The son of a former Texas governor, Shivers heads an HMO trade group that opposed a ’97 Texas law that makes HMOs liable for harm that patients suffer when an HMO denies doctor-prescribed care. This law took effect after Bush failed to veto it (which would have angered doctors and patients) or sign it (which would have angered a powerful industry). Shivers is also a spokesperson for Texas’ leading tort reform group, Texans for Lawsuit Reform. Through its PAC and board members, the group contributed $3.6 million to Bush’s gubernatorial campaigns. He rewarded them by declaring a raft of “tort-reform” bills—which he eventually signed into law—as a legislative “emergency.” These laws severely limit the liability of Texas businesses and professionals. Bush appointed Shivers as chair of the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission.