governing person associated with the series”;
(3) a reference to “governing authority” includes “governing authority associated with the series”; and
(4) a reference to “officer” includes “officer associated with the series.”
Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 84 (S.B. 1442), Sec. 45, eff. September 1, 2009.
Amended by:
Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 9 (S.B. 847), Sec. 7, eff. September 1, 2013.
Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 9 (S.B. 847), Sec. 8, eff. September 1, 2013.
Sec. 101.610. EFFECT OF CERTAIN EVENT ON MANAGER OR MEMBER. (a) An event that under this chapter or the company agreement causes a manager to cease to be a manager with respect to a series does not, in and of itself, cause the manager to cease to be a manager of the limited liability company or with respect to any other series of the company.
(b) An event that under this chapter or the company agreement causes a member to cease to be associated with a series does not, in and of itself, cause the member to cease to be associated with any other series or terminate the continued membership of a member in the limited liability company or require the winding up of the series, regardless of whether the member was the last remaining member associated with the series.
Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 84 (S.B. 1442), Sec. 45, eff. September 1, 2009.
Sec. 101.611. MEMBER STATUS WITH RESPECT TO DISTRIBUTION. (a) Subject to Sections 101.613, 101.617, 101.618, 101.619, and 101.620, when a member associated with a series established under this subchapter is entitled to receive a distribution with respect to the series, the member, with respect to the distribution, has the same status as a creditor of the series and is entitled to any remedy available to a creditor of the series.
(b) Section 101.206 does not apply to a distribution with respect to the series.
Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 84 (S.B. 1442), Sec. 45, eff. September 1, 2009.
Amended by:
Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 139 (S.B. 748), Sec. 40, eff. September 1, 2011.
Sec. 101.612. RECORD DATE FOR ALLOCATIONS AND DISTRIBUTIONS. A company agreement may establish or provide for the establishment of a record date for allocations and distributions with respect to a series.
Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 84 (S.B. 1442), Sec. 45, eff. September 1, 2009.
Sec. 101.613. DISTRIBUTIONS. (a) A limited liability company may make a distribution with respect to a series.
(b) A limited liability company may not make a distribution with respect to a series to a member if, immediately after making the distribution, the total amount of the liabilities of the series, other than liabilities described by Subsection (c), exceeds the fair value of the assets associated with the series.
(c) For purposes of Subsection (b), the liabilities of a series do not include:
(1) a liability related to the member’s membership interest; or
(2) except as provided by Subsection (e), a liability of the series for which the recourse of creditors is limited to specified property of the series.
(d) For purposes of Subsection (b), the assets associated with a series include the fair value of property of the series subject to a liability for which recourse of creditors is limited to specified property of the series only if the fair value of that property exceeds the liability.
(e) A member who receives a distribution from a series in violation of this section is not required to return the distribution to the series unless the member had knowledge of the violation.
(f) This section may not be construed to affect the obligation of a member to return a distribution to the series under the company agreement or other state or federal law.
(g) Section 101.206 does not apply to a distribution with respect to a series.
(h) For purposes of this section, “distribution” does not include an amount constituting reasonable compensation for present or past services or a reasonable payment made in the ordinary course of business under a bona fide retirement plan or other benefits program.
Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 84 (S.B. 1442), Sec. 45, eff. September 1, 2009.
Sec. 101.614. AUTHORITY TO WIND UP AND TERMINATE SERIES. Except to the extent otherwise provided in the company agreement and subject to Sections 101.617, 101.618, 101.619, and 101.620, a series and its business and affairs may be wound up and terminated without causing the winding up of the limited liability company.
Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 84 (S.B. 1442), Sec. 45, eff. September 1, 2009.
Sec. 101.615. TERMINATION OF SERIES. (a) Except as otherwise provided by Sections 101.617, 101.618, 101.619, and 101.620, the series terminates on the completion of the winding up of the business and affairs of the series in accordance with Sections 101.617, 101.618, 101.619, and 101.620.
(b) The limited liability company shall provide notice of the termination of a series in the manner provided in the company agreement for notice of termination, if any.
(c) The termination of the series does not affect the limitation on liabilities of the series provided by Section 101.602.
Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 84 (S.B. 1442), Sec. 45, eff. September 1, 2009.
Sec. 101.616. EVENT REQUIRING WINDING UP. Subject to Sections 101.617, 101.618, 101.619, and 101.620, the business and affairs of a series are required to be wound up:
(1) if the winding up of the limited liability company is required under Section 101.552(a) or Chapter 11; or
(2) on the earlier of:
(A) the time specified for winding up the series in the company agreement;
(B) the occurrence of an event specified with respect to the series in the company agreement;
(C) the occurrence of a majority vote of all of the members associated with the series approving the winding up of the series or, if there is more than one class or group of members associated with the series, a majority vote of the members of each class or group of members associated with the series approving the winding up of the series;
(D) if the series has no members, the occurrence of a majority vote of all of the managers associated with the series approving the winding up of the series or, if there is more than one class or group of managers associated with the series, a majority vote of the managers of each class or group of managers associated with the series approving the winding up of the series; or
(E) a determination by a court in accordance with Section 101.621.
Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 84 (S.B. 1442), Sec. 45, eff. September 1, 2009.
Sec. 101.617. PROCEDURES FOR WINDING UP AND TERMINATION OF SERIES. (a) The following provisions apply to a series and the associated members and managers of the series:
(1) Subchapters A, G, H, and I, Chapter 11; and
(2) Subchapter B, Chapter 11, other than Sections 11.051, 11.056, 11.057, 11.058, and 11.059.
(b) For purposes of the application of Chapter 11 to a series and as the context requires:
(1) a reference to “domestic entity,” “filing entity,” or “entity” means the “series”;
(2) a reference to an “owner” means a “member associated with the series”;
(3) a reference to the “governing authority” or a “governing person” means the “governing authority associated with the series” or a “governing person associated with the series”; and
(4) a reference to “business,” “property,” “obligations,” or “liabilities” means the “business associated with the series,” “property associated with the series,” “obligations associated with the series,” or “liabilities associated with the series.”
(c) After the occurrence of an event requiring winding up of a series under Section 101.616, unless a revocation as provided by Section 101.618 or a cancellation as provided by Section 101.619 occurs, the winding up of the series must be carried out by:
(1) the governing authority of the series or one or more persons, including a governing person, designated by:
(A) the governing authority of the series;
(B) the members associated with the series; or
(C) the company agreement; or
(2) a person appointed by the court to carry out the winding up of the series under Section 11.054, 11.405, 11.409, or 11.410.
(d) An action taken in accordance with this section does not affect the limitation on liability of members and managers provided by Section 101.606.
Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 84 (S.B. 1442), Sec. 45, eff. September 1, 2009.
Sec. 101.618. REVOCATION OF VOLUNTARY WINDING UP. Before the termination of the series takes effect, a voluntary decision to wind up the series under Section 101.616(2)(C) or (D) may be revoked by:
(1) a majority vote of all of the members associated with the series approving the revocation or, if there is more than one class or group of members associated with the series, a majority vote of the members of each class or group of members associated with the series approving the revocation; or
(2) if the series has no members, a majority vote of all the managers associated with the series approving the revocation or, if there is more than one class or group of managers associated with the series, a majority vote of the managers of each class or group of managers associated with the series approving the revocation.
Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 84 (S.B. 1442), Sec. 45, eff. September 1, 2009.
Sec. 101.619. CANCELLATION OF EVENT REQUIRING WINDING UP. (a) Unless the cancellation is prohibited by the company agreement, an event requiring winding up of the series under Section 101.616(1) or (2) may be canceled by the consent of all of the members of the series before the termination of the series takes effect.
(b) In connection with the cancellation, the members must amend the company agreement to:
(1) eliminate or extend the time specified for the series if the event requiring winding up of the series occurred under Section 101.616(1); or
(2) eliminate or revise the event specified with respect to the series if the event requiring winding up of the series occurred under Section 101.616(2).
Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 84 (S.B. 1442), Sec. 45, eff. September 1, 2009.
Sec. 101.620. CONTINUATION OF BUSINESS. The series may continue its business following the revocation under Section 101.618 or the cancellation under Section 101.619.
Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 84 (S.B. 1442), Sec. 45, eff. September 1, 2009.
Sec. 101.621. WINDING UP BY COURT ORDER. A district court in the county in which the registered office or principal place of business in this state of a domestic limited liability company is located, on application by or for a member associated with the series, has jurisdiction to order the winding up and termination of a series if the court determines that it is not reasonably practicable to carry on the business of the series in conformity with the company agreement.
Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 84 (S.B. 1442), Sec. 45, eff. September 1, 2009.
Sec. 101.622. SERIES NOT A SEPARATE DOMESTIC ENTITY OR ORGANIZATION. For purposes of this chapter and Title 1, a series has the rights, powers, and duties provided by this subchapter to the series but is not a separate domestic entity or organization.
Added by Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 9 (S.B. 847), Sec. 9, eff. September 1, 2013.
Williams, McClure & Parmelee is dedicated to high quality legal representation of businesses and insurance companies in a variety of matters. We are experienced Texas civil litigation attorneys based in Fort Worth who know Texas courts and Texas law. For more information, please contact the law firm at 817-335-8800. The firm’s new office location is 5601 Bridge Street, Suite 300, Fort Worth, Texas 76112.
Sec. 417.001. THIRD-PARTY LIABILITY. (a) An employee or legal beneficiary may seek damages from a third party who is or becomes liable to pay damages for an injury or death that is compensable under this subtitle and may also pursue a claim for workers’ compensation benefits under this subtitle.
(b) If a benefit is claimed by an injured employee or a legal beneficiary of the employee, the insurance carrier is subrogated to the rights of the injured employee and may enforce the liability of the third party in the name of the injured employee or the legal beneficiary. The insurance carrier’s subrogation interest is limited to the amount of the total benefits paid or assumed by the carrier to the employee or the legal beneficiary, less the amount by which the court reduces the judgment based on the percentage of responsibility determined by the trier of fact under Section 33.003, Civil Practice and Remedies Code, attributable to the employer. If the recovery is for an amount greater than the amount of the insurance carrier’s subrogation interest, the insurance carrier shall:
(1) reimburse itself and pay the costs from the amount recovered; and
(2) pay the remainder of the amount recovered to the injured employee or the legal beneficiary.
(c) If a claimant receives benefits from the subsequent injury fund, the division is:
(1) considered to be the insurance carrier under this section for purposes of those benefits;
(2) subrogated to the rights of the claimant; and
(3) entitled to reimbursement in the same manner as the insurance carrier.
(d) The division shall remit money recovered under this section to the comptroller for deposit to the credit of the subsequent injury fund.
Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 269, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1993. Amended by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 1423, Sec. 12.13, eff. Sept. 1, 1997; Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 204, Sec. 4.09, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
Amended by:
Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 265 (H.B. 7), Sec. 3.285, eff. September 1, 2005.
Sec. 417.002. RECOVERY IN THIRD-PARTY ACTION. (a) The net amount recovered by a claimant in a third-party action shall be used to reimburse the insurance carrier for benefits, including medical benefits, that have been paid for the compensable injury.
(b) Any amount recovered that exceeds the amount of the reimbursement required under Subsection (a) shall be treated as an advance against future benefits, including medical benefits, that the claimant is entitled to receive under this subtitle.
(c) If the advance under Subsection (b) is adequate to cover all future benefits, the insurance carrier is not required to resume the payment of benefits. If the advance is insufficient, the insurance carrier shall resume the payment of benefits when the advance is exhausted.
Sec. 417.003. ATTORNEY’S FEE FOR REPRESENTATION OF INSURANCE CARRIER’S INTEREST. (a) An insurance carrier whose interest is not actively represented by an attorney in a third-party action shall pay a fee to an attorney representing the claimant in the amount agreed on between the attorney and the insurance carrier. In the absence of an agreement, the court shall award to the attorney payable out of the insurance carrier’s recovery:
(1) a reasonable fee for recovery of the insurance carrier’s interest that may not exceed one-third of the insurance carrier’s recovery; and
(2) a proportionate share of expenses.
(b) An attorney who represents the claimant and is also to represent the subrogated insurance carrier shall make a full written disclosure to the claimant before employment as an attorney by the insurance carrier. The claimant must acknowledge the disclosure and consent to the representation. A signed copy of the disclosure shall be furnished to all concerned parties and made a part of the division file. A copy of the disclosure with the claimant’s consent shall be filed with the claimant’s pleading before a judgment is entered and approved by the court. The claimant’s attorney may not receive a fee under this section to which the attorney is otherwise entitled under an agreement with the insurance carrier unless the attorney complies with the requirements of this subsection.
(c) If an attorney actively representing the insurance carrier’s interest actively participates in obtaining a recovery, the court shall award and apportion between the claimant’s and the insurance carrier’s attorneys a fee payable out of the insurance carrier’s subrogation recovery. In apportioning the award, the court shall consider the benefit accruing to the insurance carrier as a result of each attorney’s service. The total attorney’s fees may not exceed one-third of the insurance carrier’s recovery.
(d) For purposes of determining the amount of an attorney’s fee under this section, only the amount recovered for benefits, including medical benefits, that have been paid by the insurance carrier may be considered.
Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 265 (H.B. 7), Sec. 3.286, eff. September 1, 2005.
Sec. 417.004. EMPLOYER LIABILITY TO THIRD PARTY. In an action for damages brought by an injured employee, a legal beneficiary, or an insurance carrier against a third party liable to pay damages for the injury or death under this chapter that results in a judgment against the third party or a settlement by the third party, the employer is not liable to the third party for reimbursement or damages based on the judgment or settlement unless the employer executed, before the injury or death occurred, a written agreement with the third party to assume the liability.
An express warranty is created by any affirmation of fact or a promise made by a seller to a buyer that is a part of the basis of the bargain. In addition, an express warranty may be created by a description, model, or sample of the goods. A seller breaches an express warranty when the goods fail to “conform to a promise or an affirmation of fact . . . , or the goods do not conform to a description, sample, or model . . . .” Herring v. Home Depot, Inc., 565 S.E.2d 773, 776 (S.C. Ct. App. 2002) (holding that an aggrieved buyer must also establish that the breach caused the damages for which it seeks to recover); see also Yurcic v. Purdue Pharma, L.P., 343 F. Supp. 2d 386, 394 (M.D. Pa. 2004) (holding that to prevail on breach of express warranty claim, a buyer must establish the existence of a warranty, a breach of warranty, and damages proximately caused by the breach)
“Whether an express or implied warranty has been breached is included in the revocation determination only in the sense that a breach of a
warranty could substantially impair the value of the goods to the buyer.”. 139 See U.C.C. § 2-106(2)
It is not necessary to use words like “warranty” or “guarantee” to create express warranties in a contract in Texas. Also, statements of opinion rather than fact , which are called “puffery”, do not create express warranties under Texas law.
TEX BC. CODE ANN. § 2.313 : Texas Statutes – Section 2.313: EXPRESS WARRANTIES BY AFFIRMATION, PROMISE, DESCRIPTION, SAMPLE
(a) Express warranties by the seller are created as follows:(1) Any affirmation of fact or promise made by the seller to the buyer which relates to the goods and becomes part of the basis of the bargain creates an express warranty that the goods shall conform to the affirmation or promise.(2) Any description of the goods which is made part of the basis of the bargain creates an express warranty that the goods shall conform to the description.(3) Any sample or model which is made part of the basis of the bargain creates an express warranty that the whole of the goods shall conform to the sample or model.(b) It is not necessary to the creation of an express warranty that the seller use formal words such as “warrant” or “guarantee” or that he have a specific intention to make a warranty, but an affirmation merely of the value of the goods or a statement purporting to be merely the seller’s opinion or commendation of the goods does not create a warranty.Acts 1967, 60th Leg., p. 2343, ch. 785, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1967. – See more at: http://codes.lp.findlaw.com/txstatutes/BC/1/2/C/2.313#sthash.nshSm46H.dpuf
Williams, McClure & Parmelee is dedicated to high quality legal representation of businesses and insurance companies in a variety of matters. We are experienced Texas civil litigation attorneys based in Fort Worth who know Texas courts and Texas law. For more information, please contact the law firm at 817-335-8800. The firm’s new office location is 5601 Bridge Street, Suite 300, Fort Worth, Texas 76112.
The organizational meeting of the managers was held pursuant to the provisions of the Texas Limited Liability Company Act at the offices of ________, Fort Worth, Texas ______, on ____________, 2015, immediately following the Members meeting.
The following were present:
_________Name(s)______, Managing Member
Chris Vickers, Company Counsel
______Name(s)____ was appointed chairman of the meeting, and Chris Vickers was appointed secretary of the meeting.
Acceptance of Articles of Organization
The secretary then presented and read to the meeting a copy of the Articles of Organization and reported on that on ____________, 2003 the original thereof was filed in the office of the Secretary of State of the State of Texas and that the Secretary of State issued a formal Certificate of Organization to the company on that date.
Upon motion duly made, seconded and carried, it was
RESOLVED, that the Articles of Organization of ____________________, LLC be accepted and approved in all respects.
Regulations
The Secretary then presented a proposed form of regulations for the regulation and management of the affairs ____________________, LLC. The proposed regulations were considered and upon motion duly made, seconded and unanimously adopted, it was:
RESOLVED, that the form of Regulations submitted and reviewed at this meeting are adopted as the Regulations of _____________________, LLC
Officers
The chairman of the meeting then called for the election of officers of ____________________________, LLC. The following persons were nominated to the office preceding their name:
President ______Name(s)___________
No further nominations being made, the nominations were closed and the Managers proceeded to vote on the nominees. The chairman announced that the foregoing nominees were elected to the offices set before their respective name.
Membership Interest Certificates
The secretary submitted to the meeting a specimen Membership Interest Certificate proposed for use as ___________________, LLC’s Certificate for Membership Interest. Upon motion duly made, seconded and carried, it was
RESOLVED, that the specimen Membership Interest Certificate presented to this meeting be and hereby is adopted as the form of Certificate for Membership Interest in _____________________, LLC.
It was ordered that the specimen Membership Interest Certificate be appended to the minutes of the meeting.
Limited Liability Company Record Book
Secretary presented a record book of ______________________-, LLC containing a copy of the Articles of Organization, the Certificate of Organization, the Regulations previously approved at the meeting, the Membership Interest Certificate stubs, and the Membership Interest transfer ledger. On motion duly made, seconded and unanimously adopted, it was
RESOLVED, that (1) the record book presented to this meeting by the Secretary is approved and adopted, and the action of the Secretary in inserting in it the Articles of Organization, the Certificate of Organization, and the regulations, is ratified and approved, and (2) the Secretary is instructed to authenticate the record book, to retain custody of it, and to insert in it the minutes of this meeting and of other proceedings of the Members, Managers, and any committee established by the Managers, and to keep records pertaining to the issuance and transfer of Membership Interest in the Membership Interest Certificate stubs and Membership Interest transfer book respectively.
Membership Interest Issued
Upon motion duly made, seconded and carried, it was
RESOLVED, that the Managers of __________________, LLC be, and they hereby are, authorized to issue from time to time authorized Membership Interests of _________________, LLC for money paid, labor done, promissory note, or personal property or real estate or leases thereof actually acquired by, upon such terms as the Managers in their discretion may determine. Such agreement must be unanimous.
The chairman stated that an offer(s) to purchase one hundred percent (100%) of the Membership Interest of ______________________, LLC be issued to the following in the percentages set opposite their names and for the consideration stated next thereto:
________Name(s)__________ 100% $1,000
That the Managing Members of _______________, LLC are authorized to issue additional Membership Interest to appropriately qualified purchasers.
Commencing Business
The chairman announced that consideration had been received for the issuance of Membership Interest, and that consequently _________________, LLC was able to commence and transact business and to incur indebtedness.
Organizational Expenses
Upon motion duly made, seconded and carried, it was
RESOLVED, that the treasurer of ____________________, LLC be and hereby is authorized to pay all charges and expenses incident to or arising out of the organization of and to reimburse any person who has made any disbursement therefor.
Bank Account
The chairman then stated that it was desirable to maintain a depository for the funds of _______________, LLC. Thereupon, on motion duly made, seconded and unanimously adopted, it was
RESOLVED, that the Managing Members be and hereby are authorized to open a bank account on behalf of ___________________, LLC with any banks the president deems appropriate.
Office
Upon motion duly made, seconded and carried, it was
RESOLVED, that an office of ____________________, LLC be established and maintained at ____________________-(address) and that meetings of the Managers from time to time may be held either at the principal office or at such other place as the Managers shall from time to time order.
Licenses, Permits
Additionally, the Managing Members of _____________, LLC were directed to obtain in the name of ____________, LLC such other licenses and tax permits as may be required for the conduct of the business of ____________, LLC by any federal, state, county, or municipal governmental statute, ordinance, or regulations, and to do all things necessary or convenient to qualify to transact its business in compliance with the laws and regulations of any appropriate federal, state, or municipal governmental authority.
Other States
Upon motion duly made, seconded and carried, it was
RESOLVED, that for the purpose of authorizing to do business in any state, territory or dependency of the United States or any foreign country in which it is necessary or expedient for ___________, LLC to transact business, the proper officers of ____________, LLC are hereby authorized to appoint and substitute all necessary agents or attorneys for service of process, to designate and change the location of all necessary statutory offices and, under the limited liability company seal, to make and file all necessary certificates, reports, powers of attorney and other instruments as may be required by the laws of such state, territory, dependency or country to authorize to transact business therein.
Fiscal Year
On motion duly made, seconded and carried, it was
RESOLVED, that the fiscal year of ______________, LLC shall be the calendar year ending December 31 subject to change, as appropriate, at the discretion of the Managers by resolution.
Carry On Business
Upon motion duly made, seconded and carried, it was
RESOLVED, that the signing of these minutes shall constitute full consent, confirmation, ratification, adoption and approval of the holding of the above meeting, the actions hereby taken, the resolutions herein adopted and waiver of notice of the meeting by the signatories.
Adjournment
There being no further business before the meeting, on motion duly made, seconded and carried, the meeting was adjourned.
Dated this ____ day of ___________, 2015.
__________________________________
_____Name(s)________, Managing Member
A true copy of each of the following papers referred to in the foregoing minutes is appended hereto:
Specimen Membership Interest Certificate
Articles of Organization
Regulations
Williams, McClure & Parmelee is dedicated to high quality legal representation of businesses and insurance companies in a variety of matters. We are experienced Texas civil litigation attorneys based in Fort Worth who know Texas courts and Texas law. For more information, please contact the law firm at 817-335-8800. The firm’s new office location is 5601 Bridge Street, Suite 300, Fort Worth, Texas 76112.
A special meeting of the members was held pursuant to the provisions of the Texas Limited Liability Company Act at ____ on ______2015 at the Company office of ___________, L.L.C., ______________.
The following members were present:
____________ was appointed Chairman of the meeting, and ___________ was appointed Secretary.
Regulations
The Secretary presented a revised form of regulations for the regulation and management of the affairs of ________, L.L.C. The proposed regulations were considered and upon motion duly made, seconded and unanimously adopted, it was:
RESOLVED, that the form of Regulations submitted and reviewed at this meeting are adopted and will remain in effect as the Regulations of _____________, L.L.C.
Joint Managing Members
The Secretary proposed that the regulation and management of the affairs of _____________, L.L.C. be managed by ___________and ________ as joint managing members. The proposition was considered and upon motion duly made, seconded and unanimously adopted, it was:
RESOLVED, that regulation and management of the affairs of __________, L.L.C. be managed by __________ and ____________ as joint managing members.
Upon motion duly made, seconded and carried, it was:
RESOLVED, that the signing of these minutes shall constitute full consent, confirmation, ratification, adoption and approval of the holding of the above meeting, the actions hereby taken, the resolutions herein adopted and waiver of notice of the meeting by the signatories.
Upon Motion duly made, seconded and carried, it was:
RESOLVED, that all of the activities, obligations, and transactions as they have been taken or made by the Members in the course of their Management of the L.L.C. since the date of the L.L.C.’s inception be and they hereby are ratified and approved as authorized actions of the L.L.C.
Adjournment
There being no further business before the meeting, on motion duly made, seconded and carried, the meeting was adjourned.
Dated this the _______ day of _________________, 2015.
Williams, McClure & Parmelee is dedicated to high quality legal representation of businesses and insurance companies in a variety of matters. We are experienced Texas civil litigation attorneys based in Fort Worth who know Texas courts and Texas law. For more information, please contact the law firm at 817-335-8800. The firm’s new office location is 5601 Bridge Street, Suite 300, Fort Worth, Texas 76112.
1.01 This agreement is entered into on ________ ___, 2015, by and between ______________(hereinafter referred to as “Employer”) and _________, an Individual (“hereinafter referred to as “Employee”)
PURPOSE
2.01 EMPLOYEE and EMPLOYER have entered into Employment Agreement, dated ___ , 2015, which calls for the provision of certain services by EMPLOYEE to EMPLOYER.
2.02 In his capacity as ______________, EMPLOYEE will have access to information, data, documents and procedures (“information”) which are confidential or contain proprietary value to EMPLOYER. EMPLOYER will provide EMPLOYEE with specialized training as to the use to all proprietary operating systems, strategies, procedures and processes to insure that EMPLOYEE properly and effectively utilizes said information for the benefit of the EMPLOYER.
III. PROPRIETARY VALUE
3.01 The parties hereby agree and acknowledge that considerable sums of money and time have been spent in the creation, development, obtaining and maintenance of information which is confidential and has proprietary value.
3.02 The parties agree that the information and products or services which have been or may be derived from the information is worth a considerable amount of money and therefore is a benefit worthy of protection.
3.03 The parties acknowledge that the information has independent economic value to the EMPLOYER. EMPLOYEE further acknowledges that the EMPLOYER has taken steps to preserve and safeguard the secrecy of the information.
3.04 The parties agree that EMPLOYER desires and has a right to keep such information confidential. The protection of such information is hereby agreed to and acknowledged by both parties as being reasonable consideration for establishing the covenants contained in this agreement.
The parties agree that if confidential information is disseminated to third parties, the same would be detrimental to the owner of the information.
3.06 The EMPLOYEE understands that absent his entering into this agreement, the EMPLOER would not enter into the Employment Agreement with EMPLOYEE.
INFORMATION TO BE PROTECTED AND REMAIN CONFIDENTIAL
4.01 DEFINITION OF “CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION”
“Confidential Information” means the Work Product and any proprietary information, technical data, trade secrets or know-how of EMPLOYER, including, but not limited to, operating systems and procedures, marketing strategies, research, business plans or models, product plans, products, services, computer software and code, developments, inventions, processes, formulas, technology, designs, drawings, engineering, hardware configuration information, customer lists and customers (including, but not limited to, customers of EMPLOYER on whom EMPLOYEE called or with whom EMPLOYEE became acquainted during the term of its services), knowledge of specialized requirements of Employer’s customers, markets, finances or other business information, including analytical methods and procedures, forecast and forecast assumptions, and future plans and strategies, including price and cost objectives, disclosed by EMPLOYER either directly or indirectly in writing, orally or by drawings or inspection of parts or equipment. Confidential Information does not include information which: (a) is known to EMPLOYEE at the time of disclosure to EMPLOYEE by EMPLOYER as evidenced by written records of EMPLOYEE, (b) has become publicly known and made generally available through no wrongful act of EMPLOYEE, or (c) has been rightfully received by EMPLOYEE from a third party who is authorized to make such disclosure.
4.02 NON-USE AND NON-DISCLOSURE
EMPLOYEE shall not, during or subsequent to the term of this Agreement: (i) use EMPLOYER’S Confidential Information for any purpose whatsoever other than the performance of the duties owed to EMPLOYER, or (ii) disclose EMPLOYER’S Confidential Information to any third party. It is understood that said Confidential Information is and will remain the sole property of EMPLOYER. EMPLOYEE shall take all reasonable precautions to prevent any unauthorized use or disclosure of such Confidential Information. EMPLOYEE shall not use, disseminate or distribute to any person, firm or corporation, incorporate, reproduce, modify, reverse engineer, decompile or network any Confidential Information, or any portion thereof, for any purpose, commercial, personal, or otherwise, except as expressly authorized in writing by the Board of Directors of EMPLOYER. Upon termination of the Employment Agreement, or at any time thereafter, EMPLOYEE and its servants, agents, and employees shall promptly return to EMPLOYER, or upon the request of EMPLOYER shall destroy or delete, all such tangible Confidential Information, including, but not limited to, any and all devices, records, data, notes, reports, proposals, lists, correspondence, specifications, drawings blueprints, sketches, materials, equipment, other documents or property, or reproductions of any aforementioned items developed by EMPLOYEE pursuant to its employment by EMPLOYER or otherwise belonging to EMPLOYER.
4.03 THIRD PARTY CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION
Employee recognizes that EMPLOYER has received and in the future will receive from third parties their proprietary information, technical data, know-how, trade secrets or other information of a type or nature similar to Confidential Information (“Third Party Information”) subject to a duty on EMPLOYER’S part to maintain the confidentiality of such information and to use it only for certain limited purposes. EMPLOYEE agrees that EMPLOYEE owes EMPLOYER and such third parties, during the term of this Agreement and thereafter, a duty to treat such Third Party Information as if it were Confidential Information in accordance with the obligations of Section 4.01 above.
PARTIES OBLIGATIONS
5.01 PRESERVE THE CONFIDENTIALITY OF THE INFORMATION
EMPLOYEE agrees to keep all confidential information private and shall not disclose any confidential information to any person, firm, entity or organization, etc. without the express written authorization of EMPLOYER.
EMPLOYEE agrees to keep and maintain confidential information in a safe and secure place with adequate safeguards to ensure that unauthorized persons do not have access to the confidential information.
All oral and written discussions, communications, e‑mail transmissions and other forms of communication or transmission which contain confidential information shall be kept secret and remain confidential; each party hereto agrees to restrict such communications solely to those persons who are authorized to receive such communications.
5.02 NO USE OF CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION FOR OTHER PURPOSES
EMPLOYEE agrees not to use any of EMPLOYER’s confidential data or confidential information for any third party bids, contracts, evaluations, industry reports including but not limited to “best practices” statements or summaries, analyses, proposals or other work.
5.03 NO PUBLIC DISSEMINATION OF CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION
The parties agree not to allow confidential information to be publicly disseminated in any form, including but not limited to oral, written or computer communications.
NOTIFICATION IN THE EVENT OF RELEASE OF CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION
In the event that confidential information is inadvertently released to an unauthorized person, or any misuse or misappropriation of the information occurs, then the party who has such knowledge agrees to notify the other party of this event within 10 days of the receipt of such knowledge or awareness.
RETURN OF CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION
6.01 PROPERTY RIGHTS
Each party shall retain ownership of its confidential information, including without limitation all rights in patents, copyrights, trade marks and trade secrets. The recipient of any confidential information shall not acquire any title or ownership rights to the other party’s confidential information by virtue of having access to the information.
The confidential information shall remain the property of the disclosing party and shall be kept confidential by the receiving party following the date of any such disclosure.
6.02 CONTINUING OBLIGATION
This obligation shall continue and shall survive notwithstanding the completion, modification or termination of this agreement.
6.03 RETURN OF CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION
Upon conclusion of the Employment Agreement, EMPLOYEE shall return all confidential information to EMPLOYER.
VII. NONSOLICITATION AND NONCOMPETITION
7.01 During the term of the Contract, and for a period of two (2) year thereafter, EMPLOYEE shall not, directly or indirectly, or through any third party or entity, solicit, call on, contact, or accept business or leads from any past, present, or prospective customers, suppliers, employees, agents, or independent contractors of EMPLOYER.
VIII. DAMAGES
8.01 IRREPARABLE HARM AND INJUNCTIVE RELIEF
The parties agree and stipulate that a breach of this agreement may cause irreparable damage to the party whose information has been disseminated in an unauthorized manner. Consequently, remedies at law for such a breach may not be adequate, therefore the non‑breaching party shall be entitled to seek whatever remedies or damages the party may desire including but not limited to money damages, preliminary and other injunctive or equitable relief.
The parties agree and stipulate that if injunctive relief is requested, then the requirement to show that monetary damages is an insufficient remedy has been met. The parties agree and stipulate that no bond or surety shall be required if an injunction is granted.
The parties agree that the non‑breaching party may elect damages under any statute, rule or common law cause of action or claim that it sees fit including but not limited to the provisions of the Uniform Trade Secrets Act.
8.02 ATTORNEY’S FEES AND COSTS OF COURT
The non‑breaching party, if successful at trial, shall be entitled to reimbursement of reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs of court, including expert witness fees, deposition expenses, and all other costs or expenses which may be or have been required to enforce this agreement.
8.03 VALIDITY OF AGREEMENT
The parties agree that this provision shall survive the agreement and if any of the terms in this paragraph VIII are subsequently held invalid, then the invalid terms shall be deemed to be severable and shall not defeat the remaining provisions in this agreement.
GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS
9.01 ACCEPTANCE AND DATE OF EFFECTIVENESS
This agreement is not binding until it is executed by all parties to this agreement. This agreement shall become effective upon such execution. Thereafter, all obligations contained in this agreement shall be conclusive and binding upon all of the parties. Accordingly, this agreement shall no longer be considered executory as of the date that all parties have affixed their signatures to it.
9.02 AMENDMENT OR MODIFICATION
This agreement represents the entire agreement by and between the parties except as otherwise provided in this agreement. It may not be changed except by written agreement duly executed by all of the parties.
9.03 ASSIGNMENT
Neither party shall have the right to transfer or assign its obligations or interest in this agreement without the prior written consent of the other party.
9.04 CORPORATE AUTHORITY
If any party to this agreement is a legal entity, including, but not limited to, an association, corporation, joint venture, limited partnership, partnership, or trust, then that party represents to the other that this agreement and the transactions contemplated in this agreement and the execution and delivery hereof have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate, partnership, or trust proceedings and actions including, but not limited to, action on the part of the directors, officers and agents of the entity, if said actions are required.
Furthermore, a corporate party represents that all appropriate corporate meetings were held or the actions contemplated herein will be ratified to authorize the aforementioned obligations and certified copies of all corporate meetings or minutes and corporate resolutions authorizing this transaction have been delivered to all parties to this agreement prior to or at the time of execution of this agreement, if such corporate authorization was requested by the party desiring such authorization within five (5) days of the execution of this agreement.
9.05 FURTHER ASSURANCES
Each party further agrees that it shall take any and all necessary steps and sign and execute any and all necessary documents or agreements required to implement the terms of the agreement of the parties contained in this contract, and each party agrees to refrain from taking any action, either expressly or impliedly, which would have the effect of prohibiting or hindering the performance of the other party to this agreement.
9.06 NO WAIVER
The failure or delay of either party in the enforcement of the rights detailed in this agreement shall not constitute a waiver of the rights nor shall it be considered as a basis for estoppel either at equity or at law.
That party may exercise its rights under this agreement despite any delay or failure to enforce those rights at the time the cause of action or right or obligation arose.
9.07 PAROL EVIDENCE, STATUS OF AGREEMENT AND PRIOR UNDERSTANDINGS
This agreement and the exhibits attached hereto and incorporated herein, if any, contain the entire agreement of the parties and there are no representations, inducements, promises, agreements, arrangements or undertakings, oral or written, between the parties to this agreement other than those set forth herein and duly executed in writing.
No agreement of any kind shall be binding upon either party unless and until the same has been made in writing and duly executed by both parties.
Upon execution of this agreement by all parties, all previous agreements, contracts, oral understandings, representations, arrangements, or undertakings of any kind relative to the matters contained in this agreement are hereby superseded and canceled and all claims and demands not contained in this agreement are deemed fully completed and satisfied.
9.08 PARTIES BOUND CLAUSE AND SUCCESSORS
This agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties, their respective heirs, executors, administrators, legal representatives, successors and assigns.
The parties to this agreement expressly agree that in the event a party seeks to or does transfer part or all of its assets to a separate entity, not a party to this agreement, the party shall be liable under this agreement as if the transfer had not occurred.
Any party to this agreement may assign its rights and obligations under this agreement without consent to a successor to all or substantially all of its business, whether the successor has acquired this business by sale, merger, consolidation, or otherwise.
9.09 REPRESENTATIONS
No representations, promises, guarantees or warranties were made to induce either party to execute this agreement other than those stated in the agreement.
9.10 SEVERABILITY
If any provision of this agreement is for any reason held violative of any applicable law, governmental rule or regulation, or if the provision is held to be unenforceable or unconscionable, then the invalidity of that specific provision shall not be held to invalidate the remaining provisions of this agreement.
All other provisions and the entirety of this agreement shall remain in full force and effect unless the removal of the invalid provision destroys the legitimate purposes of this agreement, in which event this agreement shall be canceled and terminated.
9.11 STATE LAW AND VENUE DETERMINATION
This agreement shall be subject to and governed under the laws of the State of Texas. Any and all obligations and payments are due and performable and payable in Tarrant County, Texas.
The parties agree that venue for purposes of any and all lawsuits, causes of action, arbitrations, or other disputes shall be in Dallas County, Texas.
9.12 UNDERSTANDING AND FAIR CONSTRUCTION
By execution of this agreement, the parties acknowledge that they have read and understood each provision, term and obligation contained in this agreement.
This agreement, although drawn by one party, shall be construed fairly and reasonably and not more strictly against the drafting party than the non‑drafting party.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Confidentiality and Non-Competition Agreement as of the date written below.
Williams, McClure & Parmelee is dedicated to high quality legal representation of businesses and insurance companies in a variety of matters. We are experienced Texas civil litigation attorneys based in Fort Worth who know Texas courts and Texas law. For more information, please contact the law firm at 817-335-8800. The firm’s new office location is 5601 Bridge Street, Suite 300, Fort Worth, Texas 76112.
Volume: 4Date: 2014-07-01Original Date: 2014-07-01Title: PART 1625 – AGE DISCRIMINATION IN EMPLOYMENT ACTContext: Title 29 – Labor. Subtitle B – Regulations Relating to Labor (Continued). CHAPTER XIV – EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY COMMISSION.
Pt. 1625PART 1625—AGE DISCRIMINATION IN EMPLOYMENT ACTSubpart A—InterpretationsSec.1625.1Definitions.1625.2Discrimination prohibited by the Act.1625.3Employment agency.1625.4Help wanted notices or advertisements.1625.5Employment applications.1625.6Bona fide occupational qualifications.1625.7Differentiations based on reasonable factors other than age.1625.8Bona fide seniority systems.1625.9Prohibition of involuntary retirement.1625.10Costs and benefits under employee benefit plans.1625.11Exemption for employees serving under a contract of unlimited tenure.1625.12Exemption for bona fide executive or high policymaking employees.Subpart B—Substantive Regulations1625.21Apprenticeship programs.1625.22Waivers of rights and claims under the ADEA.1625.23Waivers of rights and claims: Tender back of consideration.Subpart C—Administrative Exemptions1625.30Administrative exemptions; procedures.1625.31Special employment programs.1625.32Coordination of retiree health benefits with Medicare and State health benefits.Authority:29 U.S.C. 621-634; 5 U.S.C. 301; Pub. L. 99-502, 100 Stat. 3342; Secretary’s Order No. 10-68; Secretary’s Order No. 11-68; sec. 2, Reorg. Plan No. 1 of 1978, 43 FR 19807; Executive Order 12067, 43 FR 28967.Source:46 FR 47726, Sept. 29, 1981, unless otherwise noted.Subpart A—Interpretations§ 1625.1Definitions.The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission is hereinafter referred to as the Commission. The terms person, employer, employment agency, labor organization, and employee shall have the meanings set forth in section 11 of the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, as amended, 29 U.S.C. 621 et seq., hereinafter referred to as the Act. References to employers in this part state principles that are applicable not only to employers but also to labor organizations and to employment agencies.
Code of Federal Regulations / Title 29 – Labor / Vol. 4 / 2014-07-01328
§ 1625.2Discrimination prohibited by the Act.It is unlawful for an employer to discriminate against an individual in any aspect of employment because that individual is 40 years old or older, unless one of the statutory exceptions applies. Favoring an older individual over a younger individual because of age is not unlawful discrimination under the ADEA, even if the younger individual is at least 40 years old. However, the ADEA does not require employers to prefer older individuals and does not affect applicable state, municipal, or local laws that prohibit such preferences. [72 FR 36875, July 6, 2007]§ 1625.3Employment agency.(a) As long as an employment agency regularly procures employees for at least one covered employer, it qualifies under section 11(c) of the Act as an employment agency with respect to all of its activities whether or not such activities are for employers covered by the act.(b) The prohibitions of section 4(b) of the Act apply not only to the referral activities of a covered employment agency but also to the agency’s own employment practices, regardless of the number of employees the agency may have.§ 1625.4Help wanted notices or advertisements.(a) Help wanted notices or advertisements may not contain terms and phrases that limit or deter the employment of older individuals. Notices or advertisements that contain terms such as age 25 to 35, young, college student, recent college graduate, boy, girl, or others of a similar nature violate the Act unless one of the statutory exceptions applies. Employers may post help wanted notices or advertisements expressing a preference for older individuals with terms such as over age 60, retirees, or supplement your pension.(b) Help wanted notices or advertisements that ask applicants to disclose or state their age do not, in themselves, violate the Act. But because asking applicants to state their age may tend to deter older individuals from applying, or otherwise indicate discrimination against older individuals, employment notices or advertisements that include such requests will be closely scrutinized to assure that the requests were made for a lawful purpose. [72 FR 36875, July 6, 2007]§ 1625.5Employment applications.A request on the part of an employer for information such as Date of Birth or age on an employment application form is not, in itself, a violation of the Act. But because the request that an applicant state his age may tend to deter older applicants or otherwise indicate discrimination against older individuals, employment application forms that request such information will be closely scrutinized to assure that the request is for a permissible purpose and not for purposes proscribed by the Act. That the purpose is not one proscribed by the statute should be made known to the applicant by a reference on the application form to the statutory prohibition in language to the following effect: The Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 prohibits discrimination on the basis of age with respect to individuals who are at least 40 years of age,” or by other means. The term “employment applications,” refers to all written inquiries about employment or applications for employment or promotion including, but not limited to, résumés or other summaries of the applicant’s background. It relates not only to written preemployment inquiries, but to inquiries by employees concerning terms, conditions, or privileges of employment as specified in section 4 of the Act. [46 FR 47726, Sept. 29, 1981, as amended at 53 FR 5972, Feb. 29, 1988; 72 FR 36875, July 6, 2007]§ 1625.6Bona fide occupational qualifications.(a) Whether occupational qualifications will be deemed to be “bona fide” to a specific job and “reasonably necessary to the normal operation of the particular business,” will be determined on the basis of all the pertinent facts surrounding each particular situation. It is anticipated that this concept of a bona fide occupational qualification will have limited scope and application. Further, as this is an exception to the Act it must be narrowly construed.
Code of Federal Regulations / Title 29 – Labor / Vol. 4 / 2014-07-01329
(b) An employer asserting a BFOQ defense has the burden of proving that (1) the age limit is reasonably necessary to the essence of the business, and either (2) that all or substantially all individuals excluded from the job involved are in fact disqualified, or (3) that some of the individuals so excluded possess a disqualifying trait that cannot be ascertained except by reference to age. If the employer’s objective in asserting a BFOQ is the goal of public safety, the employer must prove that the challenged practice does indeed effectuate that goal and that there is no acceptable alternative which would better advance it or equally advance it with less discriminatory impact.(c) Many State and local governments have enacted laws or administrative regulations which limit employment opportunities based on age. Unless these laws meet the standards for the establishment of a valid bona fide occupational qualification under section 4(f)(1) of the Act, they will be considered in conflict with and effectively superseded by the ADEA.§ 1625.7Differentiations based on reasonable factors other than age.(a) Section 4(f)(1) of the Act provides that * * * it shall not be unlawful for an employer, employment agency, or labor organization * * * to take any action otherwise prohibited under paragraphs (a), (b), (c), or (e) of this section * * * where the differentiation is based on reasonable factors other than age * * *.(b) When an employment practice uses age as a limiting criterion, the defense that the practice is justified by a reasonable factor other than age is unavailable.(c) Any employment practice that adversely affects individuals within the protected age group on the basis of older age is discriminatory unless the practice is justified by a “reasonable factor other than age.” An individual challenging the allegedly unlawful practice is responsible for isolating and identifying the specific employment practice that allegedly causes any observed statistical disparities.(d) Whenever the “reasonable factors other than age” defense is raised, the employer bears the burdens of production and persuasion to demonstrate the defense. The “reasonable factors other than age” provision is not available as a defense to a claim of disparate treatment.(e)(1) A reasonable factor other than age is a non-age factor that is objectively reasonable when viewed from the position of a prudent employer mindful of its responsibilities under the ADEA under like circumstances. Whether a differentiation is based on reasonable factors other than age must be decided on the basis of all the particular facts and circumstances surrounding each individual situation. To establish the RFOA defense, an employer must show that the employment practice was both reasonably designed to further or achieve a legitimate business purpose and administered in a way that reasonably achieves that purpose in light of the particular facts and circumstances that were known, or should have been known, to the employer.(2) Considerations that are relevant to whether a practice is based on a reasonable factor other than age include, but are not limited to:(i) The extent to which the factor is related to the employer’s stated business purpose;(ii) The extent to which the employer defined the factor accurately and applied the factor fairly and accurately, including the extent to which managers and supervisors were given guidance or training about how to apply the factor and avoid discrimination;(iii) The extent to which the employer limited supervisors’ discretion to assess employees subjectively, particularly where the criteria that the supervisors were asked to evaluate are known to be subject to negative age-based stereotypes;(iv) The extent to which the employer assessed the adverse impact of its employment practice on older workers; and
Code of Federal Regulations / Title 29 – Labor / Vol. 4 / 2014-07-01330
(v) The degree of the harm to individuals within the protected age group, in terms of both the extent of injury and the numbers of persons adversely affected, and the extent to which the employer took steps to reduce the harm, in light of the burden of undertaking such steps.(3) No specific consideration or combination of considerations need be present for a differentiation to be based on reasonable factors other than age. Nor does the presence of one of these considerations automatically establish the defense.(f) A differentiation based on the average cost of employing older employees as a group is unlawful except with respect to employee benefit plans which qualify for the section 4(f)(2) exception to the Act. [46 FR 47726, Sept. 29, 1981, as amended at 77 FR 19095, Mar. 30, 2012]§ 1625.8Bona fide seniority systems.Section 4(f)(2) of the Act provides that * * * It shall not be unlawful for an employer, employment agency, or labor organization * * * to observe the terms of a bona fide seniority system * * * which is not a subterfuge to evade the purposes of this Act except that no such seniority system * * * shall require or permit the involuntary retirement of any individual specified by section 12(a) of this Act because of the age of such individual. * * *(a) Though a seniority system may be qualified by such factors as merit, capacity, or ability, any bona fide seniority system must be based on length of service as the primary criterion for the equitable allocation of available employment opportunities and prerogatives among younger and older workers.(b) Adoption of a purported seniority system which gives those with longer service lesser rights, and results in discharge or less favored treatment to those within the protection of the Act, may, depending upon the circumstances, be a “subterfuge to evade the purposes” of the Act.(c) Unless the essential terms and conditions of an alleged seniority system have been communicated to the affected employees and can be shown to be applied uniformly to all of those affected, regardless of age, it will not be considered a bona fide seniority system within the meaning of the Act.(d) It should be noted that seniority systems which segregate, classify, or otherwise discriminate against individuals on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin, are prohibited under title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, where that Act otherwise applies. The “bona fides” of such a system will be closely scrutinized to ensure that such a system is, in fact, bona fide under the ADEA. [53 FR 15673, May 3, 1988]§ 1625.9Prohibition of involuntary retirement.(a)(1) As originally enacted in 1967, section 4(f)(2) of the Act provided: It shall not be unlawful * * * to observe the terms of a bona fide seniority system or any bona fide employee benefit plan such as a retirement, pension, or insurance plan, which is not a subterfuge to evade the purposes of this Act, except that no such employee benefit plan shall excuse the failure to hire any individual * * *.The Department of Labor interpreted the provision as “Authoriz[ing] involuntary retirement irrespective of age: Provided, That such retirement is pursuant to the terms of a retirement or pension plan meeting the requirements of section 4(f)(2).” See 34 FR 9709 (June 21, 1969). The Department took the position that in order to meet the requirements of section 4(f)(2), the involuntary retirement provision had to be (i) contained in a bona fide pension or retirement plan, (ii) required by the terms of the plan and not optional, and (iii) essential to the plan’s economic survival or to some other legitimate business purpose—i.e., the provision was not in the plan as the result of arbitrary discrimination on the basis of age.(2) As revised by the 1978 amendments, section 4(f)(2) was amended by adding the following clause at the end: and no such seniority system or employee benefit plan shall require or permit the involuntary retirement of any individual specified by section 12(a) of this Act because of the age of such individual * * *.The Conference Committee Report expressly states that this amendment is
Code of Federal Regulations / Title 29 – Labor / Vol. 4 / 2014-07-01331
intended “to make absolutely clear one of the original purposes of this provision, namely, that the exception does not authorize an employer to require or permit involuntary retirement of an employee within the protected age group on account of age” (H.R. Rept. No. 95-950, p. 8).(b)(1) The amendment applies to all new and existing seniority systems and employee benefit plans. Accordingly, any system or plan provision requiring or permitting involuntary retirement is unlawful, regardless of whether the provision antedates the 1967 Act or the 1978 amendments.(2) Where lawsuits pending on the date of enactment (April 6, 1978) or filed thereafter challenge involuntary retirements which occurred either before or after that date, the amendment applies.(c)(1) The amendment protects all individuals covered by section 12(a) of the Act. Section 12(a) was amended in October of 1986 by the Age Discrimination in Employment Amendments of 1986, Pub. L. 99-592, 100 Stat. 3342 (1986), which removed the age 70 limit. Section 12(a) provides that the Act’s prohibitions shall be limited to individuals who are at least forty years of age. Accordingly, unless a specific exemption applies, an employer can no longer force retirement or otherwise discriminate on the basis of age against an individual because (s)he is 70 or older.(2) The amendment to section 12(a) of the Act became effective on January 1, 1987, except with respect to any employee subject to a collective bargaining agreement containing a provision that would be superseded by such amendment that was in effect on June 30, 1986, and which terminates after January 1, 1987. In that case, the amendment is effective on the termination of the agreement or January 1, 1990, whichever comes first.(d) Neither section 4(f)(2) nor any other provision of the Act makes it unlawful for a plan to permit individuals to elect early retirement at a specified age at their own option. Nor is it unlawful for a plan to require early retirement for reasons other than age. [46 FR 47726, Sept. 29, 1981, as amended at 52 FR 23811, June 25, 1987; 53 FR 5973, Feb. 29, 1988]§ 1625.10Costs and benefits under employee benefit plans.(a)(1) General. Section 4(f)(2) of the Act provides that it is not unlawful for an employer, employment agency, or labor organization to observe the terms of * * * any bona fide employee benefit plan such as a retirement, pension, or insurance plan, which is not a subterfuge to evade the purposes of this Act, except that no such employee benefit plan shall excuse the failure to hire any individual, and no such * * * employee benefit plan shall require or permit the involuntary retirement of any individual specified by section 12(a) of this Act because of the age of such individuals.The legislative history of this provision indicates that its purpose is to permit age-based reductions in employee benefit plans where such reductions are justified by significant cost considerations. Accordingly, section 4(f)(2) does not apply, for example, to paid vacations and uninsured paid sick leave, since reductions in these benefits would not be justified by significant cost considerations. Where employee benefit plans do meet the criteria in section 4(f)(2), benefit levels for older workers may be reduced to the extent necessary to achieve approximate equivalency in cost for older and younger workers. A benefit plan will be considered in compliance with the statute where the actual amount of payment made, or cost incurred, in behalf of an older worker is equal to that made or incurred in behalf of a younger worker, even though the older worker may thereby receive a lesser amount of benefits or insurance coverage. Since section 4(f)(2) is an exception from the general non-discrimination provisions of the Act, the burden is on the one seeking to invoke the exception to show that every element has been clearly and unmistakably met. The exception must be narrowly construed. The following sections explain three key elements of the exception:(i) What a “bona fide employee benefit plan” is;(ii) What it means to “observe the terms” of such a plan; and(iii) What kind of plan, or plan provision, would be considered “a subterfuge to evade the purposes of [the] Act.”
Code of Federal Regulations / Title 29 – Labor / Vol. 4 / 2014-07-01332
There is also a discussion of the application of the general rules governing all plans with respect to specific kinds of employee benefit plans.(2) Relation of section 4(f)(2) to sections 4(a), 4(b) and 4(c). Sections 4(a), 4(b) and 4(c) prohibit specified acts of discrimination on the basis of age. Section 4(a) in particular makes it unlawful for an employer to “discriminate against any individual with respect to his compensation, terms, conditions, or privileges of employment, because of such individual’s age * * *.” Section 4(f)(2) is an exception to this general prohibition. Where an employer under an employee benefit plan provides the same level of benefits to older workers as to younger workers, there is no violation of section 4(a), and accordingly the practice does not have to be justified under section 4(f)(2).(b) Bona fide employee benefit plan. Section 4(f)(2) applies only to bona fide employee benefit plans. A plan is considered “bona fide” if its terms (including cessation of contributions or accruals in the case of retirement income plans) have been accurately described in writing to all employees and if it actually provides the benefits in accordance with the terms of the plan. Notifying employees promptly of the provisions and changes in an employee benefit plan is essential if they are to know how the plan affects them. For these purposes, it would be sufficient under the ADEA for employers to follow the disclosure requirements of ERISA and the regulations thereunder. The plan must actually provide the benefits its provisions describe, since otherwise the notification of the provisions to employees is misleading and inaccurate. An “employee benefit plan” is a plan, such as a retirement, pension, or insurance plan, which provides employees with what are frequently referred to as “fringe benefits.” The term does not refer to wages or salary in cash; neither section 4(f)(2) nor any other section of the Act excuses the payment of lower wages or salary to older employees on account of age. Whether or not any particular employee benefit plan may lawfully provide lower benefits to older employees on account of age depends on whether all of the elements of the exception have been met. An “employee-pay-all” employee benefit plan is one of the “terms, conditions, or privileges of employment” with respect to which discrimination on the basis of age is forbidden under section 4(a)(1). In such a plan, benefits for older workers may be reduced only to the extent and according to the same principles as apply to other plans under section 4(f)(2).(c) “To observe the terms” of a plan. In order for a bona fide employee benefit plan which provides lower benefits to older employees on account of age to be within the section 4(f)(2) exception, the lower benefits must be provided in “observ[ance of] the terms of” the plan. As this statutory text makes clear, the section 4(f)(2) exception is limited to otherwise discriminatory actions which are actually prescribed by the terms of a bona fide employee benefit plan. Where the employer, employment agency, or labor organization is not required by the express provisions of the plan to provide lesser benefits to older workers, section 4(f)(2) does not apply. Important purposes are served by this requirement. Where a discriminatory policy is an express term of a benefit plan, employees presumably have some opportunity to know of the policy and to plan (or protest) accordingly. Moreover, the requirement that the discrimination actually be prescribed by a plan assures that the particular plan provision will be equally applied to all employees of the same age. Where a discriminatory provision is an optional term of the plan, it permits individual, discretionary acts of discrimination, which do not fall within the section 4(f)(2) exception.(d) Subterfuge. In order for a bona fide employee benefit plan which prescribes lower benefits for older employees on account of age to be within the section 4(f)(2) exception, it must not be “a subterfuge to evade the purposes of [the] Act.” In general, a plan or plan provision which prescribes lower benefits for older employees on account of age is not a “subterfuge” within the meaning of section 4(f)(2), provided that the lower level of benefits is justified by age-related cost considerations. (The only exception to this general rule is with respect to certain retirement plans. See paragraph (f)(4) of this section.) There are certain other requirements that must be met in order for a plan not to be a subterfuge. These requirements are set forth below.
Code of Federal Regulations / Title 29 – Labor / Vol. 4 / 2014-07-01333
(1) Cost data—general. Cost data used in justification of a benefit plan which provides lower benefits to older employees on account of age must be valid and reasonable. This standard is met where an employer has cost data which show the actual cost to it of providing the particular benefit (or benefits) in question over a representative period of years. An employer may rely in cost data for its own employees over such a period, or on cost data for a larger group of similarly situated employees. Sometimes, as a result of experience rating or other causes, an employer incurs costs that differ significantly from costs for a group of similarly situated employees. Such an employer may not rely on cost data for the similarly situated employees where such reliance would result in significantly lower benefits for its own older employees. Where reliable cost information is not available, reasonable projections made from existing cost data meeting the standards set forth above will be considered acceptable.(2) Cost data—Individual benefit basis and “benefit package” basis. Cost comparisons and adjustments under section 4(f)(2) must be made on a benefit-by-benefit basis or on a “benefit package” basis, as described below.(i) Benefit-by-benefit basis. Adjustments made on a benefit-by-benefit basis must be made in the amount or level of a specific form of benefit for a specific event or contingency. For example, higher group term life insurance costs for older workers would justify a corresponding reduction in the amount of group term life insurance coverage for older workers, on the basis of age. However, a benefit-by-benefit approach would not justify the substitution of one form of benefit for another, even though both forms of benefit are designed for the same contingency, such as death. See paragraph (f)(1) of this section.(ii) “Benefit package” basis. As an alternative to the benefit-by-benefit basis, cost comparisons and adjustments under section 4(f)(2) may be made on a limited “benefit package” basis. Under this approach, subject to the limitations described below, cost comparisons and adjustments can be made with respect to section 4(f)(2) plans in the aggregate. This alternative basis provides greater flexibility than a benefit-by-benefit basis in order to carry out the declared statutory purpose “to help employers and workers find ways of meeting problems arising from the impact of age on employment.” A “benefit package” approach is an alternative approach consistent with this purpose and with the general purpose of section 4(f)(2) only if it is not used to reduce the cost to the employer or the favorability to the employees of overall employee benefits for older employees. A “benefit package” approach used for either of these purposes would be a subterfuge to evade the purposes of the Act. In order to assure that such a “benefit package” approach is not abused and is consistent with the legislative intent, it is subject to the limitations described in paragraph (f), which also includes a general example.(3) Cost data—five year maximum basis. Cost comparisons and adjustments under section 4(f)(2) may be made on the basis of age brackets of up to 5 years. Thus a particular benefit may be reduced for employees of any age within the protected age group by an amount no greater than that which could be justified by the additional cost to provide them with the same level of the benefit as younger employees within a specified five-year age group immediately preceding theirs. For example, where an employer chooses to provide unreduced group term life insurance benefits until age 60, benefits for employees who are between 60 and 65 years of age may be reduced only to the extent necessary to achieve approximate equivalency in costs with employees who are 55 to 60 years old. Similarly, any reductions in benefit levels for 65 to 70 year old employees cannot exceed an amount which is proportional to the additional costs for their coverage over 60 to 65 year old employees.(4) Employee contributions in support of employee benefit plans—(i) As a condition
Code of Federal Regulations / Title 29 – Labor / Vol. 4 / 2014-07-01334
of employment. An older employee within the protected age group may not be required as a condition of employment to make greater contributions than a younger employee in support of an employee benefit plan. Such a requirement would be in effect a mandatory reduction in take-home pay, which is never authorized by section 4(f)(2), and would impose an impediment to employment in violation of the specific restrictions in section 4(f)(2).(ii) As a condition of participation in a voluntary employee benefit plan. An older employee within the protected age group may be required as a condition of participation in a voluntary employee benefit plan to make a greater contribution than a younger employee only if the older employee is not thereby required to bear a greater proportion of the total premium cost (employer-paid and employee-paid) than the younger employee. Otherwise the requirement would discriminate against the older employee by making compensation in the form of an employer contribution available on less favorable terms than for the younger employee and denying that compensation altogether to an older employee unwilling or unable to meet the less favorable terms. Such discrimination is not authorized by section 4(f)(2). This principle applies to three different contribution arrangements as follows:(A) Employee-pay-all plans. Older employees, like younger employees, may be required to contribute as a condition of participation up to the full premium cost for their age.(B) Non-contributory (“employer-pay-all”) plans. Where younger employees are not required to contribute any portion of the total premium cost, older employees may not be required to contribute any portion.(C) Contributory plans. In these plans employers and participating employees share the premium cost. The required contributions of participants may increase with age so long as the proportion of the total premium required to be paid by the participants does not increase with age.(iii) As an option in order to receive an unreduced benefit. An older employee may be given the option, as an individual, to make the additional contribution necessary to receive the same level of benefits as a younger employee (provided that the contemplated reduction in benefits is otherwise justified by section 4(f)(2)).(5) Forfeiture clauses. Clauses in employee benefit plans which state that litigation or participation in any manner in a formal proceeding by an employee will result in the forfeiture of his rights are unlawful insofar as they may be applied to those who seek redress under the Act. This is by reason of section 4(d) which provides that it is unlawful for an employer, employment agency, or labor organization to discriminate against any individual because such individual “has made a charge, testified, assisted, or participated in any manner in an investigation, proceeding, or litigation under this Act.”(6) Refusal to hire clauses. Any provision of an employee benefit plan which requires or permits the refusal to hire an individual specified in section 12(a) of the Act on the basis of age is a subterfuge to evade the purposes of the Act and cannot be excused under section 4(f)(2).(7) Involuntary retirement clauses. Any provision of an employee benefit plan which requires or permits the involuntary retirement of any individual specified in section 12(a) of the Act on the basis of age is a subterfuge to evade the purpose of the Act and cannot be excused under section 4(f)(2).(e) Benefits provided by the Government. An employer does not violate the Act by permitting certain benefits to be provided by the Government, even though the availability of such benefits may be based on age. For example, it is not necessary for an employer to provide health benefits which are otherwise provided to certain employees by Medicare. However, the availability of benefits from the Government will not justify a reduction in employer-provided benefits if the result is that, taking the employer-provided and Government-provided benefits together, an older employee is entitled to a lesser benefit of any type (including coverage for family and/or dependents) than a similarly situated younger employee. For example, the availability of certain benefits to an older employee under Medicare will not justify denying an older employee a benefit which is provided to younger employees and is not provided to the older employee by Medicare.
Code of Federal Regulations / Title 29 – Labor / Vol. 4 / 2014-07-01335
(f) Application of section 4(f)(2) to various employee benefit plans—(1) Benefit-by-benefit approach. This portion of the interpretation discusses how a benefit-by-benefit approach would apply to four of the most common types of employee benefit plans.(i) Life insurance. It is not uncommon for life insurance coverage to remain constant until a specified age, frequently 65, and then be reduced. This practice will not violate the Act (even if reductions start before age 65), provided that the reduction for an employee of a particular age is no greater than is justified by the increased cost of coverage for that employee’s specific age bracket encompassing no more than five years. It should be noted that a total denial of life insurance, on the basis of age, would not be justified under a benefit-by-benefit analysis. However, it is not unlawful for life insurance coverage to cease upon separation from service.(ii) Long-term disability. Under a benefit-by-benefit approach, where employees who are disabled at younger ages are entitled to long-term disability benefits, there is no cost—based justification for denying such benefits altogether, on the basis of age, to employees who are disabled at older ages. It is not unlawful to cut off long-term disability benefits and coverage on the basis of some non-age factor, such as recovery from disability. Reductions on the basis of age in the level or duration of benefits available for disability are justifiable only on the basis of age-related cost considerations as set forth elsewhere in this section. An employer which provides long-term disability coverage to all employees may avoid any increases in the cost to it that such coverage for older employees would entail by reducing the level of benefits available to older employees. An employer may also avoid such cost increases by reducing the duration of benefits available to employees who become disabled at older ages, without reducing the level of benefits. In this connection, the Department would not assert a violation where the level of benefits is not reduced and the duration of benefits is reduced in the following manner:(A) With respect to disabilities which occur at age 60 or less, benefits cease at age 65.(B) With respect to disabilities which occur after age 60, benefits cease 5 years after disablement. Cost data may be produced to support other patterns of reduction as well.(iii) Retirement plans—(A) Participation. No employee hired prior to normal retirement age may be excluded from a defined contribution plan. With respect to defined benefit plans not subject to the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA), Pub. L. 93-406, 29 U.S.C. 1001, 1003 (a) and (b), an employee hired at an age more than 5 years prior to normal retirement age may not be excluded from such a plan unless the exclusion is justifiable on the basis of cost considerations as set forth elsewhere in this section. With respect to defined benefit plans subject to ERISA, such an exclusion would be unlawful in any case. An employee hired less than 5 years prior to normal retirement age may be excluded from a defined benefit plan, regardless of whether or not the plan is covered by ERISA. Similarly, any employee hired after normal retirement age may be excluded from a defined benefit plan.(2) “Benefit package” approach. A “benefit package” approach to compliance under section 4(f)(2) offers greater flexibility than a benefit-by-benefit approach by permitting deviations from a benefit-by-benefit approach so long as the overall result is no lesser cost to the employer and no less favorable benefits for employees. As previously noted, in order to assure that such an approach is used for the benefit of older workers and not to their detriment, and is otherwise consistent with the legislative intent, it is subject to limitations as set forth below:(i) A benefit package approach shall apply only to employee benefit plans which fall within section 4(f)(2).(ii) A benefit package approach shall not apply to a retirement or pension plan. The 1978 legislative history sets forth specific and comprehensive rules governing such plans, which have been adopted above. These rules are not tied to actuarially significant cost considerations but are intended to deal with the special funding arrangements of retirement or pension plans. Variations from these special rules are therefore not justified by variations from the cost-based benefit-by-benefit approach in other benefit plans, nor may variations from the special rules governing pension and retirement plans justify variations from the benefit-by-benefit approach in other benefit plans.
Code of Federal Regulations / Title 29 – Labor / Vol. 4 / 2014-07-01336
(iii) A benefit package approach shall not be used to justify reductions in health benefits greater than would be justified under a benefit-by-benefit approach. Such benefits appear to be of particular importance to older workers in meeting “problems arising from the impact of age” and were of particular concern to Congress. Therefore, the “benefit package” approach may not be used to reduce health insurance benefits by more than is warranted by the increase in the cost to the employer of those benefits alone. Any greater reduction would be a subterfuge to evade the purpose of the Act.(iv) A benefit reduction greater than would be justified under a benefit-by-benefit approach must be offset by another benefit available to the same employees. No employees may be deprived because of age of one benefit without an offsetting benefit being made available to them.(v) Employers who wish to justify benefit reductions under a benefit package approach must be prepared to produce data to show that those reductions are fully justified. Thus employers must be able to show that deviations from a benefit-by-benefit approach do not result in lesser cost to them or less favorable benefits to their employees. A general example consistent with these limitations may be given. Assume two employee benefit plans, providing Benefit “A” and Benefit “B.” Both plans fall within section 4(f)(2), and neither is a retirement or pension plan subject to special rules. Both benefits are available to all employees. Age-based cost increases would justify a 10% decrease in both benefits on a benefit-by-benefit basis. The affected employees would, however, find it more favorable—that is, more consistent with meeting their needs—for no reduction to be made in Benefit “A” and a greater reduction to be made in Benefit “B.” This “trade-off” would not result in a reduction in health benefits. The “trade-off” may therefore be made. The details of the “trade-off” depend on data on the relative cost to the employer of the two benefits. If the data show that Benefit “A” and Benefit “B” cost the same, Benefit “B” may be reduced up to 20% if Benefit “A” is unreduced. If the data show that Benefit “A” costs only half as much as Benefit “B”, however, Benefit “B” may be reduced up to only 15% if Benefit “A” is unreduced, since a greater reduction in Benefit “B” would result in an impermissible reduction in total benefit costs.(g) Relation of ADEA to State laws. The ADEA does not preempt State age discrimination in employment laws. However, the failure of the ADEA to preempt such laws does not affect the issue of whether section 514 of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) preempts State laws which related to employee benefit plans. [44 FR 30658, May 25, 1979, as amended at 52 FR 8448, Mar. 18, 1987. Redesignated and amended at 52 FR 23812, June 25, 1987; 53 FR 5973, Feb. 29, 1988]§ 1625.11Exemption for employees serving under a contract of unlimited tenure.(a)(1) Section 12(d) of the Act, added by the 1986 amendments, provides: Nothing in this Act shall be construed to prohibit compulsory retirement of any employee who has attained 70 years of age, and who is serving under a contract of unlimited tenure (or similar arrangement providing for unlimited tenure) at an institution of higher education (as defined by section 1201(a) of the Higher Education Act of 1965).(2) This exemption from the Act’s protection of covered individuals took effect on January 1, 1987, and is repealed on December 31, 1993 (see section 6 of the Age Discrimination in Employment Act Amendments of 1986, Pub. L. 99-592, 100 Stat. 3342). The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission is required to enter into an agreement with the National Academy of Sciences, for the conduct of a study to analyze the potential consequences of the elimination of mandatory retirement on institutions of higher education.
Code of Federal Regulations / Title 29 – Labor / Vol. 4 / 2014-07-01337
(b) Since section 12(d) is an exemption from the nondiscrimination requirements of the Act, the burden is on the one seeking to invoke the exemption to show that every element has been clearly and unmistakably met. Moreover, as with other exemptions from the ADEA, this exemption must be narrowly construed.(c) Section 1201(a) of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended, and set forth in 20 U.S.C. 1141(a), provides in pertinent part: The term institution of higher education means an educational institution in any State which (1) admits as regular students only persons having a certificate of graduation from a school providing secondary education, or the recognized equivalent of such a certificate, (2) is legally authorized within such State to provide a program of education beyond secondary education, (3) provides an educational program for which it awards a bachelor’s degree or provides not less than a two-year program which is acceptable for full credit toward such a degree, (4) is a public or other nonprofit institution, and (5) is accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting agency or association or, if not so accredited, (A) is an institution with respect to which the Commissioner has determined that there is satisfactory assurance, considering the resources available to the institution, the period of time, if any, during which it has operated, the effort it is making to meet accreditation standards, and the purpose for which this determination is being made, that the institution will meet the accreditation standards of such an agency or association within a reasonable time, or (B) is an institution whose credits are accepted, on transfer, by not less than three institutions which are so accredited, for credit on the same basis as if transferred from an institution so accredited.The definition encompasses almost all public and private universities and two and four year colleges. The omitted portion of the text of section 1201(a) refers largely on one-year technical schools which generally do not grant tenure to employees but which, if they do, are also eligible to claim the exemption.(d)(1) Use of the term any employee indicates that application of the exemption is not limited to teachers, who are traditional recipients of tenure. The exemption may also be available with respect to other groups, such as academic deans, scientific researchers, professional librarians and counseling staff, who frequently have tenured status.(2) The Conference Committee Report on the 1978 amendments expressly states that the exemption does not apply to Federal employees covered by section 15 of the Act (H.R. Rept. No. 95-950, p. 10).(e)(1) The phrase unlimited tenure is not defined in the Act. However, the almost universally accepted definition of academic “tenure” is an arrangement under which certain appointments in an institution of higher education are continued until retirement for age of physical disability, subject to dismissal for adequate cause or under extraordinary circumstances on account of financial exigency or change of institutional program. Adopting that definition, it is evident that the word unlimited refers to the duration of tenure. Therefore, a contract (or other similar arrangement) which is limited to a specific term (for example, one year or 10 years) will not meet the requirements of the exemption.(2) The legislative history shows that Congress intented the exemption to apply only where the minimum rights and privileges traditionally associated with tenure are guaranteed to an employee by contract or similar arrangement. While tenure policies and practices vary greatly from one institution to another, the minimum standards set forth in the 1940 Statement of Principles on Academic Freedom and Tenure, jointly developed by the Association of American Colleges and the American Association of University Professors, have enjoyed widespread adoption or endorsement. The 1940 Statement of Principles on academic tenure provides as follows: (a) After the expiration of a probationary period, teachers or investigators should have permanent or continuous tenure, and their service should be terminated only for adequate cause, except in the case of retirement for age, or under extraordinary circumstances because of financial exigencies.In the interpretation of this principle it is understood that the following represents acceptable academic practice:
Code of Federal Regulations / Title 29 – Labor / Vol. 4 / 2014-07-01338
(1) The precise terms and conditions of every appointment should be stated in writing and be in the possession of both institution and teacher before the appointment is consumated.(2) Beginning with appointment to the rank of full-time instructor or a higher rank, the probationary period should not exceed seven years, including within this period full-time service in all institutions of higher education; but subject to the proviso that when, after a term of probationary service of more than three years in one or more institutions, a teacher is called to another institution it may be agreed in writing that his new appointment is for a probationary period of not more than four years, even though thereby the person’s total probationary period in the academic profession is extended beyond the normal maximum of seven years. Notice should be given at least one year prior to the expiration of the probationary period if the teacher is not to be continued in service after the expiration of that period.(3) During the probationary period a teacher should have the academic freedom that all other members of the faculty have.(4) Termination for cause of a continuous appointment, or the dismissal for cause of a teacher previous to the expiration of a term appointment, should, if possible, be considered by both a faculty committee and the governing board of the institution. In all cases where the facts are in dispute, the accused teacher should be informed before the hearing in writing of the charges against him and should have the opportunity to be heard in his own defense by all bodies that pass judgment upon his case. He should be permitted to have with him an advisor of his own choosing who may act as counsel. There should be a full stenographic record of the hearing available to the parties concerned. In the hearing of charges of incompetence the testimony should include that of teachers and other scholars, either from his own or from other institutions. Teachers on continuous appointment who are dismissed for reasons not involving moral turpitude should receive their salaries for at least a year from the date of notification of dismissal whether or not they are continued in their duties at the institution.(5) Termination of a continuous appointment because of financial exigency should be demonstrably bona fide.(3) A contract or similar arrangement which meets the standards in the 1940 Statement of Principles will satisfy the tenure requirements of the exemption. However, a tenure arrangement will not be deemed inadequate solely because it fails to meet these standards in every respect. For example, a tenure plan will not be deemed inadequate solely because it includes a probationary period somewhat longer than seven years. Of course, the greater the deviation from the standards in the 1940 Statement of Principles, the less likely it is that the employee in question will be deemed subject to “unlimited tenure” within the meaning of the exemption. Whether or not a tenure arrangement is adequate to satisfy the requirements of the exemption must be determined on the basis of the facts of each case.(f) Employees who are not assured of a continuing appointment either by contract of unlimited tenure or other similar arrangement (such as a State statute) would not, of course, be exempted from the prohibitions against compulsory retirement, even if they perform functions identical to those performed by employees with appropriate tenure.(g) An employee within the exemption can lawfully be forced to retire on account of age at age 70 (see paragraph (a)(1) of this section). In addition, the employer is free to retain such employees, either in the same position or status or in a different position or status: Provided, That the employee voluntarily accepts this new position or status. For example, an employee who falls within the exemption may be offered a nontenured position or part-time employment. An employee who accepts a nontenured position or part-time employment, however, may not be treated any less favorably, on account of age, than any similarly situated younger employee (unless such less favorable treatment is excused by an exception to the Act). [44 FR 66799, Nov. 21, 1979; 45 FR 43704, June 30, 1980, as amended at 53 FR 5973, Feb. 29, 1988]§ 1625.12Exemption for bona fide executive or high policymaking employees.(a) Section 12(c)(1) of the Act, added by the 1978 amendments and as amended in 1984 and 1986, provides: Nothing in this Act shall be construed to prohibit compulsory retirement of any employee who has attained 65 years of age, and who, for the 2-year period immediately before retirement, is employed in a bona fide executive or higher policymaking position, if such employee is entitled to an immediate nonforfeitable annual retirement benefit from a pension, profit-sharing, savings, or deferred compensation plan, or any combination of such plans, of the employer of such employee which equals, in the aggregate, at least $44,000.
Code of Federal Regulations / Title 29 – Labor / Vol. 4 / 2014-07-01339
(b) Since this provision is an exemption from the non-discrimination requirements of the Act, the burden is on the one seeking to invoke the exemption to show that every element has been clearly and unmistakably met. Moreover, as with other exemptions from the Act, this exemption must be narrowly construed.(c) An employee within the exemption can lawfully be forced to retire on account of age at age 65 or above. In addition, the employer is free to retain such employees, either in the same position or status or in a different position or status. For example, an employee who falls within the exemption may be offered a position of lesser status or a part-time position. An employee who accepts such a new status or position, however, may not be treated any less favorably, on account of age, than any similarly situated younger employee.(d)(1) In order for an employee to qualify as a “bona fide executive,” the employer must initially show that the employee satisfies the definition of a bona fide executive set forth in § 541.1 of this chapter. Each of the requirements in paragraphs (a) through (e) of § 541.1 must be satisfied, regardless of the level of the employee’s salary or compensation.(2) Even if an employee qualifies as an executive under the definition in § 541.1 of this chapter, the exemption from the ADEA may not be claimed unless the employee also meets the further criteria specified in the Conference Committee Report in the form of examples (see H.R. Rept. No. 95-950, p. 9). The examples are intended to make clear that the exemption does not apply to middle-management employees, no matter how great their retirement income, but only to a very few top level employees who exercise substantial executive authority over a significant number of employees and a large volume of business. As stated in the Conference Report (H.R. Rept. No. 95-950, p. 9):Typically the head of a significant and substantial local or regional operation of a corporation [or other business organization], such as a major production facility or retail establishment, but not the head of a minor branch, warehouse or retail store, would be covered by the term “bona fide executive.” Individuals at higher levels in the corporate organizational structure who possess comparable or greater levels of responsibility and authority as measured by established and recognized criteria would also be covered.The heads of major departments or divisions of corporations [or other business organizations] are usually located at corporate or regional headquarters. With respect to employees whose duties are associated with corporate headquarters operations, such as finance, marketing, legal, production and manufacturing (or in a corporation organized on a product line basis, the management of product lines), the definition would cover employees who head those divisions.In a large organization the immediate subordinates of the heads of these divisions sometimes also exercise executive authority, within the meaning of this exemption. The conferees intend the definition to cover such employees if they possess responsibility which is comparable to or greater than that possessed by the head of a significant and substantial local operation who meets the definition.(e) The phrase “high policymaking position,” according to the Conference Report (H.R. Rept. No. 95-950, p. 10), is limited to “* * * certain top level employees who are not ‘bona fide executives’ * * *.” Specifically, these are: * * * individuals who have little or no line authority but whose position and responsibility are such that they play a significant role in the development of corporate policy and effectively recommend the implementation thereof.For example, the chief economist or the chief research scientist of a corporation typically has little line authority. His duties would be primarily intellectual as opposed to executive or managerial. His responsibility would be to evaluate significant economic or scientific trends and issues, to develop and recommend policy direction to the top executive officers of the corporation, and he would have a significant impact on the ultimate decision on such policies by virtue of his expertise and direct access to the decisionmakers. Such an employee would meet the definition of a “high policymaking” employee.
Code of Federal Regulations / Title 29 – Labor / Vol. 4 / 2014-07-01340
On the other hand, as this description makes clear, the support personnel of a “high policymaking” employee would not be subject to the exemption even if they supervise the development, and draft the recommendation, of various policies submitted by their supervisors.(f) In order for the exemption to apply to a particular employee, the employee must have been in a “bona fide executive or high policymaking position,” as those terms are defined in this section, for the two-year period immediately before retirement. Thus, an employee who holds two or more different positions during the two-year period is subject to the exemption only if each such job is an executive or high policymaking position.(g) The Conference Committee Report expressly states that the exemption is not applicable to Federal employees covered by section 15 of the Act (H.R. Rept. No. 95-950, p. 10).(h) The “annual retirement benefit,” to which covered employees must be entitled, is the sum of amounts payable during each one-year period from the date on which such benefits first become receivable by the retiree. Once established, the annual period upon which calculations are based may not be changed from year to year.(i) The annual retirement benefit must be immediately available to the employee to be retired pursuant to the exemption. For purposes of determining compliance, “immediate” means that the payment of plan benefits (in a lump sum or the first of a series of periodic payments) must occur not later than 60 days after the effective date of the retirement in question. The fact that an employee will receive benefits only after expiration of the 60-day period will not preclude his retirement pursuant to the exemption, if the employee could have elected to receive benefits within that period.(j)(1) The annual retirement benefit must equal, in the aggregate, at least $44,000. The manner of determining whether this requirement has been satisfied is set forth in § 1627.17(c).(2) In determining whether the aggregate annual retirement benefit equals at least $44,000, the only benefits which may be counted are those authorized by and provided under the terms of a pension, profit-sharing, savings, or deferred compensation plan. (Regulations issued pursuant to section 12(c)(2) of the Act, regarding the manner of calculating the amount of qualified retirement benefits for purposes of the exemption, are set forth in § 1627.17 of this chapter.)(k)(1) The annual retirement benefit must be “nonforfeitable.” Accordingly, the exemption may not be applied to any employee subject to plan provisions which could cause the cessation of payments to a retiree or result in the reduction of benefits to less than $44,000 in any one year. For example, where a plan contains a provision under which benefits would be suspended if a retiree engages in litigation against the former employer, or obtains employment with a competitor of the former employer, the retirement benefit will be deemed to be forfeitable. However, retirement benefits will not be deemed forfeitable solely because the benefits are discontinued or suspended for reasons permitted under section 411(a)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.(2) An annual retirement benefit will not be deemed forfeitable merely because the minimum statutory benefit level is not guaranteed against the possibility of plan bankruptcy or is subject to benefit restrictions in the event of early termination of the plan in accordance with Treasury Regulation 1.401-4(c). However, as of the effective date of the retirement in question, there must be at least a reasonable expectation that the plan will meet its obligations.(Sec. 12(c)(1) of the Age Discrimination In Employment Act of 1967, as amended by sec. 802(c)(1) of the Older Americans Act Amendments of 1984, Pub. L. 98-459, 98 Stat. 1792)) [44 FR 66800, Nov. 21, 1979; 45 FR 43704, June 30, 1980, as amended at 50 FR 2544, Jan. 17, 1985; 53 FR 5973, Feb. 29, 1988]Subpart B—Substantive Regulations§ 1625.21Apprenticeship programs.All apprenticeship programs, including those apprenticeship programs created or maintained by joint labor-management organizations, are subject to the prohibitions of sec. 4 of the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, as amended, 29 U.S.C. 623. Age limitations in apprenticeship programs are valid only if excepted under sec. 4(f)(1) of the Act, 29 U.S.C. 623(f)(1), or exempted by the Commission under sec. 9 of the Act, 29 U.S.C. 628, in accordance with the procedures set forth in 29 CFR 1627.15.
Code of Federal Regulations / Title 29 – Labor / Vol. 4 / 2014-07-01341
[61 FR 15378, Apr. 8, 1996]§ 1625.22Waivers of rights and claims under the ADEA.(a) Introduction. (1) Congress amended the ADEA in 1990 to clarify the prohibitions against discrimination on the basis of age. In Title II of OWBPA, Congress addressed waivers of rights and claims under the ADEA, amending section 7 of the ADEA by adding a new subsection (f).(2) Section 7(f)(1) of the ADEA expressly provides that waivers may be valid and enforceable under the ADEA only if the waiver is “knowing and voluntary”. Sections 7(f)(1) and 7(f)(2) of the ADEA set out the minimum requirements for determining whether a waiver is knowing and voluntary.(3) Other facts and circumstances may bear on the question of whether the waiver is knowing and voluntary, as, for example, if there is a material mistake, omission, or misstatement in the information furnished by the employer to an employee in connection with the waiver.(4) The rules in this section apply to all waivers of ADEA rights and claims, regardless of whether the employee is employed in the private or public sector, including employment by the United States Government.(b) Wording of Waiver Agreements. (1) Section 7(f)(1)(A) of the ADEA provides, as part of the minimum requirements for a knowing and voluntary waiver, that: The waiver is part of an agreement between the individual and the employer that is written in a manner calculated to be understood by such individual, or by the average individual eligible to participate.(2) The entire waiver agreement must be in writing.(3) Waiver agreements must be drafted in plain language geared to the level of understanding of the individual party to the agreement or individuals eligible to participate. Employers should take into account such factors as the level of comprehension and education of typical participants. Consideration of these factors usually will require the limitation or elimination of technical jargon and of long, complex sentences.(4) The waiver agreement must not have the effect of misleading, misinforming, or failing to inform participants and affected individuals. Any advantages or disadvantages described shall be presented without either exaggerating the benefits or minimizing the limitations.(5) Section 7(f)(1)(H) of the ADEA, relating to exit incentive or other employment termination programs offered to a group or class of employees, also contains a requirement that information be conveyed “in writing in a manner calculated to be understood by the average participant.” The same standards applicable to the similar language in section 7(f)(1)(A) of the ADEA apply here as well.(6) Section 7(f)(1)(B) of the ADEA provides, as part of the minimum requirements for a knowing and voluntary waiver, that “the waiver specifically refers to rights or claims under this Act.” Pursuant to this subsection, the waiver agreement must refer to the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) by name in connection with the waiver.(7) Section 7(f)(1)(E) of the ADEA requires that an individual must be “advised in writing to consult with an attorney prior to executing the agreement.”(c) Waiver of future rights. (1) Section 7(f)(1)(C) of the ADEA provides that: A waiver may not be considered knowing and voluntary unless at a minimum . . . the individual does not waive rights or claims that may arise after the date the waiver is executed.(2) The waiver of rights or claims that arise following the execution of a waiver is prohibited. However, section 7(f)(1)(C) of the ADEA does not bar, in a waiver that otherwise is consistent with statutory requirements, the enforcement of agreements to perform future employment-related actions such as the employee’s agreement to retire or otherwise terminate employment at a future date.
Code of Federal Regulations / Title 29 – Labor / Vol. 4 / 2014-07-01342
(d) Consideration. (1) Section 7(f)(1)(D) of the ADEA states that: A waiver may not be considered knowing and voluntary unless at a minimum * * * the individual waives rights or claims only in exchange for consideration in addition to anything of value to which the individual already is entitled.(2) “Consideration in addition” means anything of value in addition to that to which the individual is already entitled in the absence of a waiver.(3) If a benefit or other thing of value was eliminated in contravention of law or contract, express or implied, the subsequent offer of such benefit or thing of value in connection with a waiver will not constitute “consideration” for purposes of section 7(f)(1) of the ADEA. Whether such elimination as to one employee or group of employees is in contravention of law or contract as to other employees, or to that individual employee at some later time, may vary depending on the facts and circumstances of each case.(4) An employer is not required to give a person age 40 or older a greater amount of consideration than is given to a person under the age of 40, solely because of that person’s membership in the protected class under the ADEA.(e) Time periods. (1) Section 7(f)(1)(F) of the ADEA states that: A waiver may not be considered knowing and voluntary unless at a minimum * * *(i) The individual is given a period of at least 21 days within which to consider the agreement; or(ii) If a waiver is requested in connection with an exit incentive or other employment termination program offered to a group or class of employees, the individual is given a period of at least 45 days within which to consider the agreement.(2) Section 7(f)(1)(G) of the ADEA states: A waiver may not be considered knowing and voluntary unless at a minimum . . . the agreement provides that for a period of at least 7 days following the execution of such agreement, the individual may revoke the agreement, and the agreement shall not become effective or enforceable until the revocation period has expired.(3) The term “exit incentive or other employment termination program” includes both voluntary and involuntary programs.(4) The 21 or 45 day period runs from the date of the employer’s final offer. Material changes to the final offer restart the running of the 21 or 45 day period; changes made to the final offer that are not material do not restart the running of the 21 or 45 day period. The parties may agree that changes, whether material or immaterial, do not restart the running of the 21 or 45 day period.(5) The 7 day revocation period cannot be shortened by the parties, by agreement or otherwise.(6) An employee may sign a release prior to the end of the 21 or 45 day time period, thereby commencing the mandatory 7 day revocation period. This is permissible as long as the employee’s decision to accept such shortening of time is knowing and voluntary and is not induced by the employer through fraud, misrepresentation, a threat to withdraw or alter the offer prior to the expiration of the 21 or 45 day time period, or by providing different terms to employees who sign the release prior to the expiration of such time period. However, if an employee signs a release before the expiration of the 21 or 45 day time period, the employer may expedite the processing of the consideration provided in exchange for the waiver.(f) Informational requirements. (1) Introduction. (i) Section 7(f)(1)(H) of the ADEA provides that: A waiver may not be considered knowing and voluntary unless at a minimum . . . if a waiver is requested in connection with an exit incentive or other employment termination program offered to a group or class of employees, the employer (at the commencement of the period specified in subparagraph (F)) [which provides time periods for employees to consider the waiver] informs the individual in writing in a manner calculated to be understood by the average individual eligible to participate, as to—(i) Any class, unit, or group of individuals covered by such program, any eligibility factors for such program, and any time limits applicable to such program; and(ii) The job titles and ages of all individuals eligible or selected for the program, and the ages of all individuals in the same job classification or organizational unit who are not eligible or selected for the program.(ii) Section 7(f)(1)(H) of the ADEA addresses two principal issues: to whom information must be provided, and what information must be disclosed to such individuals.
Code of Federal Regulations / Title 29 – Labor / Vol. 4 / 2014-07-01343
(iii)(A) Section 7(f)(1)(H) of the ADEA references two types of “programs” under which employers seeking waivers must make written disclosures: “exit incentive programs” and “other employment termination programs.” Usually an “exit incentive program” is a voluntary program offered to a group or class of employees where such employees are offered consideration in addition to anything of value to which the individuals are already entitled (hereinafter in this section, “additional consideration”) in exchange for their decision to resign voluntarily and sign a waiver. Usually “other employment termination program” refers to a group or class of employees who were involuntarily terminated and who are offered additional consideration in return for their decision to sign a waiver.(B) The question of the existence of a “program” will be decided based upon the facts and circumstances of each case. A “program” exists when an employer offers additional consideration for the signing of a waiver pursuant to an exit incentive or other employment termination (e.g., a reduction in force) to two or more employees. Typically, an involuntary termination program is a standardized formula or package of benefits that is available to two or more employees, while an exit incentive program typically is a standardized formula or package of benefits designed to induce employees to sever their employment voluntarily. In both cases, the terms of the programs generally are not subject to negotiation between the parties.(C) Regardless of the type of program, the scope of the terms “class,” “unit,” “group,” “job classification,” and “organizational unit” is determined by examining the “decisional unit” at issue. (See paragraph (f)(3) of this section, “The Decisional Unit.”)(D) A “program” for purposes of the ADEA need not constitute an “employee benefit plan” for purposes of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). An employer may or may not have an ERISA severance plan in connection with its OWBPA program.(iv) The purpose of the informational requirements is to provide an employee with enough information regarding the program to allow the employee to make an informed choice whether or not to sign a waiver agreement.(2) To whom must the information be given. The required information must be given to each person in the decisional unit who is asked to sign a waiver agreement.(3) The decisional unit. (i)(A) The terms “class,” “unit,” or “group” in section 7(f)(1)(H)(i) of the ADEA and “job classification or organizational unit” in section 7(f)(1)(H)(ii) of the ADEA refer to examples of categories or groupings of employees affected by a program within an employer’s particular organizational structure. The terms are not meant to be an exclusive list of characterizations of an employer’s organization.(B) When identifying the scope of the “class, unit, or group,” and “job classification or organizational unit,” an employer should consider its organizational structure and decision-making process. A “decisional unit” is that portion of the employer’s organizational structure from which the employer chose the persons who would be offered consideration for the signing of a waiver and those who would not be offered consideration for the signing of a waiver. The term “decisional unit” has been developed to reflect the process by which an employer chose certain employees for a program and ruled out others from that program.(ii)(A) The variety of terms used in section 7(f)(1)(H) of the ADEA demonstrates that employers often use differing terminology to describe their organizational structures. When identifying the population of the decisional unit, the employer acts on a case-by-case basis, and thus the determination of the appropriate class, unit, or group, and job classification or organizational unit for purposes of section 7(f)(1)(H) of the ADEA also must be made on a case-by-case basis.(B) The examples in paragraph (f)(3)(iii), of this section demonstrate that in appropriate cases some subgroup of a facility’s work force may be the decisional unit. In other situations, it may be appropriate for the decisional unit to comprise several facilities. However, as the decisional unit is typically no broader than the facility, in general the disclosure need be no broader than the facility. “Facility” as it is used throughout this section generally refers to place or location. However, in some circumstances terms such as “school,” “plant,” or “complex” may be more appropriate.
Code of Federal Regulations / Title 29 – Labor / Vol. 4 / 2014-07-01344
(C) Often, when utilizing a program an employer is attempting to reduce its workforce at a particular facility in an effort to eliminate what it deems to be excessive overhead, expenses, or costs from its organization at that facility. If the employer’s goal is the reduction of its workforce at a particular facility and that employer undertakes a decision-making process by which certain employees of the facility are selected for a program, and others are not selected for a program, then that facility generally will be the decisional unit for purposes of section 7(f)(1)(H) of the ADEA.(D) However, if an employer seeks to terminate employees by exclusively considering a particular portion or subgroup of its operations at a specific facility, then that subgroup or portion of the workforce at that facility will be considered the decisional unit.(E) Likewise, if the employer analyzes its operations at several facilities, specifically considers and compares ages, seniority rosters, or similar factors at differing facilities, and determines to focus its workforce reduction at a particular facility, then by the nature of that employer’s decision-making process the decisional unit would include all considered facilities and not just the facility selected for the reductions.(iii) The following examples are not all-inclusive and are meant only to assist employers and employees in determining the appropriate decisional unit. Involuntary reductions in force typically are structured along one or more of the following lines:(A) Facility-wide: Ten percent of the employees in the Springfield facility will be terminated within the next ten days;(B) Division-wide: Fifteen of the employees in the Computer Division will be terminated in December;(C) Department-wide: One-half of the workers in the Keyboard Department of the Computer Division will be terminated in December;(D) Reporting: Ten percent of the employees who report to the Vice President for Sales, wherever the employees are located, will be terminated immediately;(E) Job Category: Ten percent of all accountants, wherever the employees are located, will be terminated next week.(iv) In the examples in paragraph (f)(3)(iii) of this section, the decisional units are, respectively:(A) The Springfield facility;(B) The Computer Division;(C) The Keyboard Department;(D) All employees reporting to the Vice President for Sales; and(E) All accountants.(v) While the particular circumstances of each termination program will determine the decisional unit, the following examples also may assist in determining when the decisional unit is other than the entire facility:(A) A number of small facilities with interrelated functions and employees in a specific geographic area may comprise a single decisional unit;(B) If a company utilizes personnel for a common function at more than one facility, the decisional unit for that function (i.e., accounting) may be broader than the one facility;(C) A large facility with several distinct functions may comprise a number of decisional units; for example, if a single facility has distinct internal functions with no employee overlap (i.e., manufacturing, accounting, human resources), and the program is confined to a distinct function, a smaller decisional unit may be appropriate.(vi)(A) For purposes of this section, higher level review of termination decisions generally will not change the size of the decisional unit unless the reviewing process alters its scope. For example, review by the Human Resources Department to monitor compliance with discrimination laws does not affect the decisional unit. Similarly, when a regional manager in charge of more than one facility reviews the termination decisions regarding one of those facilities, the review does not alter the decisional unit, which remains the one facility under consideration.
Code of Federal Regulations / Title 29 – Labor / Vol. 4 / 2014-07-01345
(B) However, if the regional manager in the course of review determines that persons in other facilities should also be considered for termination, the decisional unit becomes the population of all facilities considered. Further, if, for example, the regional manager and his three immediate subordinates jointly review the termination decisions, taking into account more than one facility, the decisional unit becomes the populations of all facilities considered.(vii) This regulatory section is limited to the requirements of section 7(f)(1)(H) and is not intended to affect the scope of discovery or of substantive proceedings in the processing of charges of violation of the ADEA or in litigation involving such charges.(4) Presentation of information. (i) The information provided must be in writing and must be written in a manner calculated to be understood by the average individual eligible to participate.(ii) Information regarding ages should be broken down according to the age of each person eligible or selected for the program and each person not eligible or selected for the program. The use of age bands broader than one year (such as “age 20-30”) does not satisfy this requirement.(iii) In a termination of persons in several established grade levels and/or other established subcategories within a job category or job title, the information shall be broken down by grade level or other subcategory.(iv) If an employer in its disclosure combines information concerning both voluntary and involuntary terminations, the employer shall present the information in a manner that distinguishes between voluntary and involuntary terminations.(v) If the terminees are selected from a subset of a decisional unit, the employer must still disclose information for the entire population of the decisional unit. For example, if the employer decides that a 10% RIF in the Accounting Department will come from the accountants whose performance is in the bottom one-third of the Division, the employer still must disclose information for all employees in the Accounting Department, even those who are the highest rated.(vi) An involuntary termination program in a decisional unit may take place in successive increments over a period of time. Special rules apply to this situation. Specifically, information supplied with regard to the involuntary termination program should be cumulative, so that later terminees are provided ages and job titles or job categories, as appropriate, for all persons in the decisional unit at the beginning of the program and all persons terminated to date. There is no duty to supplement the information given to earlier terminees so long as the disclosure, at the time it is given, conforms to the requirements of this section.(vii) The following example demonstrates one way in which the required information could be presented to the employees. (This example is not presented as a prototype notification agreement that automatically will comply with the ADEA. Each information disclosure must be structured based upon the individual case, taking into account the corporate structure, the population of the decisional unit, and the requirements of section 7(f)(1)(H) of the ADEA): Example: Y Corporation lost a major construction contract and determined that it must terminate 10% of the employees in the Construction Division. Y decided to offer all terminees $20,000 in severance pay in exchange for a waiver of all rights. The waiver provides the section 7(f)(1)(H) of the ADEA information as follows:(A) The decisional unit is the Construction Division.(B) All persons in the Construction Division are eligible for the program. All persons who are being terminated in our November RIF are selected for the program.(C) All persons who are being offered consideration under a waiver agreement must sign the agreement and return it to the Personnel Office within 45 days after receiving the waiver. Once the signed waiver is returned to the Personnel Office, the employee has 7 days to revoke the waiver agreement.
Code of Federal Regulations / Title 29 – Labor / Vol. 4 / 2014-07-01346
(D) The following is a listing of the ages and job titles of persons in the Construction Division who were and were not selected for termination and the offer of consideration for signing a waiver:
Job Title
Age
No. Selected
No. not selected
(1) Mechanical Engineers, I
25
21
48
26
11
73
63
4
18
64
3
11
(2) Mechanical Engineers, II
28
3
10
29
11
17
Etc., for all ages
(3) Structural Engineers, I
21
5
8
Etc., for all ages
(4) Structural Engineers, II
23
2
4
Etc., for all ages
(5) Purchasing Agents
26
10
11
Etc., for all ages
(g) Waivers settling charges and lawsuits. (1) Section 7(f)(2) of the ADEA provides that: A waiver in settlement of a charge filed with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, or an action filed in court by the individual or the individual’s representative, alleging age discrimination of a kind prohibited under section 4 or 15 may not be considered knowing and voluntary unless at a minimum—(A) Subparagraphs (A) through (E) of paragraph (1) have been met; and(B) The individual is given a reasonable period of time within which to consider the settlement agreement.(2) The language in section 7(f)(2) of the ADEA, “discrimination of a kind prohibited under section 4 or 15” refers to allegations of age discrimination of the type prohibited by the ADEA.(3) The standards set out in paragraphs (b), (c), and (d) of this section for complying with the provisions of section 7(f)(1)(A)-(E) of the ADEA also will apply for purposes of complying with the provisions of section 7(f)(2)(A) of the ADEA.(4) The term “reasonable time within which to consider the settlement agreement” means reasonable under all the circumstances, including whether the individual is represented by counsel or has the assistance of counsel.(5) However, while the time periods under section 7(f)(1) of the ADEA do not apply to subsection 7(f)(2) of the ADEA, a waiver agreement under this subsection that provides an employee the time periods specified in section 7(f)(1) of the ADEA will be considered “reasonable” for purposes of section 7(f)(2)(B) of the ADEA.(6) A waiver agreement in compliance with this section that is in settlement of an EEOC charge does not require the participation or supervision of EEOC.(h) Burden of proof. In any dispute that may arise over whether any of the requirements, conditions, and circumstances set forth in section 7(f) of the ADEA, subparagraph (A), (B), (C), (D), (E), (F), (G), or (H) of paragraph (1), or subparagraph (A) or (B) of paragraph (2), have been met, the party asserting the validity of a waiver shall have the burden of proving in a court of competent jurisdiction that a waiver was knowing and voluntary pursuant to paragraph (1) or (2) of section 7(f) of the ADEA.(i) EEOC’s enforcement powers. (1) Section 7(f)(4) of the ADEA states: No waiver agreement may affect the Commission’s rights and responsibilities to enforce [the ADEA]. No waiver may be used to justify interfering with the protected right of an employee to file a charge or participate in an investigation or proceeding conducted by the Commission.(2) No waiver agreement may include any provision prohibiting any individual from:(i) Filing a charge or complaint, including a challenge to the validity of the waiver agreement, with EEOC, or(ii) Participating in any investigation or proceeding conducted by EEOC.
Code of Federal Regulations / Title 29 – Labor / Vol. 4 / 2014-07-01347
(3) No waiver agreement may include any provision imposing any condition precedent, any penalty, or any other limitation adversely affecting any individual’s right to:(i) File a charge or complaint, including a challenge to the validity of the waiver agreement, with EEOC, or(ii) Participate in any investigation or proceeding conducted by EEOC.(j) Effective date of this section. (1) This section is effective July 6, 1998.(2) This section applies to waivers offered by employers on or after the effective date specified in paragraph (j)(1) of this section.(3) No inference is to be drawn from this section regarding the validity of waivers offered prior to the effective date.(k) Statutory authority. The regulations in this section are legislative regulations issued pursuant to section 9 of the ADEA and Title II of OWBPA. [63 FR 30628, June 5, 1998, as amended at 79 FR 13547, Mar. 11, 2014]§ 1625.23Waivers of rights and claims: Tender back of consideration.(a) An individual alleging that a waiver agreement, covenant not to sue, or other equivalent arrangement was not knowing and voluntary under the ADEA is not required to tender back the consideration given for that agreement before filing either a lawsuit or a charge of discrimination with EEOC or any state or local fair employment practices agency acting as an EEOC referral agency for purposes of filing the charge with EEOC. Retention of consideration does not foreclose a challenge to any waiver agreement, covenant not to sue, or other equivalent arrangement; nor does the retention constitute the ratification of any waiver agreement, covenant not to sue, or other equivalent arrangement.(b) No ADEA waiver agreement, covenant not to sue, or other equivalent arrangement may impose any condition precedent, any penalty, or any other limitation adversely affecting any individual’s right to challenge the agreement. This prohibition includes, but is not limited to, provisions requiring employees to tender back consideration received, and provisions allowing employers to recover attorneys’ fees and/or damages because of the filing of an ADEA suit. This rule is not intended to preclude employers from recovering attorneys’ fees or costs specifically authorized under federal law.(c) Restitution, recoupment, or setoff. (1) Where an employee successfully challenges a waiver agreement, covenant not to sue, or other equivalent arrangement, and prevails on the merits of an ADEA claim, courts have the discretion to determine whether an employer is entitled to restitution, recoupment or setoff (hereinafter, “reduction”) against the employee’s monetary award. A reduction never can exceed the amount recovered by the employee, or the consideration the employee received for signing the waiver agreement, covenant not to sue, or other equivalent arrangement, whichever is less.(2) In a case involving more than one plaintiff, any reduction must be applied on a plaintiff-by-plaintiff basis. No individual’s award can be reduced based on the consideration received by any other person.(d) No employer may abrogate its duties to any signatory under a waiver agreement, covenant not to sue, or other equivalent arrangement, even if one or more of the signatories or the EEOC successfully challenges the validity of that agreement under the ADEA. [65 FR 77446, Dec. 11, 2000]Subpart C—Administrative ExemptionsSource:44 FR 38459, July 2, 1979, unless otherwise noted. Redesignated at 72 FR 72944, Dec. 26, 2007.§ 1625.30Administrative exemptions; procedures.(a) Section 9 of the Act provides that, In accordance with the provisions of subchapter II of chapter 5, of title 5, United States Code, the Secretary of Labor * * * may establish such reasonable exemptions to and from any or all provisions of this Act as he may find necessary and proper in the public interest.(b) The authority conferred on the Commission by section 9 of the Act to establish reasonable exemptions will be exercised with caution and due regard for the remedial purpose of the statute to promote employment of older persons based on their ability rather than age and to prohibit arbitrary age discrimination in employment. Administrative action consistent with this statutory purpose may be taken under this section, with or without a request therefor, when found necessary and proper in the public interest in accordance with the statutory standards. No formal procedures have been prescribed for requesting such action. However, a reasonable exemption from the Act’s provisions will be granted only if it is decided, after notice published in the Federal Register giving all interested persons an opportunity to present data, views, or arguments, that a strong and affirmative showing has been made that such exemption is in fact necessary and proper in the public interest. Request for such exemption shall be submitted in writing to the Commission.
Code of Federal Regulations / Title 29 – Labor / Vol. 4 / 2014-07-01348
§ 1625.31Special employment programs.(a) Pursuant to the authority contained in section 9 of the Act and in accordance with the procedure provided therein and in § 1625.30(b) of this part, it has been found necessary and proper in the public interest to exempt from all prohibitions of the Act all activities and programs under Federal contracts or grants, or carried out by the public employment services of the several States, designed exclusively to provide employment for, or to encourage the employment of, persons with special employment problems, including employment activities and programs under the Manpower Development and Training Act of 1962, Pub. L. No. 87-415, 76 Stat. 23 (1962), as amended, and the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964, Pub. L. No. 88-452, 78 Stat. 508 (1964), as amended, for persons among the long-term unemployed, individuals with disabilities, members of minority groups, older workers, or youth. Questions concerning the application of this exemption shall be referred to the Commission for decision.(b) Any employer, employment agency, or labor organization the activities of which are exempt from the prohibitions of the Act under paragraph (a) of this section shall maintain and preserve records containing the same information and data that is required of employers, employment agencies, and labor organizations under §§ 1627.3, 1627.4, and 1627.5, respectively. [44 FR 38459, July 2, 1979, as amended at 52 FR 32296, Aug. 27, 1987; 55 FR 24078, June 14, 1990; 57 FR 4158, Feb. 4, 1992; 72 FR 72944, Dec. 26, 2007; 74 FR 63984, Dec. 7, 2009]§ 1625.32Coordination of retiree health benefits with Medicare and State health benefits.(a) Definitions.(1) Employee benefit plan means an employee benefit plan as defined in 29 U.S.C. 1002(3).(2) Medicare means the health insurance program available pursuant to Title XVIII of the Social Security Act, 42 U.S.C. 1395 et seq.(3) Comparable State health benefit plan means a State-sponsored health benefit plan that, like Medicare, provides retired participants who have attained a minimum age with health benefits, whether or not the type, amount or value of those benefits is equivalent to the type, amount or value of the health benefits provided under Medicare.(b) Exemption. Some employee benefit plans provide health benefits for retired participants that are altered, reduced or eliminated when the participant is eligible for Medicare health benefits or for health benefits under a comparable State health benefit plan, whether or not the participant actually enrolls in the other benefit program. Pursuant to the authority contained in section 9 of the Act, and in accordance with the procedures provided therein and in § 1625.30(b) of this part, it is hereby found necessary and proper in the public interest to exempt from all prohibitions of the Act such coordination of retiree health benefits with Medicare or a comparable State health benefit plan.(c) Scope of exemption. This exemption shall be narrowly construed. No other aspects of ADEA coverage or employment benefits other than those specified in paragraph (b) of this section are affected by the exemption. Thus, for example, the exemption does not apply to the use of eligibility for Medicare or a comparable State health benefit plan in connection with any act, practice or benefit of employment not specified in paragraph (b) of this section. Nor does it apply to the use of the age of eligibility for Medicare or a comparable State health benefit plan in connection with any act, practice or benefit of employment not specified in paragraph (b) of this section.
Code of Federal Regulations / Title 29 – Labor / Vol. 4 / 2014-07-01349
Appendix to § 1625.32—Questions and Answers Regarding Coordination of Retiree Health Benefits With Medicare and State Health BenefitsQ1. Why is the Commission issuing an exemption from the Act?A1. The Commission recognizes that while employers are under no legal obligation to offer retiree health benefits, some employers choose to do so in order to maintain a competitive advantage in the marketplace—using these and other benefits to attract and retain the best talent available to work for their organizations. Further, retiree health benefits clearly benefit workers, allowing such individuals to acquire affordable health insurance coverage at a time when private health insurance coverage might otherwise be cost prohibitive. The Commission believes that it is in the best interest of both employers and employees for the Commission to pursue a policy that permits employers to offer these benefits to the greatest extent possible.Q2. Does the exemption mean that the Act no longer applies to retirees?A2. No. Only the practice of coordinating retiree health benefits with Medicare (or a comparable State health benefit plan) as specified in paragraph (b) of this section is exempt from the Act. In all other contexts, the Act continues to apply to retirees to the same extent that it did prior to the issuance of this section.Q3. May an employer offer a “carve-out plan” for retirees who are eligible for Medicare or a comparable State health plan?A3. Yes. A “carve-out plan” reduces the benefits available under an employee benefit plan by the amount payable by Medicare or a comparable State health plan. Employers may continue to offer such “carve-out plans”and make Medicare or a comparable State health plan the primary payer of health benefits for those retirees eligible for Medicare or the comparable State health plan.Q4. Does the exemption also apply to dependent and/or spousal health benefits that are included as part of the health benefits provided for retired participants?A4. Yes. Because dependent and/or spousal health benefits are benefits provided to the retired participant, the exemption applies to these benefits, just as it does to the health benefits for the retired participant. However, dependent and/or spousal benefits need not be identical to the health benefits provided for retired participants. Consequently, dependent and/or spousal benefits may be altered, reduced or eliminated pursuant to the exemption whether or not the health benefits provided for retired participants are similarly altered, reduced or eliminated.Q5. Does the exemption address how the ADEA may apply to other acts, practices or employment benefits not specified in the rule?A5. No. The exemption only applies to the practice of coordinating employer-sponsored retiree health benefits with eligibility for Medicare or a comparable State health benefit program. No other aspects of ADEA coverage or employment benefits other than retiree health benefits are affected by the exemption.Q6. Does the exemption apply to existing, as well as to newly created, employee benefit plans?A6. Yes. The exemption applies to all retiree health benefits that coordinate with Medicare (or a comparable State health benefit plan) as specified in paragraph (b) of this section, whether those benefits are provided for in an existing or newly created employee benefit plan.Q7. Does the exemption apply to health benefits that are provided to current employees who are at or over the age of Medicare eligibility (or the age of eligibility for a comparable State health benefit plan)?A7. No. The exemption applies only to retiree health benefits, not to health benefits that are provided to current employees. Thus, health benefits for current employees must be provided in a manner that comports with the requirements of the Act. Moreover, under the laws governing the Medicare program, an employer must offer to current employees who are at or over the age of Medicare eligibility the same health benefits, under the same conditions, that it offers to any current employee under the age of Medicare eligibility. [72 FR 72945, Dec. 26, 2007]
Williams, McClure & Parmelee is dedicated to high quality legal representation of businesses and insurance companies in a variety of matters. We are experienced Texas civil litigation attorneys based in Fort Worth who know Texas courts and Texas law. For more information, please contact the law firm at 817-335-8800. The firm’s new office location is 5601 Bridge Street, Suite 300, Fort Worth, Texas 76112.