Sec. 84.0061.  ORGANIZATIONAL LIABILITY FOR TRANSPORTATION SERVICES PROVIDED TO CERTAIN WELFARE RECIPIENTS.  (a)  In this section, "religious charitable organization" means a charitable organization that is also a "religious organization" as the term is defined by Section 464.051, Health and Safety Code.
(b)  Subject to Subsection (e), a religious charitable organization that owns or leases a motor vehicle is not liable for damages arising from the negligent use of the vehicle by a person to whom the organization has entrusted the vehicle to provide transportation services during the provision of those services described by Subsection (c) to a person who:
(1)  is a recipient of:
(A)  financial assistance under Chapter 31, Human Resources Code;  or
(B)  nutritional assistance under Chapter 33, Human Resources Code;  and
(2)  is participating in or applying to participate in:
(A)  a work or employment activity under Chapter 31, Human Resources Code;  or
(B)  the food stamp employment and training program.
(c)  Transportation services include transportation to and from the location of the:
(1)  work, employment, or any training activity or program;  or
(2)  provider of any child-care services necessary for a person described by Subsection (b)(1) to participate in the work, employment, or training activity or program.
(d)  Except as expressly provided in Subsection (b), this section does not limit, or in any way affect or diminish, other legal duties or causes of action arising from the use of a motor vehicle, including the condition of the vehicle itself and causes of action arising under Chapter 41.
(e)  This section does not apply to any claim arising from injury, death, or property damage in which the operator of the vehicle was intoxicated, as the term is defined in Section 49.01, Penal Code.
Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 991, Sec. 1, eff. June 15, 2001.