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Committee advances civil‑remedy bill for online impersonation; no public testimony
Summary
HB 783 would create a civil‑remedy for victims of online impersonation, allowing temporary restraining orders, injunctions, and recovery of actual and exemplary damages; the committee reported the bill favorably to the full Senate after hearing the sponsor's explanation and with no public testimony.
House Bill 783, presented by Representative Lalani and explained in committee by Senator Hinojosa, would add a new chapter to the civil remedies code establishing a private civil cause of action for victims of online impersonation (commonly called 'catfishing'). The bill applies when impersonation is done knowingly and with intent to harm, defraud, intimidate or threaten.
Key provisions described in committee testimony include authority for courts to issue temporary restraining orders and permanent injunctions to stop impersonation, recovery of actual damages (including counseling and identity‑theft costs), attorney's fees and court costs for the prevailing party, and exemplary damages of at least $500. The bill contains an explicit exception for clear satire or parody.
The committee recorded a roll‑call to report HB 783 favorably to the full Senate (recorded as 8 ayes, 1 nay) and left implementation details to subsequent floor consideration. No members of the public registered to testify for or against the bill at the committee hearing.
