SB 17 — Relating to the operation and administration of and practices and procedures related to proceedings in the judicial branch of state government, including court security, court documents and arrest warrants, document delivery, juvenile boards, constitutional amendment election challenges, record retention, youth diversion, court-ordered mental health services, the powers of the Texas Supreme Court, and jurors; increasing a criminal penalty; authorizing fees.

Each2-39 clerkSECTIONA1.11.AA(a) shallSubchapter establishC, aChapter separate24, docketGovernment for2-40 aCode, districtis courtamended [Allby civiladding andSections criminal24.60046 matters within the concurrent jurisdiction of the county and district24.60047 courtsto mustread beas filed2-41 withfollows: the county clerk in the county S.B.ANo.A17 court.

The2-42 countySec.A24.60046.AA501ST clerkJUDICIAL servesDISTRICT as(FORT theBEND clerkCOUNTY). of the district court for those matters].

SECTION2-43 A1.11.AA(a)The Subchapter501st C,Judicial ChapterDistrict 24, Government Code, is amendedcomposed byof addingFort SectionsBend 24.60046County. and 24.60047 to read as follows:

Sec.2-44 Sec.A24.60047.AA502ND JUDICIAL DISTRICT (FORT BEND COUNTY).

A24.60046.AA501ST2-45 JUDICIALThe DISTRICT502nd (FORTJudicial BENDDistrict COUNTY).is composed of Fort Bend County.

The2-46 (b)AAThe 501st and 502nd Judicial DistrictDistricts isare composedcreated ofon Fort2-47 Bendthe County.effective date of this Act.

Sec.A24.60047.AA502ND2-48 JUDICIALSECTIONA1.12.AA(a) DISTRICTSubchapter (FORTC, BENDChapter COUNTY).24, Government 2-49 Code, is amended by adding Section 24.60048 to read as follows:

The2-50 502ndSec.A24.60048.AA503RD JudicialJUDICIAL DistrictDISTRICT is(ROCKWALL composedCOUNTY). of Fort Bend County.

(b)2-51 AATheThe 501st503rd and 502nd Judicial DistrictsDistrict areis createdcomposed on the effective date of thisRockwall Act.County.

SECTIONA1.12.AA(a)2-52 Subchapter(b)AAThe C,503rd ChapterJudicial 24,District Government Code, is amendedcreated byon addingthe Sectioneffective 24.600482-53 todate readof asthis follows:Act.

Sec.A24.60048.AA503RD2-54 JUDICIALSECTIONA1.13.AA(a) DISTRICTSubchapter (ROCKWALLC, COUNTY).Chapter 24, Government 2-55 Code, is amended by adding Section 24.60049 to read as follows:

The2-56 503rdSec.A24.60049.AA504TH JudicialJUDICIAL DistrictDISTRICT is(ELLIS composedCOUNTY). of Rockwall County.

(b)The AAThe2-57 503rd504th Judicial District is createdcomposed on the effective date of thisEllis Act.County.

SECTIONA1.13.AA(a)2-58 Subchapter(b)AAThe C,504th ChapterJudicial 24,District Government Code, is amendedcreated byon addingthe Sectioneffective 24.600492-59 todate readof asthis follows:Act.

Sec.2-60 SECTIONA1.14.AA(a) Effective September 1, 2026, Subchapter 2-61 C, Chapter 24, Government Code, is amended by adding Section 2-62 24.60053 to read as follows:

A24.60049.AA504TH2-63 Sec.A24.60053.AA511TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT (ELLIS(COMAL COUNTY).

The 504th2-64 511th Judicial District is composed of EllisComal County.

2-65 (b)AAThe 504th511th Judicial District is created on theSeptember effective1, date2-66 of2026. this Act.

SECTION2-67 A1.14.AA(a)SECTIONA1.15.AA(a) Effective September 1, 2026, Subchapter C, Chapter 24, Government 2-68 Code, is amended by adding Section 24.6005324.60054 to read as follows:

Sec.A24.60053.AA511TH2-69 Sec.A24.60054.AA512TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT (COMAL(WILLIAMSON S.B.ANo.A17 3-1 COUNTY).

The S.B.ANo.A17512th 511th Judicial District is composed of ComalWilliamson 3-2 County.

(b)3-3 AAThe(b)AAThe 511th512th Judicial District is created on Septemberthe 1,effective 2026.3-4 date of this Act.

SECTIONA1.15.AA(a)3-5 SECTIONA1.16.AA(a) Effective January 1, 2026, Subchapter C, 3-6 Chapter 24, Government Code, is amended by adding SectionSections 24.600543-7 24.60055, 24.60056, and 24.60057 to read as follows:

Sec.3-8 Sec.A24.60055.AA513TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT (HARRIS COUNTY).

A24.60054.AA512TH3-9 JUDICIAL(a) DISTRICTThe (WILLIAMSON513th COUNTY).Judicial District is composed of Harris County.

The3-10 512th(b)AAThe Judicial513th District isCourt composedshall ofgive Williamsonpreference County.to civil 3-11 cases.

(b)AAThe3-12 512thSec.A24.60056.AA514TH JudicialJUDICIAL DistrictDISTRICT is(HARRIS createdCOUNTY). on the effective date of this Act.

SECTIONA1.16.AA(a)3-13 Effective(a) JanuaryThe 1,514th 2026,Judicial SubchapterDistrict C, Chapter 24, Government Code, is amendedcomposed byof addingHarris SectionsCounty. 24.60055, 24.60056, and 24.60057 to read as follows:

Sec.A24.60055.AA513TH3-14 JUDICIAL(b)AAThe DISTRICT514th (HARRISDistrict COUNTY).Court shall give preference to civil 3-15 cases.

(a)3-16 TheSec.A24.60057.AA515TH 513thJUDICIAL JudicialDISTRICT District(HARRIS isCOUNTY). composed of Harris County.

(b)3-17 AAThe(a) 513thThe District515th CourtJudicial shallDistrict giveis preferencecomposed toof civilHarris cases.County.

Sec.A24.60056.AA514TH3-18 JUDICIAL(b)AAThe DISTRICT515th (HARRISDistrict COUNTY).Court shall give preference to civil 3-19 cases.

(a)3-20 The(b)AAThe 514th513th, Judicial514th, and 515th District isCourts composedare ofcreated Harris3-21 County.on January 1, 2026.

(b)3-22 AATheSECTIONA1.17.AA(a) 514thEffective DistrictOctober Court1, shall2026, giveSubchapter preferenceC, 3-23 Chapter 24, Government Code, is amended by adding Sections 24.60058 3-24 and 24.60059 to civilread cases.as follows:

Sec.A24.60057.AA515TH3-25 Sec.A24.60058.AA516TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT (HARRIS COUNTY).

3-26 (a) The 515th516th Judicial District is composed of Harris County.

(b)3-27 AAThe(b)AAThe 515th516th District Court shall give preference to civil 3-28 cases.

(b)3-29 AATheSec.A24.60059.AA517TH 513th,JUDICIAL 514th,DISTRICT and(HARRIS 515thCOUNTY). District Courts are created on January 1, 2026.

S.B.ANo.A173-30 SECTIONA1.17.AA(a)(a) EffectiveThe October517th 1,Judicial 2026,District Subchapter C, Chapter 24, Government Code, is amendedcomposed byof addingHarris SectionsCounty. 24.60058 and 24.60059 to read as follows:

Sec.A24.60058.AA516TH3-31 JUDICIAL(b)AAThe DISTRICT517th (HARRISDistrict COUNTY).Court shall give preference to civil 3-32 cases.

(a)3-33 The(b)AAThe 516th Judicialand 517th District isCourts composedare ofcreated Harrison County.3-34 October 1, 2026.

(b)3-35 AATheSECTIONA1.18.AASection 516th24.911, DistrictGovernment CourtCode, shallis giveamended preference3-36 by adding Subsection (a-2) to civilread cases.as follows:

Sec.A24.60059.AA517TH3-37 JUDICIAL(a-2)AATarrant DISTRICTCounty (HARRISCriminal COUNTY).District Court No.A2 shall 3-38 give preference to criminal cases.

(a)3-39 TheSECTIONA1.19.AASection 517th24.913, JudicialGovernment DistrictCode, is composedamended of3-40 Harrisby County.adding Subsection (e) to read as follows:

(b)3-41 AAThe(e)AATarrant 517thCounty Criminal District Court No.A4 shall give 3-42 preference to civilcriminal cases.

(b)AAThe3-43 516thSECTIONA1.20.AAEffective andSeptember 517th1, District2028, CourtsSection are43.101, created3-44 onGovernment OctoberCode, 1,is 2026.amended to read as follows:

SECTIONA1.18.AASection3-45 24.911,Sec.A43.101.AA1ST GovernmentJUDICIAL Code,DISTRICT. is amended by adding Subsection (a-2) to read as follows:

(a-2)The AATarrantvoters of [Sabine 3-46 and] San Augustine County Criminal[counties] elect a district attorney for 3-47 the 1st Judicial District Courtwho No.A2represents shallthe givestate preferencein tothe criminal[that] cases.3-48 district courts in that county [court only in those counties].

SECTIONA1.19.AASection3-49 24.913,SECTIONA1.21.AA(a) Effective January 1, 2029, Subchapter B, 3-50 Chapter 43, Government Code, is amended by adding SubsectionSection (e)43.1742 3-51 to read as follows:

(e)3-52 AATarrantSec.A43.1742.AA273RD CountyJUDICIAL CriminalDISTRICT. District Court No.A4 shall give preference to criminal cases.

SECTIONA1.20.AAEffectiveThe Septembervoters 1,of 2028,3-53 SectionSabine 43.101,County Governmentelect Code,a isdistrict amendedattorney tofor readthe as273rd follows:Judicial 3-54 District who represents the state in the district courts in that 3-55 county.

Sec.3-56 (b)AAThe office of district attorney for the 273rd Judicial 3-57 District is created on September 1, 2028.

A43.101.AA1ST3-58 JUDICIALSECTIONA1.22.AAEffective DISTRICT.January 1, 2029, Section 43.177, 3-59 Government Code, is amended to read as follows:

The3-60 votersSec.A43.177.AA293RD ofJUDICIAL [SabineDISTRICT. and] San Augustine County [counties] elect a district attorney for the 1st Judicial District who represents the state in the [that] district courts in that county [court only in those counties].

S.B.ANo.A17(a) SECTIONA1.21.AA(a)The Effectivevoters Januaryof 1,3-61 2029,Maverick SubchapterCounty B,[the Chapter293rd 43,Judicial GovernmentDistrict] Code,elect isa amendeddistrict by3-62 addingattorney Sectionwho 43.1742represents tothe readstate asin follows:all cases before the [that] 3-63 district court.

Sec.A43.1742.AA273RD3-64 JUDICIAL(b)AAThe DISTRICT.commissioners court of Maverick County [one or more 3-65 of the counties comprising the district] may supplement the state 3-66 salary of the district attorney and[.

The voterscommissioners court of Sabine3-67 Countyeach electcounty amay] districtset attorney for the 273rdamount Judicialof Districtsupplemental whocompensation representspaid the3-68 stateby in the district courts in that county.

(b)AAThe3-69 office(c)AAThe of district attorney forof the 273rd293rd Judicial District isS.B.ANo.A17 created4-1 onalso Septemberrepresents 1,the 2028.state in all criminal and civil matters that 4-2 arise in the 365th Judicial District in Maverick County.

SECTION4-3 A1.22.AAEffectiveSECTIONA1.23.AA(a) Effective January 1, 2029, SectionSubchapter 43.177,B, 4-4 Chapter 43, Government Code, is amended by adding Section 43.1812 4-5 to read as follows:

Sec.A43.177.AA293RD4-6 Sec.A43.1812.AA365TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT.

(a) The voters of Maverick4-7 CountyDimmit [theand 293rdZavala JudicialCounties District] elect a district attorney for the 365th 4-8 Judicial District who represents the state in all casescivil beforeand the4-9 [that]criminal matters in the district court.courts having jurisdiction in 4-10 those counties.

4-11 (b)AAThe commissionersoffice court of Maverickdistrict Countyattorney [onefor or more of the counties365th comprisingJudicial the4-12 district]District mayis supplementcreated theon stateJanuary salary1, of2029. the district attorney and[.

The4-13 commissioners(c)AAThe courtoffice of eachdistrict countyattorney may]for set the amount365th Judicial 4-14 District exists for purposes of supplementalthe compensationprimary paidand bygeneral thatelections county.4-15 in 2028.

(c)AAThe4-16 districtSECTIONA1.24.AAEffective attorneyJanuary of1, the2029, 293rdSection Judicial46.002, District4-17 alsoGovernment representsCode, theis stateamended into allread criminalas andfollows: civil matters that arise in the 365th Judicial District in Maverick County.

SECTION4-18 A1.23.AA(a)Sec.A46.002.AAPROSECUTORS EffectiveSUBJECT JanuaryTO 1,CHAPTER. 2029, Subchapter B, Chapter 43, Government Code, is amended by adding Section 43.1812 to read as follows:

Sec.A43.1812.AA365THThis JUDICIALchapter DISTRICT.4-19 applies to the state prosecuting attorney, all county prosecutors, 4-20 and the following state prosecutors:

The4-21 voters(1)AAthe ofdistrict S.B.ANo.A17attorneys Dimmitfor Kenedy and ZavalaKleberg 4-22 Counties electand afor districtthe attorney1st, for2nd, the8th, 365th9th, Judicial18th, District21st, who23rd, represents24th, the4-23 state26th, in27th, all29th, civil31st, and32nd, criminal33rd, matters34th, in35th, the36th, district38th, courts39th, having4-24 jurisdiction42nd, in43rd, those46th, counties.47th, 49th, 50th, 51st, 52nd, 53rd, 63rd, 64th, 4-25 66th, 69th, 70th, 76th, 79th, 81st, 83rd, 84th, 85th, 88th, 90th, 4-26 97th, 100th, 105th, 106th, 109th, 110th, 112th, 118th, 119th, 4-27 123rd, 132nd, 142nd, 143rd, 145th, 156th, 159th, 173rd, 196th, 4-28 198th, 216th, 220th, 229th, 235th, 253rd, 258th, 259th, 266th, 4-29 268th, 271st, 273rd, 286th, 287th, 329th, 344th, 349th, 355th, 4-30 369th, 452nd, and 506th judicial districts;

(b)AAThe4-31 office(2)AAthe ofcriminal district attorneyattorneys for the 365thcounties Judicial4-32 Districtof isAnderson, createdAustin, onBastrop, JanuaryBexar, 1,Bowie, 2029.Brazoria, Caldwell, 4-33 Calhoun, Cass, Collin, Comal, Dallas, Deaf Smith, Denton, Eastland, 4-34 Fannin, Galveston, Grayson, Gregg, Harrison, Hays, Hidalgo, 4-35 Jasper, Jefferson, Kaufman, Kendall, Lubbock, McLennan, Madison, 4-36 Medina, Navarro, Newton, Panola, Polk, Randall, Rockwall, San 4-37 Jacinto, Smith, Tarrant, Taylor, Tyler, Upshur, Van Zandt, 4-38 Victoria, Walker, Waller, Wichita, Wood, and Yoakum;

(c)AATheand office4-39 (3)AAthe county attorneys performing the duties of 4-40 district attorneyattorneys forin the 365thcounties Judicialof DistrictAndrews, existsAransas, forBurleson, purposes4-41 ofCallahan, theCameron, primaryCastro, andColorado, generalCrosby, electionsEllis, inFalls, 2028.4-42 Fayette, Freestone, Gonzales, Guadalupe, Lamar, Lamb, Lampasas, 4-43 Lavaca, Lee, Limestone, Marion, Milam, Morris, Ochiltree, Oldham, 4-44 Orange, Rains, Red River, Robertson, Rusk, Swisher, Terry, Webb, 4-45 and Willacy.

SECTION4-46 A1.24.AAEffectiveSECTIONA1.25.AAEffective January 1, 2029,2026, Sectionthe 46.002,following Government4-47 Code,provisions isof amendedthe toGovernment readCode asare follows:repealed:

Sec.A46.002.AAPROSECUTORS4-48 SUBJECT(1)AASections TO24.126(b) CHAPTER.and (d);

This4-49 chapter(2)AASections applies24.127(b) to the state prosecuting attorney, all county prosecutors, and the(c); following state prosecutors:

(1)AAthe district attorneys for Kenedy and Kleberg4-50 Counties(3)AASection and24.451(b). for the 1st, 2nd, 8th, 9th, 18th, 21st, 23rd, 24th, 26th, 27th, 29th, 31st, 32nd, 33rd, 34th, 35th, 36th, 38th, 39th, 42nd, 43rd, 46th, 47th, 49th, 50th, 51st, 52nd, 53rd, 63rd, 64th, 66th, 69th, 70th, 76th, 79th, 81st, 83rd, 84th, 85th, 88th, 90th, 97th, 100th, 105th, 106th, 109th, 110th, 112th, 118th, 119th, 123rd, 132nd, 142nd, 143rd, 145th, 156th, 159th, 173rd, 196th, 198th, 216th, 220th, 229th, 235th, 253rd, 258th, 259th, 266th, 268th, 271st, 273rd, 286th, 287th, 329th, 344th, 349th, 355th, 369th, 452nd, and 506th judicial districts;

(2)AAthe4-51 criminalARTICLE district2. attorneys for the counties of Anderson, Austin, Bastrop, Bexar, Bowie, Brazoria, Caldwell, Calhoun, Cass, Collin, Comal, Dallas, Deaf Smith, Denton, Eastland, S.B.ANo.A17 Fannin, Galveston, Grayson, Gregg, Harrison, Hays, Hidalgo, Jasper, Jefferson, Kaufman, Kendall, Lubbock, McLennan, Madison, Medina, Navarro, Newton, Panola, Polk, Randall, Rockwall, San Jacinto, Smith, Tarrant, Taylor, Tyler, Upshur, Van Zandt, Victoria, Walker, Waller, Wichita, Wood, and Yoakum;

andSTATUTORY (3)AAtheCOUNTY countyCOURTS attorneys4-52 performingSECTIONA2.01.AASections the22.004(b) dutiesand of(h-1), districtGovernment attorneys4-53 inCode, theare countiesamended ofto Andrews,read Aransas,as Burleson,follows: Callahan, Cameron, Castro, Colorado, Crosby, Ellis, Falls, Fayette, Freestone, Gonzales, Guadalupe, Lamar, Lamb, Lampasas, Lavaca, Lee, Limestone, Marion, Milam, Morris, Ochiltree, Oldham, Orange, Rains, Red River, Robertson, Rusk, Swisher, Terry, Webb, and Willacy.

SECTIONA1.25.AAEffective4-54 January(b)AAThe 1,supreme 2026,court thefrom followingtime provisionsto time may promulgate a 4-55 specific rule or rules of civil procedure, or an amendment or 4-56 amendments to a specific rule or rules, to be effective at the Governmenttime Code4-57 arethe repealed:supreme court deems expedient in the interest of a proper 4-58 administration of justice.AAThe rules and amendments to rules 4-59 remain in effect unless and until disapproved by the 4-60 legislature.

(1)AASectionsAAThe 24.126(b)clerk of the supreme court shall file with the 4-61 secretary of state the rules or amendments to rules promulgated by 4-62 the supreme court under this subsection and (d);shall provide [mail] a 4-63 copy of those rules or amendments to rules to each registered member 4-64 of the State Bar of Texas not later than the 60th day before the date 4-65 on which they become effective.AAOn receiving a written request 4-66 from a member of the legislature, the secretary of state shall 4-67 provide the member with electronic notifications when the supreme 4-68 court has promulgated rules or amendments to rules under this 4-69 section.

(2)AASectionsS.B.ANo.A17 24.127(b)5-1 (h-1)AAIn addition to the rules adopted under Subsection (h), 5-2 the supreme court shall adopt rules to promote the prompt, 5-3 efficient, and (c);cost-effective resolution of civil actions filed in 5-4 county courts at law in which the amount in controversy does not 5-5 exceed $325,000 [$250,000].

The rules shall balance the need for 5-6 lowering discovery costs in these actions against the complexity of 5-7 and (3)AASectiondiscovery 24.451(b).needs in these actions.

ARTICLEThe 2.supreme court may not 5-8 adopt rules under this subsection that conflict with other 5-9 statutory law.

STATUTORY5-10 COUNTYSECTIONA2.02.AASection COURTS25.0003(c), SECTIONA2.01.AASections 22.004(b) and (h-1), Government Code, areis 5-11 amended to read as follows:

(b)AAThe5-12 supreme(c)AAIn courtaddition fromto timeother tojurisdiction timeprovided mayby promulgatelaw, a specific5-13 rulestatutory orcounty rulescourt ofexercising civil procedure,jurisdiction orconcurrent an5-14 amendmentwith orthe amendmentsconstitutional tojurisdiction aof specificthe rulecounty orcourt rules,has to5-15 beconcurrent effectivejurisdiction atwith the timedistrict the supreme court deemsin: expedient in the interest of a proper administration of justice.AAThe rules and amendments to rules remain in effect unless and until disapproved by the legislature.

AAThe5-16 clerk(1)AAcivil ofcases thein supremewhich court shall file with the S.B.ANo.A17matter secretaryin ofcontroversy state5-17 theexceeds rules$500 orbut amendmentsdoes tonot rulesexceed promulgated$325,000 by[$250,000], theexcluding supreme5-18 courtinterest, understatutory this subsection and shall provide [mail] a copy of those rules or amendmentspunitive todamages rulesand topenalties, eachand registered5-19 memberattorney’s offees theand Statecosts, Baras ofalleged Texas not later than the 60th day before the date on which they become effective.AAOn receiving a written request from a member of the legislature,face the secretary of state shall provide the memberpetition; with electronic notifications when the supreme court has promulgated rules or amendments to rules under this section.

(h-1)AAIn5-20 additionand to5-21 the(2)AAappeals rulesof adoptedfinal underrulings Subsectionand (h),decisions of the supreme5-22 courtdivision shallof adoptworkers’ rulescompensation toof promote the prompt,Texas efficient,Department and cost-effective resolution of civil5-23 actionsInsurance filedregarding inworkers county’ courtscompensation atclaims, lawregardless inof which5-24 the amount in controversycontroversy. does not exceed $325,000 [$250,000].

The5-25 rulesSECTIONA2.03.AASection shall25.0007(c), balanceGovernment theCode, needis for5-26 loweringamended discoveryto costsread inas thesefollows: actions against the complexity of and discovery needs in these actions.

The5-27 supreme(c)AAIn a civil case pending in a statutory county court mayin not5-28 adoptwhich rulesthe undermatter thisin subsectioncontroversy thatexceeds conflict$325,000 with[$250,000], otherthe statutory5-29 law.jury shall be composed of 12 members unless all of the parties agree 5-30 to a jury composed of a lesser number of jurors.

SECTIONA2.02.AASection5-31 25.0003(c),SECTIONA2.04.AASection 25.00212, Government Code, is amended 5-32 by amending Subsection (a) and adding Subsection (a-1) to read as 5-33 follows:

(c)AAIn5-34 addition(a)AAAt to other jurisdiction provided by law, a statutory county court exercising civil jurisdiction concurrent with the constitutionalend jurisdiction of theeach countystate courtfiscal hasyear, concurrent jurisdiction with the districtcomptroller court5-35 in:shall determine:

(1)AAcivil5-36 cases(1)AAthe inamounts whichdeposited the matter in controversythe exceedsjudicial $500fund butunder does5-37 notSection exceed133.151(c)(1), $325,000Local [$250,000],Government excludingCode, interest,from [by] statutory or5-38 punitiveprobate damagescourts and penalties, and S.B.ANo.A17 attorney’s fees andremitted costs,under asSection alleged133.151(a)(1), onLocal the5-39 faceGovernment ofCode, theeither: petition;

and5-40 (2)AAappeals(A)AAdirectly ofto finalthe rulingstreasury andby decisions of the divisionOffice of workers’5-41 compensationCourt Administration of the Texas DepartmentJudicial ofSystem Insurancefor regardingfees workerspaid ’5-42 compensationusing claims,the regardlesselectronic offiling thesystem amountestablished inunder controversy.Section 5-43 72.031;

SECTIONA2.03.AASectionor 25.0007(c),5-44 (B) AAto the comptroller in the manner provided by 5-45 Subchapter B, Chapter 133, Local Government Code, isfor amendedfees paid to read5-46 asan follows:officer of a court;

(c)and AAIn5-47 a(2)AAthe civilsum caseof pendingthe inamount apaid statutoryunder countySection court5-48 in25.0022(e) whichand the mattertotal inamounts controversypaid exceedsto $325,000 [$250,000], the jurycounties shallunder beSection composed5-49 of25.00211. 12 members unless all of the parties agree to a jury composed of a lesser number of jurors.

SECTIONA2.04.AASection5-50 25.00212,(a-1)AAIf Governmentthe Code,comptroller isdetermines amendedthe total amount 5-51 deposited in the judicial fund by amendingstatutory probate courts in all 5-52 counties as calculated under Subsection (a)(a)(1) andexceeds addingthe sum 5-53 calculated under Subsection (a-1)(a)(2) [that sum], the comptroller 5-54 [state] shall remit the excess proportionately to readeach county that 5-55 contributed [deposited] a greater amount to [in] the judicial fund 5-56 from fees collected by a statutory probate court than the amount the 5-57 county was paid under Section 25.00211, as follows:adjusted in an equitable 5-58 manner to reflect the differences in the total amounts paid to the 5-59 counties under Section 25.00211.

(a)AAAt5-60 theSECTIONA2.05.AASection end25.0022(f), ofGovernment eachCode, stateis fiscal5-61 year,amended theto comptrollerread shallas determine:follows:

(1)AAthe5-62 amounts(f)AAEach depositedcounty inpays annually to the presiding judge, from 5-63 fees allocated to the judicial education and support fund under 5-64 [collected pursuant to] Section 133.151(c)(1),135.102 [118.052(2)(A)(vi)], Local 5-65 Government Code, fromthe [by]amount statutoryof probatethe courtssalary feesapportioned remitted[to underit] Sectionas 133.151(a)(1),5-66 Localprovided Governmentby Code,this either:section and the other expenses authorized by this 5-67 section.

(A)AAdirectlyThe topresiding thejudge treasuryshall byplace theeach Officecounty’ s payment of Court5-68 Administrationsalary ofand theother Texasexpenses Judicialin Systeman foradministrative feesfund, paidfrom usingwhich the electronic5-69 filingsalary systemand establishedother underexpenses Sectionare 72.031;paid.

orThe (B)AAtosalary theshall comptrollerbe in the manner provided by Subchapter B, Chapter 133, Local Government Code, for fees paid toin S.B.ANo.A17 an6-1 officerequal ofmonthly ainstallments. court;

and6-2 (2)AAtheSECTIONA2.06.AASection sum25.0062(b), ofGovernment theCode, amountis paid6-3 underamended Section 25.0022(e) and the total amounts paid to theread countiesas underfollows: Section 25.00211.

(a-1)6-4 AAIf(b)AAThe thedistrict comptrollerclerk determinesserves the total amount deposited in the judicial fund by statutory probate courts in all counties as calculatedclerk underof Subsectiona (a)(1) exceeds the sum calculated under Subsection (a)(2) [that sum], the comptroller [state] shall remit the excess proportionately to each county thatcourt contributedat [deposited]6-5 alaw greaterin amountfelony tocases, [in]in thefamily judiciallaw fundcases fromand feesproceedings, collectedand byin a6-6 statutorycivil probatecases court than the amount the county was paid under Section 25.00211, as adjusted in anwhich equitable manner to reflect the differencesmatter in thecontroversy totalexceeds amounts$325,000 paid6-7 to[$250,000]. the counties under Section 25.00211.

SECTIONThe A2.05.AASectioncounty 25.0022(f),clerk Governmentserves Code,as isclerk amendedof toa readcounty ascourt follows:at 6-8 law in all other cases.

(f)The AAEachdistrict countyclerk paysshall annuallyestablish toa the6-9 presidingseparate judge,docket fromfor feesa allocatedcounty tocourt theat judiciallaw. education and support fund under [collected pursuant to] Section 135.102 [118.052(2)(A)(vi)], Local Government Code, the amount of the salary apportioned [to it] as provided by this section and the other expenses authorized by this section.

The presidingcommissioners judgecourt 6-10 shall placeprovide eachthe county’deputy sclerks, paymentbailiffs, of salary and other expensespersonnel in6-11 annecessary administrativeto fund,operate froma whichcounty thecourt salaryat andlaw. other expenses are paid.

The6-12 salarySECTIONA2.07.AA(a) shallSection be25.0092, paidGovernment inCode, equalis monthly6-13 installments.amended by amending Subsections (a) and (d) and adding Subsection 6-14 (c-1) to read as follows:

SECTIONA2.06.AASection6-15 25.0062(b),(a)AAIn Governmentaddition Code,to isthe amendedjurisdiction toprovided readby Section 6-16 25.0003 and other law, and except as follows:limited by Subsection (b), a 6-17 county court at law in Atascosa County has concurrent jurisdiction 6-18 with the district court in:

S.B.ANo.A176-19 (b)AAThe(1)AAClass districtA clerk serves as clerk of a county court at law in felony cases, in family law cases and proceedings,Class andB inmisdemeanor civilcases; cases in which the matter in controversy exceeds $325,000 [$250,000].

The6-20 county(2)AAfamily clerk serves as clerk of a county court at law inmatters; all other cases.

The6-21 district(3)AAjuvenile clerkmatters; shall establish a separate docket for a county court at law.

The6-22 commissioners(4)AAprobate courtmatters; shall provide the deputy clerks, bailiffs, and other personnel necessary to operate a county court at law.

SECTIONA2.07.AA(a)[and] Section6-23 25.0092,(5)AAappeals Governmentfrom Code,the isjustice amended by amending Subsections (a) and (d)municipal andcourts; adding Subsection (c-1) to read as follows:

(a)AAInand addition6-24 to(6)AAcivil cases in which the jurisdictionmatter in controversy 6-25 exceeds the maximum amount provided by Section 25.0003 andbut otherdoes law,not and6-26 exceptexceed as$1 limitedmillion, byexcluding Subsectioninterest, (b),statutory aor countypunitive court6-27 atdamages lawand inpenalties, Atascosaand Countyattorney’ hass concurrentfees jurisdictionand withcosts, as alleged on 6-28 the districtface courtof in:the petition, including:

(1)AAClass6-29 A(A) andAAa Classsuit Bto misdemeanordecide cases;the issue of title to real or 6-30 personal property;

(2)AAfamily6-31 law(B)AAa matters;suit for the enforcement of a lien on real 6-32 property;

(3)AAjuvenile6-33 matters;(C) AAa suit for the trial of the right to property 6-34 valued at $500 or more that has been levied on under a writ of 6-35 execution, sequestration, or attachment;

(4)AAprobateand matters;6-36 (D)AAa suit for the recovery of real property.

[and]6-37 (5)AAappeals(c-1)AAIn fromaddition to other assignments provided by law, a 6-38 judge of the justicecounty andcourt municipalat courts;law in Atascosa County is subject to 6-39 assignment under Chapter 74 to any district court in Atascosa 6-40 County.

andA (6)AAcivilcounty casescourt inat whichlaw thejudge matterassigned into controversya exceedsdistrict thecourt maximum6-41 amountmay providedhear byany Sectionmatter 25.0003pending butin does not exceed $1 million, excluding interest, statutory or punitive damages and penalties, and attorney ’s fees and costs, as alleged on the facedistrict ofcourt. the petition, including:

(A)AAa6-42 suit(d)AAThe tojudge decideof a county court at law shall be paid as 6-43 provided by Section 25.0005 [a total annual salary set by the issue6-44 ofcommissioners titlecourt toat realan oramount personalthat property;is not less than $1,000 less 6-45 than the total annual salary received by a district judge in the 6-46 county.

S.B.ANo.A17A (B)AAadistrict suitjudge fors theor enforcementstatutory ofcounty acourt lienjudge’ ons realtotal property;6-47 annual salary does not include contributions and supplements paid 6-48 by a county].

(C)AAa6-49 suit(b)AASection for25.0092(a), theGovernment trialCode, ofas theamended rightby tothis property6-50 valuedsection, atapplies $500only orto morea thatcase hasfiled beenor leviedproceeding commenced on underor a6-51 writafter ofthe execution,effective sequestration,date orof attachment;this Act.

andA (D)AAacase suitfiled foror proceeding 6-52 commenced before that date is governed by the recoverylaw ofin realeffect property.on the 6-53 date the case was filed or the proceeding was commenced, and the 6-54 former law is continued in effect for that purpose.

(c-1)AAIn6-55 additionSECTIONA2.08.AASection to25.0212, otherGovernment assignmentsCode, providedis byamended law,6-56 aby judgeamending ofSubsections the(a), county(b), courtand at(f) lawand inadding AtascosaSubsections County6-57 is(i) subjectand to(j) assignment under Chapter 74 to anyread districtas courtfollows: in Atascosa County.

A6-58 (a)AAIn addition to the jurisdiction provided by Section 6-59 25.0003 and other law and except as limited by Subsection (b), a 6-60 county court at law judgein assignedBowie toCounty ahas, districtconcurrent courtwith maythe hear6-61 anydistrict mattercourt, pendingthe injurisdiction provided by the constitution and 6-62 by general law for district court.courts, including concurrent 6-63 jurisdiction in:

(d)AAThe6-64 judge(1)AAspecialty of a county court atprograms; law shall be paid as provided by Section 25.0005 [a total annual salary set by the commissioners court at an amount that is not less than $1,000 less than the total annual salary received by a district judge in the county.

A6-65 district(2)AAmisdemeanor judge’scases; or statutory county court judge’s total annual salary does not include contributions and supplements paid by a county].

(b)AASection6-66 25.0092(a),(3)AAfamily Governmentlaw Code,cases asand amendedproceedings, byincluding this6-67 section,juvenile appliesmatters; only to a case filed or proceeding commenced on or after the effective date of this Act.

Aand case6-68 filed(4)AAprobate or proceeding commenced before that date is governed by the law in effect on the date the case was filed or the proceeding was commenced, and theguardianship formermatters. law is continued in effect for that purpose.

SECTIONA2.08.AASection6-69 25.0212,(b)AAA Governmentcounty Code,court isat amendedlaw bydoes amendingnot Subsectionshave (a),jurisdiction (b),of: and (f) and adding Subsections (i) and (j) to read as follows:

S.B.ANo.A17 (a)AAIn7-1 addition(1)AAfelony tocriminal thematters; jurisdiction provided by Section 25.0003 and other law and except as limited by Subsection (b), a county court at law in Bowie County has, concurrent with the district court, the jurisdiction provided by the constitution and by general law for district courts, including concurrent jurisdiction in:

(1)AAspecialty7-2 court(2)AAsuits programs;on behalf of the state to recover penalties 7-3 or escheated property;

(2)AAmisdemeanor7-4 cases;(3)AAmisdemeanors involving official misconduct;

(3)AAfamily7-5 law(4)AAcontested caseselections; and proceedings, including juvenile matters;

or 7-6 (5)AAcivil cases in which the matter in controversy 7-7 exceeds the amount provided in Section 25.0003 [$200,000], 7-8 excluding interest, statutory or punitive damages and (4)AAprobatepenalties, 7-9 and guardianshipattorney’s matters.fees and costs, as alleged on the face of the 7-10 petition.

(b)7-11 AAA(f)AAThe [commissioners court may authorize the judge of a 7-12 county court at law doesto notset havethe] jurisdictionofficial of:court reporter of a county 7-13 court at law is entitled to compensation, fees, and allowances in 7-14 amounts equal to the amounts paid to the official court reporters 7-15 serving the district courts in Bowie County, including an annual 7-16 salary set by the judge of the county court at law and approved by 7-17 the commissioners court [reporter ’s salary].

(1)AAfelony7-18 (i)AAThe jury in all civil or criminal matters;matters is composed of 7-19 12 members, except in misdemeanor criminal cases and any other case 7-20 in which the court has concurrent jurisdiction with county courts 7-21 under Section 25.0003(a), the jury is composed of six members.

(2)AAsuits7-22 on(j)AAIn behalfmatters of concurrent jurisdiction, a judge of a 7-23 county court at law and a judge of a district court with 7-24 jurisdiction in Bowie County may transfer cases between the statecourts to7-25 recoverin penaltiesthe orsame escheatedmanner property;that judges of district courts may transfer cases 7-26 under Section 24.003.

(3)AAmisdemeanors7-27 involvingSECTIONA2.09.AA(a) officialSection misconduct;25.1031(a), Government Code, is 7-28 amended to read as follows:

(4)AAcontested7-29 elections;(a)AAHarris County has the following county civil courts at 7-30 law:

or7-31 (5)AAcivil(1)AACounty casesCivil inCourt whichat theLaw matterNo.A1 inof controversyHarris exceedsCounty, the7-32 amountTexas; provided in Section 25.0003 [$200,000], excluding interest, statutory or punitive damages and penalties, and attorney’s fees and costs, as alleged on the face of the petition.

(f)7-33 AAThe(2)AACounty [commissionersCivil courtCourt may authorize the judge of a county court at lawLaw toNo.A2 set the] official court reporter of aHarris county court at law is entitled to compensation, fees, and allowances in amounts equal to the amounts paid to the official court reporters serving the district courts in Bowie County, including7-34 anTexas; annual S.B.ANo.A17 salary set by the judge of the county court at law and approved by the commissioners court [reporter s salary].

(i)7-35 AAThe(3)AACounty juryCivil inCourt allat civilLaw orNo.A3 criminal matters is composed of 12Harris members,County, except7-36 inTexas; misdemeanor criminal cases and any other case in which the court has concurrent jurisdiction with county courts under Section 25.0003(a), the jury is composed of six members.

(j)[and] AAIn7-37 matters(4)AACounty ofCivil concurrentCourt jurisdiction, a judge of a county court at lawLaw andNo.A4 a judge of aHarris districtCounty, court7-38 withTexas; jurisdiction in Bowie County may transfer cases between the courts in the same manner that judges of district courts may transfer cases under Section 24.003.

SECTIONA2.09.AA(a)and Section7-39 25.1031(a),(5)AACounty GovernmentCivil Code,Court isat amendedLaw toNo.A5 readof asHarris follows:County, 7-40 Texas.

(a)AAHarris7-41 (b)AAThe County hasCivil theCourt followingat countyLaw civilNo.A5 courtsof atHarris law:County is 7-42 created on the effective date of this Act.

(1)AACounty7-43 CivilSECTIONA2.10.AA(a) CourtSection at25.1101(b), LawGovernment No.A1Code, ofis Harris7-44 County,amended Texas;to read as follows:

(2)AACounty7-45 Civil(b)AAHidalgo CourtCounty athas Lawthe No.A2following ofstatutory Harrisprobate County,7-46 Texas;courts:

(3)AACounty7-47 Civil(1)AA[one Courtstatutory atprobate Lawcourt, No.A3the] ofProbate HarrisCourt County,7-48 Texas;No.A1 of Hidalgo County;

[and]and (4)AACounty7-49 Civil(2)AAProbate Court atNo.A2 Law No.A4 of HarrisHidalgo County,County. Texas;

and7-50 (5)AACounty(b)AAOn Civilthe Courteffective atdate Law No.A5 of Harristhis County,section: Texas.

(b)AAThe7-51 County(1)AAProbate Civil Court atNo.A2 Law No.A5 of HarrisHidalgo County is createdcreated; on the effective date of this Act.

S.B.ANo.A177-52 SECTIONA2.10.AA(a)and Section7-53 25.1101(b),(2)AAthe GovernmentProbate Code,Court isof amendedHidalgo toCounty readis 7-54 redesignated as follows:Probate Court No.A1 of Hidalgo County.

(b)7-55 AAHidalgo(c)AAThis Countysection hastakes effect immediately if this Act 7-56 receives a vote of two-thirds of all the followingmembers statutoryelected probateto courts:each 7-57 house, as provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution.

(1)AA[one7-58 statutoryIf probatethis court,Act the]does Probatenot Courtreceive No.A1the vote necessary for immediate 7-59 effect, this section takes effect on the effective date of Hidalgothis County;Act.

and7-60 (2)AAProbateSECTIONA2.11.AA(a) CourtSection No.A225.1102(a), ofGovernment HidalgoCode, County.is 7-61 amended to read as follows:

(b)7-62 AAOn(a)AAIn addition to the effectivejurisdiction dateprovided ofby thisSection section:7-63 25.0003 and other law, a county court at law in Hidalgo County has 7-64 concurrent jurisdiction with the district court in:

(1)AAProbate7-65 Court(1)AAfamily No.A2law ofcases Hidalgoand Countyproceedings; is created;

and (2)AAthe7-66 Probate(2)AAcivil Courtcases of[in Hidalgowhich Countythe ismatter redesignatedin controversy 7-67 does not exceed $750,000, excluding interest, statutory or punitive 7-68 damages and penalties, and attorney’ s fees and costs, as Probatealleged Courton No.A17-69 the page of Hidalgothe County.petition].

(c)S.B.ANo.A17 AAThis8-1 section(b)AASection takes25.1102(a), effectGovernment immediatelyCode, ifas amended by this Act8-2 receivessection, aapplies voteonly ofto two-thirdsan ofaction allfiled thein membersa electedcounty tocourt eachat house,law asin provided8-3 byHidalgo SectionCounty 39,on Articleor III,after Texasthe Constitution.effective date of this section.

IfAn this8-4 Actaction doesfiled notin receivea thecounty votecourt necessaryat forlaw immediatein effect,Hidalgo County before the 8-5 effective date of this section takesis governed by the law in effect on 8-6 the effective date ofthe thisaction Act.was filed, and the former law is continued in 8-7 effect for that purpose.

SECTIONA2.11.AA(a)8-8 Section(c)AAThis 25.1102(a),section Governmenttakes Code,effect isimmediately amendedif this Act 8-9 receives a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to readeach 8-10 house, as follows:provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution.

(a)8-11 AAInIf additionthis toAct thedoes jurisdictionnot providedreceive bythe Sectionvote 25.0003necessary andfor otherimmediate law,8-12 aeffect, countythis courtsection attakes laweffect inon Hidalgothe Countyeffective hasdate concurrentof jurisdictionthis withAct. the district court in:

(1)AAfamily8-13 lawSECTIONA2.12.AASection cases25.1902(b-1), andGovernment proceedings;Code, is 8-14 amended to read as follows:

and8-15 (2)AAcivil(b-1)AAIn casesaddition [into whichthe jurisdiction provided by 8-16 Subsections (a) and (b), the mattercounty courts at law in controversy[County doesCourt not8-17 exceedat $750,000,Law excludingNo.A1 interest,of] statutoryPotter orCounty punitivehave damages[has] andconcurrent penalties,jurisdiction and8-18 attorney’with sthe feesdistrict andcourt costs,in asfelony allegedcases onto theconduct pagearraignments, of8-19 theconduct petition].pretrial hearings, and accept pleas in uncontested matters.

S.B.ANo.A178-20 (b)AASectionSECTIONA2.13.AASection 25.1102(a),25.2282, Government Code, asis amended 8-21 by thisadding section,Subsection applies(b) only to anread actionas filedfollows: in a county court at law in Hidalgo County on or after the effective date of this section.

An8-22 action(b)AAIn filedaddition into athe countyjurisdiction courtprovided atby lawSection in8-23 Hidalgo25.0003 Countyand beforeother thelaw, effectivea datecounty ofcourt thisat section is governed by the law in effectTom onGreen theCounty datehas the8-24 actionconcurrent wasjurisdiction filed,with and the formerdistrict lawcourt isin continuedfamily inlaw effectcases for8-25 thatand purpose.proceedings.

(c)AAThis8-26 sectionSECTIONA2.14.AASections takes25.2452(b), effect(c), immediately(d), ifand this(e), Act8-27 receivesGovernment aCode, voteare ofamended two-thirds of all the members elected to eachread house, as providedfollows: by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution.

If8-28 this(b)AAAll Actmisdemeanor doescases, notprobate receiveand mental health 8-29 matters, proceedings under the voteEstates necessaryCode, forand immediateappeals effect,from this8-30 sectionmunicipal takescourts effectof onrecord shall be filed in the effectivecounty datecourt ofat this8-31 Act.law.

SECTIONA2.12.AASectionA 25.1902(b-1),county Governmentcourt Code,at islaw amendedmay transfer a case or an appeal 8-32 described by this subsection to readthe ascounty follows:court with the consent of 8-33 the county judge.

(b-1)AAIn8-34 addition(c)AAExcept toas the jurisdiction provided by SubsectionsSection (a)25.0003 and (b),Subsection the8-35 (d), a county courtscourt at law inhas [County Court at Law No.A1 of] Potter County have [has] concurrent jurisdiction with the 8-36 district court inin: felony cases to conduct arraignments, conduct pretrial hearings, and accept pleas in uncontested matters.

SECTIONA2.13.AASection8-37 25.2282,(1)AAfamily Governmentlaw Code,cases isand amendedproceedings byunder addingthe SubsectionFamily (b)8-38 toCode; read as follows:

(b)AAIn[and] addition8-39 to(2)AAcivil thecases jurisdictionin providedwhich bythe Sectionamount 25.0003in andcontroversy other8-40 law,exceeds a$500 countybut courtdoes atnot lawexceed in$200,000, Tomexcluding Greeninterest, County8-41 hasexemplary concurrentdamages, jurisdictionpenalties, withattorney the’s districtfees, court in family law cases and proceedings.court costs;

SECTIONA2.14.AASections8-42 25.2452(b),(3)AAfelony (c),cases (d), and (e), Government Code, are amended to readaccept asguilty follows:pleas;

S.B.ANo.A17 (b)AAAll misdemeanor cases, probate and mental8-43 health(4)AAappeals matters, proceedings under the Estates Code, and appeals from municipal courts of record shall be filed in the countyjustice courtcourts. at law.

A8-44 (d)AAA county court at law maydoes transfernot ahave casejurisdiction orof: an appeal described by this subsection to the county court with the consent of the county judge.

(c)AAExcept8-45 as(1)AAa providedcase byunder: Section 25.0003 and Subsection (d), a county court at law has concurrent jurisdiction with the district court in:

(1)AAfamily8-46 law(A) casesAAthe andAlcoholic proceedingsBeverage under the Family Code;

[and]8-47 (2)AAcivil(B)AAthe casesElection inCode; which the amount in controversy exceeds $500 but does not exceed $200,000, excluding interest, exemplary damages, penalties, attorney’ s fees, and court costs;

(3)AAfelonyor cases8-48 to(C) acceptAAthe guiltyTax pleas;Code;

andor (4)AAappeals8-49 from(2)AAa matter over which the justicedistrict courts.court has 8-50 exclusive jurisdiction[;

(d)or AAA8-51 county[(3)AAa courtcivil atcase, lawother doesthan nota havecase jurisdictionunder of:the Family 8-52 Code or the Estates Code, in which the amount in controversy is:

(1)AAa8-53 case[(A)AAless under:than the maximum amount in controversy 8-54 allowed the justice court in Wichita County;

(A)AAtheor Alcoholic8-55 Beverage[(B) Code;AAmore than $200,000, exclusive of punitive or 8-56 exemplary damages, penalties, interest, costs, and attorney’ s 8-57 fees].

(B)AAthe8-58 Election(e)AAOn Code;the motion of any party, a county court at law may 8-59 transfer a civil case originally filed in a county court at law that 8-60 exceeds the maximum amount in controversy described by Subsection 8-61 (c)(2) [(d)(3)(B)] to the district court in Wichita County, except 8-62 that an announcement of ready for trial by all parties before a 8-63 motion to transfer the case to the district court is filed confers 8-64 original jurisdiction on the county court at law.

orA (C)AAthecase Taxthat Code;is 8-65 transferred to the district court shall be completed under the same 8-66 cause number and in the same manner as if the case were originally 8-67 filed in the district court.

or8-68 (2)AAaSECTIONA2.15.AASection matter25.2704(a), overGovernment whichCode, theis district8-69 courtamended hasto exclusiveread jurisdiction[;as follows:

orS.B.ANo.A17 [(3)AAa9-1 civil(a)AAIn case,addition otherto thanthe ajurisdiction caseprovided underby Section 9-2 25.0003 and other law, the Family2nd CodeMulticounty orCourt at Law has 9-3 concurrent jurisdiction with the Estatesdistrict Code,courts, including 9-4 [except] in civil cases in which the amountmatter in controversy is:exceeds 9-5 the maximum amount provided by Section 25.0003(c)(1).

[(A)AAless9-6 thanSECTIONA2.16.AA(a) theSections maximum25.0212(d) amountand in25.1723(c), controversy9-7 allowedGovernment theCode, justiceare courtrepealed. in Wichita County;

or9-8 S.B.ANo.A17(b)AASection [(B)AAmore25.1723(c), thanGovernment $200,000,Code, exclusiveas ofrepealed punitiveby or9-9 exemplarythis damages,section, penalties,applies interest,only costs,to andan attorneyaction ’sfiled fees].on or after the 9-10 effective date of this Act.

(e)An AAOnaction the motion of any party, a county court at law may transfer a civil case originally filed inbefore a county court at law that exceedsdate theis maximum9-11 amountgoverned in controversy described by Subsection (c)(2) [(d)(3)(B)] to the districtlaw court in Wichitaeffect County,immediately exceptbefore that andate, announcementand ofthat ready9-12 forlaw trial by all parties before a motion to transfer the case to the district court is filedcontinued confersin originaleffect jurisdictionfor onthat thepurpose. county court at law.

A9-13 caseSECTIONA2.17.AASections that25.0003(c), is25.0007(c), transferredand to9-14 the25.0062(b), districtGovernment courtCode, shallas beamended completedby underthis thearticle, sameapply causeonly number9-15 andto ina thecivil samecase mannerfiled asin ifa thestatutory casecounty werecourt originallyon filedor inafter the district9-16 court.effective date of this Act.

SECTIONA A2.15.AASectioncivil 25.2704(a),case Governmentfiled Code,in a statutory 9-17 county court before that date is amendedgoverned toby readthe aslaw follows:in effect 9-18 immediately before that date, and the former law is continued in 9-19 effect for that purpose.

(a)9-20 AAInSECTIONA2.18.AASection addition25.00212, toGovernment theCode, jurisdictionas providedamended 9-21 by Sectionthis 25.0003article, andapplies otherto law,amounts thedeposited 2ndin Multicountythe Courtjudicial atfund Law9-22 hasunder concurrentSection jurisdiction133.151(c)(1), withLocal theGovernment districtCode, courts,from includingfees [except]9-23 incollected civilby casesa instatutory whichprobate thecourt matterbefore, inon, controversyor exceedsafter the maximum9-24 amounteffective provideddate byof Sectionthis 25.0003(c)(1).Act.

SECTIONA2.16.AA(a)9-25 SectionsSECTIONA2.19.AASection 25.0212(d)25.2282, and 25.1723(c), Government Code, areas repealed.amended 9-26 by this article, applies only to a case filed or proceeding 9-27 commenced on or after the effective date of this Act.

(b)A AASectioncase 25.1723(c),filed Government9-28 Code,or asproceeding repealedcommenced bybefore thisthat section,date appliesis onlygoverned toby anthe actionlaw filedin 9-29 effect on orthe afterdate the effectiveaction datewas offiled, thisand Act.the former law is 9-30 continued in effect for that purpose.

An9-31 actionSECTIONA2.20.AASection filed25.2452, beforeGovernment thatCode, dateas isamended governed9-32 by thethis lawarticle, inapplies effectonly immediatelyto beforean thataction date,filed andin thata lawcounty iscourt continued9-33 at law in effectWichita forCounty thaton purpose.or after the effective date of this Act.

S.B.ANo.A179-34 SECTIONA2.17.AASectionsAn 25.0003(c),action 25.0007(c),filed andin 25.0062(b),a Governmentcounty Code,court asat amendedlaw byin thisWichita article,County applybefore only9-35 tothat adate civilis casegoverned filedby the law in aeffect statutoryon countythe courtdate onthe oraction afterwas 9-36 filed, and the effectiveformer datelaw ofis thiscontinued Act.in effect for that purpose.

A9-37 civilSECTIONA2.21.AASection case25.2704(a), filedGovernment inCode, aas statutory9-38 countyamended courtby beforethis thatarticle, dateapplies isonly governedto bya thecase lawfiled inor effectproceeding immediately9-39 beforecommenced thaton date,or andafter the formereffective lawdate isof continuedthis inAct. effect for that purpose.

SECTIONA2.18.AASectionA 25.00212,case Governmentfiled Code,9-40 asor amendedproceeding bycommenced thisbefore article,that appliesdate tois amountsgoverned depositedby the law in the9-41 judicialeffect fundon underthe Sectiondate 133.151(c)(1),the Localcase Governmentwas Code,filed fromor feesthe collectedproceeding bywas a9-42 statutorycommenced, probateand courtthe before,former on,law oris aftercontinued thein effectiveeffect datefor ofthat this9-43 Act.purpose.

SECTIONA2.19.AASection9-44 25.2282,ARTICLE Government3. Code, as amended by this article, applies only to a case filed or proceeding commenced on or after the effective date of this Act.

AMUNICIPAL caseCOURT filedPROVISIONS or9-45 proceedingSECTIONA3.01.AASection commenced29.014, beforeGovernment thatCode, date is governedamended 9-46 by theamending lawSubsections in(c) effectand on(d) the date the action was filed, and theadding formerSubsection law(e) isto continued9-47 inread effectas forfollows: that purpose.

SECTIONA2.20.AASection9-48 25.2452,(c)AAThe Governmentcommittee Code,shall asestablish amendedthe bypolicies thisand article,9-49 appliesprocedures onlynecessary to anprovide actionadequate filedsecurity into athe countymunicipal court9-50 atcourts lawserved inby Wichitathe Countypresiding on or aftermunicipal thejudge, effectiveas dateapplicable, of9-51 thisincluding Act.by developing a court emergency management plan.

An9-52 action(d)AAA filedcommittee inshall a[may] countyrecommend courtto atthe lawmunicipality in9-53 Wichitathe Countyuses beforeof thatresources dateand isexpenditures governedof bymoney thefor lawcourthouse in9-54 effectsecurity, onbut themay datenot direct the actionassignment wasof filed,those andresources theor former9-55 lawthe isexpenditure continuedof inthose effectfunds. for that purpose.

SECTION9-56 A2.21.AASection(e)AANotwithstanding 25.2704(a),Section Government551.001 Code,or as552.003, amendeda bycourt this9-57 article,security appliescommittee onlyestablished tounder athis casesection filedis ornot proceedinga commenced9-58 ongovernmental orbody afterfor the effectivepurposes date of thisChapter Act.551 or 552.

A9-59 caseSECTIONA3.02.AASection filed30.00007, S.B.ANo.A17Government orCode, proceeding commenced before that date is governedamended 9-60 by theamending lawSubsections in(b) effectand on(c) the date the case was filed or the proceeding was commenced, and theadding formerSubsection law(d) isto continued9-61 inread effectas forfollows: that purpose.

ARTICLE9-62 3.(b)AAThe presiding judge shall:

MUNICIPAL9-63 COURT(1)AAmaintain PROVISIONSa SECTIONA3.01.AASectioncentral 29.014,docket Governmentfor Code,cases isfiled amendedwithin by9-64 amendingthe Subsectionsterritorial (c)limits andof (d)the andmunicipality addingover Subsectionwhich (e)the tomunicipal read9-65 ascourts follows:of record have jurisdiction;

(c)AAThe9-66 committee(2)AAprovide shallfor establish the policiesdistribution andof procedurescases necessaryfrom tothe provide9-67 adequatecentral securitydocket to the individual municipal courtsjudges servedto byequalize the presiding9-68 ordistribution municipalof judge,business asin applicable,the includingcourts; by developing a court emergency management plan.

(d)AAA9-69 committee(3)AArequest shall [may] recommend to the municipalityjurors theneeded usesfor ofcases resourcesthat andare expendituresset ofS.B.ANo.A17 money10-1 for courthousetrial security,by butjury; may not direct the assignment of those resources or the expenditure of those funds.

(e)AANotwithstanding10-2 Section(4)AAtemporarily 551.001assign judges or 552.003,substitute ajudges courtto security10-3 committeeexchange establishedbenches underand thisto sectionact isfor noteach other in a governmentalproceeding bodypending 10-4 in a court if necessary for the purposesexpeditious disposition of Chapterbusiness 55110-5 orin 552.the courts;

SECTIONA3.02.AASection10-6 30.00007,(5)AAsupervise Governmentand Code,control isthe amendedoperation byand amendingclerical Subsections10-7 (b)functions andof (c)the andadministrative addingdepartment Subsectionof (d)each tocourt, readincluding as10-8 follows:the court s personnel, during the proceedings of the court;

(b)AATheand 10-9 (6)AAestablish a court security committee to adopt 10-10 security policies and procedures for the courts served by the 10-11 presiding judgejudge, shall:including by developing a court emergency 10-12 management plan, that is composed of:

(1)AAmaintain10-13 a(A) centralAAthe docketpresiding forjudge, casesor filed within the territorialpresiding limitsjudge’s of10-14 thedesignee, municipalitywho overserves whichas thepresiding municipalofficer courts of recordthe havecommittee; jurisdiction;

(2)AAprovide10-15 for(B) theAAa distributionrepresentative of cases from the S.B.ANo.A17law centralenforcement docket10-16 toagency theor individualother municipalentity judgesthat toprovides equalize the distributionprimary ofsecurity businessfor in the courts;10-17 court;

(3)AArequest10-18 the(C)AAa jurorsrepresentative neededof forthe casesmunicipality; that are set for trial by jury;

(4)AAtemporarily assign judges or substitute judges to exchange benches and to10-19 act(D)AAany for each other inperson athe proceedingcommittee pendingdetermines in10-20 a court if necessary forto theassist expeditious disposition of business in the courts;committee.

(5)AAsupervise10-21 and(c)AAA controlcourt security committee shall [may] recommend to the operation10-22 andgoverning clericalbody functionsthe uses of theresources administrativeand departmentexpenditures of eachmoney court,for including10-23 thecourthouse court’ssecurity, personnel,but duringmay not direct the proceedingsassignment of those 10-24 resources or the court;expenditure of those funds.

and10-25 (6)AAestablish(d)AANotwithstanding Section 551.001 or 552.003, a court 10-26 security committee toestablished adoptunder securitythis policiessection andis proceduresnot fora the10-27 courtsgovernmental servedbody byfor the presidingpurposes judge,of includingChapter by551 developingor a552. court emergency management plan, that is composed of:

(A)AAthe10-28 presidingSECTIONA3.03.AASection judge,30.01014(d), orGovernment theCode, presidingis judge’10-29 samended designee,to whoread serves as presidingfollows: officer of the committee;

(B)AAa10-30 representative(d)AA[In addition to satisfying the requirements of Section 10-31 30.00006(c), a municipal judge must maintain residence in the lawcity enforcement10-32 agencyduring orthe othertenure entityof thatoffice providesand must be a resident of the primarycity securityat forthe 10-33 time of appointment or election.] The judge shall devote as much 10-34 time to the court;office as it requires.

(C)AAa10-35 representativeSECTIONA3.04.AAChapter of30, theGovernment municipality;Code, is amended by 10-36 adding Subchapter AAA to read as follows:

and10-37 (D)AAanySUBCHAPTER otherAAA. person the committee determines necessary to assist the committee.

(c)CANYON AAA10-38 courtSec.A30.01911.AAAPPLICABILITY. security committee shall [may] recommend to the governing body the uses of resources and expenditures of money for courthouse security, but may not direct the assignment of those resources or the expenditure of those funds.

S.B.ANo.A17This (d)AANotwithstandingsubchapter Sectionapplies 551.001to or10-39 552.003, a court security committee established under this section is not a governmental body for the purposescity of ChapterCanyon. 551 or 552.

SECTIONA3.03.AASection10-40 30.01014(d),Sec.A30.01912.AAJUDGE. Government Code, is amended to read as follows:

(d)A AA[In addition to satisfying the requirements of Section 30.00006(c), a municipal judge mustfor maintain residence in the city duringof the10-41 tenureCanyon ofis officenot andrequired mustto be a resident of the citycity. at the time of appointment or election.] The judge shall devote as much time to the office as it requires.

SECTIONA3.04.AAChapter10-42 30,SECTIONA3.05.AAAs Governmentsoon Code,as ispracticable amendedafter the effective 10-43 date of this Act, a court security committee shall develop a court 10-44 emergency management plan as required by addingSection Subchapter29.014 AAAor to10-45 read30.00007, Government Code, as follows:amended by this article.

SUBCHAPTER10-46 AAA.ARTICLE 4.

CANYONVISITING Sec.A30.01911.AAAPPLICABILITY.JUDGES 10-47 SECTIONA4.01.AASections 25.0022(d), (h), (k), (o), (t), (u), 10-48 and (w), Government Code, are amended to read as follows:

This10-49 subchapter(d)AAThe appliespresiding tojudge theshall: city of Canyon.

Sec.10-50 (1)AAensure the promulgation of local rules of 10-51 administration in accordance with policies and guidelines set by 10-52 the supreme court;

A30.01912.AAJUDGE.10-53 (2)AAadvise local statutory probate court judges on 10-54 case flow management practices and auxiliary court services;

A10-55 municipal(3)AAperform judgea forduty the city of Canyona islocal notadministrative requiredstatutory to10-56 beprobate acourt residentjudge ofif the city.local administrative judge does not 10-57 perform that duty;

SECTIONA3.05.AAAs10-58 soon(4)AAappoint asan practicableassistant afterpresiding thejudge effective date of thisthe Act,10-59 astatutory courtprobate securitycourts; committee shall develop a court emergency management plan as required by Section 29.014 or 30.00007, Government Code, as amended by this article.

ARTICLE10-60 4.(5)AAcall and preside over annual meetings of the 10-61 judges of the statutory probate courts at a time and place in the 10-62 state as designated by the presiding judge;

VISITING10-63 JUDGES(6)AAcall SECTIONA4.01.AASectionsand 25.0022(d),convene (h),other (k),meetings (o),of (t),the (u),judges andof (w),10-64 Governmentthe Code,statutory areprobate amendedcourts as considered necessary by the 10-65 presiding judge to readpromote asthe follows:orderly and efficient administration 10-66 of justice in the statutory probate courts;

(d)10-67 AAThe(7)AAstudy presidingavailable judgestatistics shall:reflecting the 10-68 condition of the dockets of the probate courts in the state to 10-69 determine the need for the assignment of judges under this section;

(1)AAensureS.B.ANo.A17 the11-1 promulgation(8)AAcompare of local rules of administrationcourt into accordanceachieve withuniformity policies11-2 andof guidelinesrules setto bythe S.B.ANo.A17extent thepractical supremeand court;consistent with local 11-3 conditions;

(2)AAadvise11-4 local(9)AAassign or order the clerk who serves the statutory 11-5 probate courts to randomly assign a judge or former or retired judge 11-6 of a statutory probate court judgesor ona caseformer flowor managementretired practicesjustice andof auxiliaryan 11-7 appellate court services;to hear a case under Section 25.002201(a) or 11-8 25.00255, as applicable;

(3)AAperformand a11-9 duty(10)AArequire ofthe a local administrative judge for 11-10 statutory probate courtcourts judgein ifa thecounty localto administrativeensure judgethat doesall notstatutory perform11-11 thatprobate duty;courts in the county comply with Chapter 37.

(4)AAappoint11-12 (h)AASubject to Section 25.002201, a judge or a former or 11-13 retired judge of a statutory probate court or a former or retired 11-14 justice of an assistantappellate court may be assigned by the presiding judge 11-15 of the statutory probate courts;courts to hold court in a statutory probate 11-16 court, a county court, or any statutory court exercising probate 11-17 jurisdiction when:

(5)AAcall11-18 and(1)AAa preside over annual meetings of the judges of the statutory probate courtsjudge atrequests aassignment timeof and11-19 placeanother injudge theto state as designated by the presidingjudge’s judge;court;

(6)AAcall11-20 and(2)AAa convene other meetings of the judges of the statutory probate courts as considered necessary by the presiding judge tois promoteabsent, thedisabled, orderlyor and11-21 efficientdisqualified administrationfor ofany justicereason; in the statutory probate courts;

(7)AAstudy11-22 available(3)AAa statisticsstatutory reflectingprobate thejudge conditionis ofpresent theor docketsis oftrying the11-23 probatecases courtsas inauthorized by the constitution and laws of this state toand determine11-24 the needcondition forof the assignmentcourt’s ofdocket judgesmakes underit thisnecessary section;to appoint an 11-25 additional judge;

(8)AAcompare11-26 local(4)AAthe rulesoffice of courta tostatutory achieveprobate uniformityjudge ofis rulesvacant; to the extent practical and consistent with local conditions;

(9)AAassign11-27 or(5)AAthe orderpresiding thejudge clerkof whoan servesadministrative thejudicial statutory11-28 probatedistrict courtsrequests tothe randomlyassignment assignof a judgestatutory orprobate formerjudge orto retired11-29 judgehear of a statutory probate courtmatter orin a formercounty or retired justice of an appellate court to hear a case under Section 25.002201(a) or 25.00255,statutory ascounty applicable;court;

and11-30 (10)AArequire(6)AAthe the local administrative judge for S.B.ANo.A17 statutory probate courtsjudge inis arecused countyor to11-31 ensuredisqualified thatas alldescribed statutoryby probateSection courts25.002201(a); in the county comply with Chapter 37.

(h)11-32 AASubject(7)AAa tocounty Sectioncourt 25.002201, a judge orrequests athe formerassignment or retired judge of a 11-33 statutory probate court or a former or retired justice of an appellate court may be assigned by the presiding judge of the statutory probate courts to holdhear court in a statutory probate court,matter ain the county court,11-34 orcourt; any statutory court exercising probate jurisdiction when:

(1)AAaor 11-35 (8)AAa local administrative statutory probate court 11-36 judge requests the assignment of anothera statutory probate judge to thehear judge’sa court;11-37 matter in a statutory probate court.

(2)AAa11-38 statutory(k)AAThe probatedaily compensation of a former or retired judge or 11-39 justice for purposes of this section is absent,set disabled,at an amount equal to 11-40 the daily compensation of a judge of a statutory probate court in 11-41 the county in which the former or disqualifiedretired forjudge anyor reason;justice is 11-42 assigned.

(3)AAaA statutoryformer probateor retired judge isor presentjustice orassigned isto tryinga casescounty as11-43 authorizedthat bydoes thenot constitutionhave anda lawsstatutory ofprobate thiscourt stateshall andbe paid an amount 11-44 equal to the conditiondaily compensation of a judge of a statutory probate 11-45 court in the court’scounty docketwhere makesthe itassigned necessaryjudge toor appointjustice anwas additionallast judge;11-46 elected.

(4)AAthe11-47 office(o)AAThe ofcounty ain statutorywhich probatethe assigned judge isserved vacant;shall pay 11-48 out of the general fund of the county:

(5)AAthe11-49 presiding(1)AAexpenses judgecertified ofunder anSubsection administrative(m) judicialto district requests the assignment11-50 ofassigned ajudge; statutory probate judge to hear a probate matter in a county court or statutory county court;

(6)AAtheand statutory11-51 probate(2)AAthe salary certified under Subsection (m) to the 11-52 county in which the assigned judge serves, or, if the assigned judge 11-53 is recuseda former or disqualifiedretired asjudge describedor byjustice, Sectionto 25.002201(a);the assigned judge.

(7)AAa11-54 county(t)AATo courtbe judgeeligible requestsfor the assignment under this section, a 11-55 former or retired judge of a statutory probate judgecourt toor hear a probateformer matteror in11-56 theretired countyjustice court;of an appellate court must:

or11-57 (8)AAa(1)AAnot localhave administrativebeen statutoryremoved probatefrom courtoffice; judge requests the assignment of a statutory probate judge to hear a S.B.ANo.A17 matter in a statutory probate court.

(k)11-58 AAThe(2)AAcertify dailyunder compensationoath of a former or retired judge or justice for purposes of this section is set at an amount equal to the dailypresiding compensationjudge, ofon a judge11-59 ofform aprescribed statutoryby probate court in the countystate inboard whichof theregional formerjudges, orthat: retired judge or justice is assigned.

A11-60 former(A) orAAthe retired judge or justice assignedhas to a county that does not havebeen apublicly statutory11-61 probatereprimanded courtor shallcensured beby paid an amount equal to the dailyState compensationCommission ofon aJudicial judge11-62 ofConduct; a statutory probate court in the county where the assigned judge or justice was last elected.

(o)AATheand county11-63 in(B)AAthe which the assigned judge servedor shalljustice: pay out of the general fund of the county:

(1)AAexpenses11-64 certified(i)AAdid undernot Subsectionresign (m)or toretire from office 11-65 after the assignedState judge;Commission on Judicial Conduct notified the judge 11-66 or justice of the commencement of a full investigation into an 11-67 allegation or appearance of misconduct or disability of the judge 11-68 or justice as provided in Section 33.022 and before the final 11-69 disposition of that investigation;

andor (2)AAtheS.B.ANo.A17 salary12-1 certified(ii)AAif underthe Subsectionjudge (m)or tojustice thedid countyresign infrom which12-2 theoffice assignedunder judgecircumstances serves,described or,by ifSubparagraph the(i), assignedwas judgenot is12-3 apublicly formerreprimanded or retiredcensured judgeas ora justice,result toof the assignedinvestigation; judge.

(t)AATo12-4 be(3)AAannually eligibledemonstrate forthat assignmentthe underjudge thisor section,justice ahas former12-5 orcompleted retiredin judgethe ofpast astate statutoryfiscal probateyear courtthe oreducational a12-6 formerrequirements orfor retiredan justiceactive ofstatutory anprobate appellate court must:judge;

(1)AAnot12-7 have(4)AAhave beenserved removedas froman office;active judge or justice for at 12-8 least 72 months in a district, statutory probate, statutory county, 12-9 or appellate court;

(2)AAcertifyand under12-10 oath(5)AAhave todeveloped thesubstantial presidingexperience judge,in onthe a12-11 formjudge prescribeds byor thejustice’s statearea board of regionalspecialty. judges, that:

(A)AAthe12-12 (u)AAIn addition to the eligibility requirements under 12-13 Subsection (t), to be eligible for assignment under this section in 12-14 the judge s or justicejustice’ hass notcounty beenof publiclyresidence, reprimandeda former or censuredretired by12-15 judge of a statutory probate court or a former or retired justice of 12-16 an appellate court must certify to the Statepresiding Commissionjudge ona Judicial12-17 Conduct;willingness not to:

12-18 (1)AAappear and (B)AAtheplead judgeas oran justice:attorney in any court in the 12-19 judge’s county of residence for a period of two years;

S.B.ANo.A17and (i)AAdid12-20 not(2)AAaccept resignappointment oras retirea fromguardian officead afterlitem, the12-21 Stateguardian Commissionof onthe Judicialestate Conductof notifiedan theincapacitated judgeperson, or justiceguardian of 12-22 the commencementperson of a full investigation into an allegationincapacitated orperson appearancein ofany misconductcourt orin disability of the judgejudge’s or 12-23 justice ass providedcounty inof Sectionresidence 33.022for anda beforeperiod the final disposition of thattwo investigation;years.

or12-24 (ii)AAif(w)AAA theformer or retired judge or justice didwho resignis fromassigned office12-25 under circumstancesthis describedsection byis Subparagraphnot (i),an wasemployee notof publiclythe reprimandedcounty orin censuredwhich asthe a12-26 resultassigned ofcourt theis investigation;located.

(3)AAannually12-27 demonstrateSECTIONA4.02.AASection that25.002201, theGovernment judgeCode, oris justice12-28 hasamended completedto inread theas pastfollows: state fiscal year the educational requirements for an active statutory probate court judge;

(4)AAhave12-29 servedSec.A25.002201.AAASSIGNMENT asOF anJUDGE activeON judgeRECUSAL orOR justice12-30 forDISQUALIFICATION. at least 72 months in a district, statutory probate, statutory county, or appellate court;

and(a) (5)AAhaveExcept developedas substantialprovided experienceby Subsection (b), not 12-31 later than the 15th day after the date an order of recusal or 12-32 disqualification of a statutory probate court judge is issued in a 12-33 case, the presiding judge sshall assign a statutory probate court 12-34 judge or justice’sa areaformer or retired judge of specialty.a statutory probate court or a 12-35 former or retired justice of an appellate court to hear the case if:

(u)AAIn12-36 addition(1)AAthe to the eligibility requirements under Subsection (t), to be eligible for assignment under this section in the judge s or justice’ s county of residence,the a former or retired judge of a statutory probate court orrecused a12-37 formerhimself or retiredherself justiceunder ofSection an25.00255(g)(1)(A); appellate court must certify to the presiding judge a willingness not to:

(1)AAappear12-38 and(2)AAthe pleadjudge asof anthe attorneystatutory inprobate any court in12-39 thedisqualified judgehimself sor countyherself ofunder residenceSection for25.00255(g-1); a period of two years;

and12-40 (2)AAaccept(3)AAthe appointmentorder aswas aissued guardianunder adSection litem,12-41 guardian25.00255(i-3)(1); of the estate of an incapacitated person, or guardian of S.B.ANo.A17 the person of an incapacitated person in any court in the judge’s or justice s county of residence for a period of two years.

(w)or AAA12-42 former(4)AAthe orpresiding retired judge orreceives justicenotice whoand isa assignedrequest under12-43 thisfor sectionassignment isfrom notthe anclerk employee of the countystatutory inprobate whichcourt theunder assigned12-44 courtSection is25.00255(l). located.

SECTION12-45 A4.02.AASection(b)AAIf 25.002201,the Governmentjudge Code,who is amendedthe subject of an order of recusal or 12-46 disqualification is the presiding judge of the statutory probate 12-47 courts, the chief justice of the supreme court shall assign a 12-48 statutory probate judge, [or] a former or retired judge of a 12-49 statutory probate court, or a former or retired justice of an 12-50 appellate court to readhear asthe follows:case.

Sec.A25.002201.AAASSIGNMENT12-51 OFSECTIONA4.03.AASection JUDGE25.00255, ONGovernment RECUSALCode, ORis DISQUALIFICATION.amended 12-52 by amending Subsection (a) and adding Subsections (b) and (c) to 12-53 read as follows:

(a)12-54 Except(a)AANotwithstanding asany providedconflicting byprovision Subsectionin (b), not later than the 15thTexas day12-55 afterRules the date an order of recusalCivil orProcedure, disqualificationRules of18a aand statutory18b, probateTexas courtRules judgeof isCivil issued12-56 inProcedure, aapply case,to the presidingrecusal judgeand shalldisqualification assignof a statutory 12-57 probate court judge orexcept aas formerotherwise orprovided retiredby judgethis ofsection a statutory probate court or a12-58 formeranother orprovision retired justice of anthis appellatesubchapter. court to hear the case if:

(1)AAthe judge of the statutory probate court recused himself or herself under Section 25.00255(g)(1)(A);

(2)AAthe judge of the statutory probate court disqualified himself or herself under Section 25.00255(g-1);

(3)AAthe order was issued under Section 25.00255(i-3)(1);

or (4)AAthe presiding judge receives notice and a request for assignment from the clerk of the statutory probate court under Section 25.00255(l).

(b) AAIf the judge who is the subject of an order of recusal or disqualification is the presiding judge of the statutory probate courts, the chief justice of the supreme court shall assign a statutory probate judge, [or] a former or retired judge of a S.B.ANo.A17 statutory probate court, or a former or retired justice of an appellate court to hear the case.

SECTION A4.03.AASection 25.00255, Government Code, is amended by amending Subsection (a) and adding Subsections (b) and (c) to read as follows:

(a)AANotwithstanding any conflicting provision in the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure, Rules 18a and 18b, Texas Rules of Civil Procedure, apply to the recusal and disqualification of a statutory probate court judge except as otherwise provided by this section or another provision of this subchapter.

12-59 (1)AAhas the authority and shall perform the functions 12-60 and duties of the presiding judge of the administrative judicial 12-61 region under the rules, including the duty to hear or rule on a 12-62 referred motion of recusal or disqualification or, subject to 12-63 Subdivisions (2) and (3), assign a judge to hear and rule on a 12-64 referred motion of recusal or disqualification;

12-65 (2)AAmay assign a presiding judge of the administrative 12-66 judicial region to hear and rule on a referred motion of recusal or 12-67 disqualification only with the consent of the presiding judge of 12-68 the administrative judicial region;

12-69 (3)AAmay not assign a judge of a statutory probate court S.B.ANo.A17 13-1 located in the same county as the statutory probate court served by 13-2 the judge who is the subject of the motion of recusal or 13-3 disqualification;

and 13-4 (4)AAif the presiding judge is the subject of the motion 13-5 of recusal or disqualification, shall sign and file with the clerk 13-6 an order referring the motion to the chief justice of the supreme S.B.ANo.A1713-7 court for assignment of a presiding judge of an administrative 13-8 judicial region, a statutory probate court judge, [or] a former or 13-9 retired judge of a statutory probate court, or a former or retired 13-10 justice of an appellate court to hear and rule on the motion, 13-11 subject to Subdivisions (2) and (3).

13-12 (b)AAThe presiding judge may deny a motion of recusal or 13-13 disqualification that does not comply with Rule 18a, Texas Rules of 13-14 Civil Procedure, without a hearing.

An order denying a motion under 13-15 this subsection must state the manner in which the motion fails to 13-16 comply with that rule.

13-17 (c)AAA motion of recusal or disqualification that does not 13-18 comply with Rule 18a, Texas Rules of Civil Procedure, is a motion or 13-19 disqualification for the purpose of determining whether a tertiary 13-20 recusal motion has been filed under Section 25.00256, regardless of 13-21 whether the motion was amended after filing.

13-22 SECTIONA4.04.AASection 74.003(e), Government Code, is 13-23 amended to read as follows:

13-24 (e)AAA retired justice or judge assigned as provided by this 13-25 section is entitled to receive, pro rata for the time serving on 13-26 assignment, from money appropriated from the general revenue fund 13-27 for that purpose, an amount equal to the compensation received from 13-28 state and county sources by a justice of the court of appeals to 13-29 which assigned.

A former justice or judge assigned as provided by 13-30 this section is entitled to receive, pro rata for the time serving 13-31 on assignment, from money appropriated from the general revenue 13-32 fund for that purpose, an amount equal to the compensation from the 13-33 state received by a justice of the court of appeals to which S.B.ANo.A1713-34 assigned, and from county sources, an amount equal to the 13-35 compensation received from county sources by a justice of the court 13-36 of appeals to which assigned.

For purposes of determining the 13-37 amount to be paid to a former or retired justice or judge under this 13-38 subsection, the compensation received from the state by a justice 13-39 of the court of appeals to which the retired justice or judge is 13-40 assigned is the amount equal to the state [base] salary paid in 13-41 accordance with Section 659.012(b) to a justice of that court of 13-42 appeals with comparable years of service as the retired justice or 13-43 judge on the retired justice’ s or judge’s last day of service in 13-44 judicial office [as set by the General Appropriations Act in 13-45 accordance with Section 659.012(a)].

13-46 SECTIONA4.05.AASection 74.046(b), Government Code, is 13-47 amended to read as follows:

13-48 (b)AAA presiding judge may appoint a judicial mentor or 13-49 arrange for additional administrative personnel to be assigned to a 13-50 court identified by the Office of Court Administration of the Texas 13-51 Judicial System as needing additional assistance under Section 13-52 72.024(b-1).

A former or retired judge or justice assigned as a 13-53 judicial mentor under this subsection is entitled to the same 13-54 salary, compensation, and expenses under Section 74.061 that the 13-55 judge or justice would be entitled to if the judge or justice had 13-56 been assigned under this chapter to serve as the judge of a trial 13-57 court in the administrative judicial region of the court to which 13-58 the judge or justice is assigned as a judicial mentor.

13-59 SECTIONA4.06.AASection 74.059, Government Code, is amended 13-60 by adding Subsection (a-1) to read as follows:

S.B.ANo.A1713-61 (a-1)AAA judge assigned under the provisions of this chapter 13-62 to a court that sits in a county located in the Texas-Mexico border 13-63 region, as defined by Section 2056.002(e), may conduct a 13-64 proceeding, other than a trial, or perform a judicial action from 13-65 any location in this state using videoconference, teleconference, 13-66 or other available electronic means if authorized by the order of 13-67 assignment.

13-68 SECTIONA4.07.AASection 74.061, Government Code, is amended 13-69 by amending Subsections (h), (i), and (k) and adding Subsection S.B.ANo.A17 14-1 (k-1) to read as follows:

14-2 (h)AANotwithstanding Subsection (c), the salary from the 14-3 state of a retired judge or justice assigned to a district court is 14-4 determined pro rata based on the sum of the regular judge s salary 14-5 from the county plus the amount of the state [base] salary paid in 14-6 accordance with Section 659.012(b) to a district judge with 14-7 comparable years of service as the retired judge or justice on the 14-8 retired judge’sjudge s or justice’s last day of service in judicial office 14-9 [as set by the General Appropriations Act in accordance with 14-10 Section 659.012(a)].

14-11 (i)AANotwithstanding Subsection (d), the salary from the 14-12 state of a former judge or justice assigned to a district court is 14-13 determined pro rata based on the amount of the state [base] salary 14-14 paid in accordance with Section 659.012(b) to a district judge with 14-15 comparable years of service as the retired judge or justice on the 14-16 retired judge’sjudge s or justice’s last day of service in judicial office 14-17 [as set by the General Appropriations Act in accordance with 14-18 Section 659.012(a)].

S.B.ANo.A1714-19 (k)AAExcept as provided by Subsection (k-1) and 14-20 notwithstanding A[Notwithstanding] any other provision of law, a 14-21 former, retired, or active judge is not entitled to compensation 14-22 paid by the state when the judge sits as an assigned judge for a 14-23 statutory county court.

(k-1)14-24 AANotwithstanding(k-1)AANotwithstanding any other provision, a former or 14-25 retired judge or justice assigned under this chapter to a 14-26 constitutional county court in a county located in the Texas-Mexico 14-27 border region, as defined by Section 2056.002(e), is entitled to 14-28 compensation from the state in an amount equal to the maximum salary 14-29 a district judge may receive from county and state sources under 14-30 Section 659.012(a) if the presiding judge of the administrative 14-31 judicial region in which the county lies certifies that exigent 14-32 circumstances require the assignment.

SECTION14-33 A4.08.AAThisSECTIONA4.08.AAThis article takes effect immediately if this 14-34 Act receives a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each 14-35 house, as provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution.

14-36 If this Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate 14-37 effect, this article takes effect on the effective date of this Act.

14-38 ARTICLE 5.

MASTERS, MAGISTRATES, REFEREES, AND ASSOCIATE JUDGES 14-39 SECTIONA5.01.AAArticle 2A.151, Code of Criminal Procedure, 14-40 as amended by S.B.

251, Acts of the 89th Legislature, Regular 14-41 Session, 2025, and by H.B.

1620, Acts of the 89th Legislature, 14-42 Regular Session, 2025, and effective September 1, 2025, is 14-43 reenacted and amended to read as follows:

14-44 Art.A2A.151.AATYPES OF MAGISTRATES.AAThe following officers 14-45 are magistrates for purposes of this code:

S.B.ANo.A1714-46 (1)AAa justice of the supreme court;

14-47 (2)AAa judge of the court of criminal appeals;

14-48 (3)AAa justice of the courts of appeals;

14-49 (4)AAa judge of a district court;

14-50 (5)AAan associate judge appointed by:

(A)AAa14-51 (A) AAa judge of a district court or a statutory 14-52 county court that gives preference to criminal cases in Jefferson 14-53 County;

14-54 (B)AAa judge of a district court or a statutory 14-55 county court of Brazos County, Nueces County, or Williamson County;

14-56 [or] 14-57 (C)AAa judge of a district court under Chapter 14-58 54A, Government Code;

or 14-59 (D)AAa judge of a district court under Subchapter 14-60 B, Chapter 54B, Government Code;

14-61 (6)AAa criminal magistrate appointed by:

(A)AAthe14-62 (A) AAthe Bell County Commissioners Court;

14-63 (B)AAthe Brazoria County Commissioners Court;

or (C)AAthe14-64 (C) AAthe Burnet County Commissioners Court;

14-65 (7)AAa criminal law hearing officer for:

14-66 (A)AAHarris County appointed under Subchapter L, 14-67 Chapter 54, Government Code;

or 14-68 (B)AACameron County appointed under Subchapter 14-69 BB, Chapter 54, Government Code;

S.B.ANo.A17 15-1 (8)AAa magistrate appointed:

(A)AAby15-2 (A) AAby a judge of a district court of Bexar 15-3 County, Dallas County, or Tarrant County that gives preference to S.B.ANo.A1715-4 criminal cases;

15-5 (B)AAby a judge of a criminal district court of 15-6 Dallas County or Tarrant County;

(C)AAby15-7 (C) AAby a judge of a district court or statutory 15-8 county court of Denton or Grayson County;AA 15-9 (D)AAby a judge of a district court or statutory 15-10 county court that gives preference to criminal cases in Travis 15-11 County;

(E)AAby15-12 (E) AAby the El Paso Council of Judges;

(F)AAby15-13 (F) AAby the Fort Bend County Commissioners Court;

15-14 (G)AAby the Collin County Commissioners Court;

or (H)AAunder15-15 (H) AAunder Subchapter JJ, Chapter 54, Government 15-16 Code;

15-17 (9)AAa magistrate or associate judge appointed by a 15-18 judge of a district court of Lubbock County, Nolan County, or Webb 15-19 County;

15-20 (10)AAa county judge;

15-21 (11)AAa judge of:

15-22 (A)AAa statutory county court;

(B)AAa15-23 (B) AAa county criminal court;

or 15-24 (C)AAa statutory probate court;

15-25 (12)AAan associate judge appointed by a judge of a 15-26 statutory probate court under Chapter 54A, Government Code;

15-27 (13)AAa justice of the peace;

and 15-28 (14)AAa mayor or recorder of a municipality or a judge 15-29 of a municipal court.

SECTION15-30 A5.02.AASectionSECTIONA5.02.AASection 54.1601(b), Government Code, as added S.B.ANo.A1715-31 by S.B.A251, Acts of the 89th Legislature, Regular Session, 2025, 15-32 is amended to read as follows:

(b)15-33 AAThe(b)AAThe commissioners court shall establish the minimum 15-34 qualifications, salary, benefits, and other compensation of each 15-35 magistrate position and shall determine whether the position is 15-36 full-time or part-time.

Notwithstanding any other provision of 15-37 this chapter, to be eligible for appointment under this subchapter, 15-38 a person must [The qualifications must require the magistrate to:

15-39 [(1)AAhave served as a justice of the peace or municipal 15-40 court judge;

or 15-41 [(2)]AAhave been licensed to practice law in this state 15-42 and in good standing with the State Bar of Texas for at least two 15-43 years.

15-44 SECTIONA5.03.AAChapter 54B, Government Code, is amended by 15-45 adding Subchapter B to read as follows:

15-46 SUBCHAPTER B.

CRIMINAL ASSOCIATE JUDGES IN COKE, CONCHO, IRION, 15-47 RUNNELS, SCHLEICHER, STERLING, AND TOM GREEN COUNTIES 15-48 Sec.A54B.031.AAAPPOINTMENT.

(a) A judge of the 51st, 119th, 15-49 340th, or 391st district court may appoint a full-time or part-time 15-50 criminal associate judge to perform the duties authorized by this 15-51 subchapter if the commissioners court of the county in which the 15-52 court has jurisdiction has authorized the creation of an associate 15-53 judge position.

15-54 (b)AAIf a court has jurisdiction in more than one county, an 15-55 associate judge appointed by that court may serve only in a county 15-56 in which the commissioners court has authorized the appointment.

15-57 (c)AAIf more than one court in a county is subject to this S.B.ANo.A1715-58 subchapter, the commissioners court may authorize the appointment 15-59 of an associate judge for each court or may authorize one or more 15-60 associate judges to share service with two or more courts.

15-61 (d)AAIf an associate judge serves more than one court, the 15-62 associate judge s’s appointment must be made as established by local 15-63 rule, but in no event by less than a vote of two-thirds of the judges 15-64 under whom the associate judge serves.

15-65 Sec.A54B.032.AAAPPLICABILITY.

Except as provided by Section 15-66 54B.033, Subchapter A, Chapter 54A applies to a criminal associate 15-67 judge appointed under this subchapter.

15-68 Sec.A54B.033.AAPROCEEDINGS THAT MAY BE REFERRED.

(a) A 15-69 judge may refer to a criminal associate judge any criminal case or S.B.ANo.A17 16-1 matter relating to a criminal case for proceedings involving:

16-2 (1)AAa negotiated plea of guilty or no contest and 16-3 sentencing before the court;

16-4 (2)AAa bond forfeiture, remittitur, and related 16-5 proceedings;

16-6 (3)AAa pretrial motion;

16-7 (4)AAa writ of habeas corpus;

16-8 (5)AAan examining trial;

16-9 (6)AAan occupational driver’s license;

16-10 (7)AAa petition for an order of expunction under 16-11 Chapter 55A, Code of Criminal Procedure;

16-12 (8)AAan asset forfeiture hearing as provided by Chapter 16-13 59, Code of Criminal Procedure;

16-14 (9)AAa petition for an order of nondisclosure of 16-15 criminal history record information or an order of nondisclosure of S.B.ANo.A1716-16 criminal history record information that does not require a 16-17 petition provided by Subchapter E-1, Chapter 411;

16-18 (10)AAa motion to modify or revoke community 16-19 supervision or to proceed with an adjudication of guilty;

16-20 (11)AAsetting conditions, modifying, revoking, and 16-21 surrendering of bonds, including surety bonds;

16-22 (12)AAspecialty court proceedings;

16-23 (13)AAa waiver of extradition;

and 16-24 (14)AAany other matter the judge considers necessary 16-25 and proper.

16-26 (b)AAA judge may refer to a criminal associate judge a civil 16-27 case arising out of Chapter 59, Code of Criminal Procedure, for any 16-28 purpose authorized by that chapter, including issuing orders, 16-29 accepting agreed judgments, enforcing judgments, and presiding 16-30 over a case on the merits if a party has not requested a jury trial.

16-31 (c)AAA criminal associate judge may accept a plea of guilty 16-32 from a defendant charged with misdemeanor, felony, or both 16-33 misdemeanor and felony offenses.

16-34 (d)AAA criminal associate judge may select a jury.

A 16-35 criminal associate judge may not preside over a criminal trial on 16-36 the merits, whether or not the trial is before a jury.

(e)16-37 AAA(e)AAA criminal associate judge may not hear a jury trial on 16-38 the merits of a bond forfeiture.

(f)16-39 AAA(f)AAA judge of a designated juvenile court may refer to a 16-40 criminal associate judge any proceeding over which a juvenile court 16-41 has exclusive original jurisdiction under Title 3, Family Code, 16-42 including any matter ancillary to the proceeding.

S.B.ANo.A1716-43 ARTICLE 6.

JUVENILE BOARDS SECTION16-44 A6.01.AASectionSECTIONA6.01.AASection 152.0191(a), Human Resources Code, is 16-45 amended to read as follows:

(a)16-46 AAThe(a)AAThe juvenile board of Bee County is composed of the 16-47 county judge, [and] the district judges in Bee County, and the judge 16-48 of the 2nd Multicounty Court at Law.

16-49 SECTIONA6.02.AASection 152.0521(a), Human Resources Code, is 16-50 amended to read as follows:

(a)16-51 AAThe(a)AAThe Comal County Juvenile Board is composed of:

16-52 (1)AAthe county judge;

16-53 (2)AAthe local administrative statutory county court 16-54 judge [of each county court at law in the county];

16-55 (3)AAan elected judicial officer of Comal County 16-56 appointed by the local administrative statutory county court judge;

16-57 (4)AAthe local administrative district judge [of the 16-58 22nd District Court];

16-59 (5)AAtwo elected judicial officers of Comal County 16-60 appointed by the local administrative district judge [(4)AAthe[(4) AAthe 16-61 judge of the 207th District Court];

and 16-62 [(5)AAthe judge of the 433rd District Court;] 16-63 (6)AA[the judge of the 274th District Court;

and 16-64 [(7)]AAthe criminal district attorney of Comal County.

SECTION16-65 A6.03.AASectionSECTIONA6.03.AASection 152.0971(a), Human Resources Code, is 16-66 amended to read as follows:

(a)16-67 AAThe(a)AAThe juvenile board of Grayson County is composed of the 16-68 county judge and the district judges in Grayson County.

The county 16-69 judge may add a judge of a county court at law to the board.

S.B.ANo.A17 17-1 SECTIONA6.04.AASection 152.1551(a), Human Resources Code, is 17-2 amended to read as follows:

(a)17-3 AAThe(a)AAThe juvenile board of Live Oak County is composed of the 17-4 county judge, [and] the district judges in Live Oak County, and the 17-5 judge of the 2nd Multicounty Court at Law.

SECTION17-6 A6.05.AASectionSECTIONA6.05.AASection 152.1621(a), Human Resources Code, is 17-7 amended to read as follows:

17-8 (a)AAThe juvenile board of McMullen County is composed of the 17-9 county judge, [and] the district judges in McMullen County, and the 17-10 judge of the 2nd Multicounty Court at Law.

17-11 ARTICLE 7.

COURT ADMINISTRATION 17-12 SECTIONA7.01.AAArticles 45A.302(b), (c), and (d), Code of 17-13 Criminal Procedure, are amended to read as follows:

17-14 (b)AAIn issuing the order of deferral, the judge may impose a 17-15 special expense fee [fine] on the defendant in an amount not to 17-16 exceed the amount of the fine that could be imposed on the defendant 17-17 as punishment for the offense.

17-18 (c)AAThe fee [fine] described by Subsection (b) may be 17-19 collected at any time before the date on which the period of 17-20 deferral ends.

A judge who orders the collection of the fee [fine] 17-21 must require that the amount of the fee [fine] be credited toward 17-22 the payment of the amount of any fine imposed by the judge as 17-23 punishment for the offense.

17-24 (d)AAThe judge may elect not to impose the special expense 17-25 fee [fine] for good cause shown by the defendant.

17-26 SECTIONA7.02.AASubchapter A, Chapter 102, Code of Criminal 17-27 Procedure, is amended by adding Article 102.0061 to read as S.B.ANo.A1717-28 follows:

Art.17-29 Art.A102.0061.AAFEES IN EXPUNCTION PROCEEDINGS.

A102.0061.AAFEES(a) INIn EXPUNCTION17-30 PROCEEDINGS.addition to any other fees required by other law and except as 17-31 provided by Subsections (c) and (d), a petitioner seeking 17-32 expunction of a criminal record in a district court shall pay the 17-33 fee charged for filing an ex parte petition in a civil action in 17-34 district court.

(a)17-35 In(b)AAIn addition to any other fees required by other law and 17-36 except as provided by SubsectionsSubsection (c)(c), and (d), a petitioner seeking 17-37 expunction of a criminal record in a districtjustice court or a municipal 17-38 court of record under Chapter 55A shall pay thea fee chargedof $100 for filing 17-39 an ex parte petition infor aexpunction civilto actiondefray inthe districtcost court.of notifying 17-40 state agencies of orders of expunction under that chapter.

(b)AAIn17-41 addition(c)AAThe tofee anyunder other fees required by other law and except as provided by Subsection (c),(a) a petitioner seeking expunction of a criminal record in a justice court or athe municipalfee courtunder ofSubsection record17-42 under(b), Chapteras 55Aapplicable, shall paybe awaived feeif: of $100 for filing an ex parte petition for expunction to defray the cost of notifying state agencies of orders of expunction under that chapter.

(c)AAThe17-43 fee(1)AAthe underpetitioner Subsectionseeks (a)expunction orof a criminal 17-44 record that relates to an arrest for an offense of which the feeperson under17-45 Subsectionwas (b),acquitted, asother applicable,than shallan beacquittal waivedfor if:an offense described by 17-46 Article 55A.151;

(1)AAtheand petitioner17-47 seeks(2)AAthe expunctionpetition of a criminal record that relates to an arrest for anexpunction offenseis offiled whichnot thelater person17-48 was acquitted, other than anthe acquittal30th forday anafter offensethe describeddate byof Articlethe 55A.151;acquittal.

and17-49 (2)AAthe(d)AAThe petitionfee forunder expunctionSubsection is(a) filedshall notbe laterwaived thanif the 30th17-50 daypetitioner afteris theentitled dateto ofexpunction: the acquittal.

(d)AAThe17-51 fee(1)AAunder underArticle Subsection55A.053(a)(2)(A) (a)after shallsuccessful be17-52 waivedcompletion ifof thea petitionerveterans istreatment entitledcourt toprogram expunction:created under 17-53 Chapter 124, Government Code, or former law;

(1)AAunderor 17-54 (2)AAunder Article 55A.053(a)(2)(A)55A.053(a)(2)(B) after successful 17-55 completion of a veteransmental treatmenthealth court program created under Chapter 124,17-56 125, Government Code, or former law;law.

or17-57 (2)AAunder(e)AAA Articlecourt 55A.053(a)(2)(B)that aftergrants successfula S.B.ANo.A17petition completionfor expunction of a mental17-58 healthcriminal courtrecord programmay createdorder the fee, or portion of the fee, required 17-59 to be paid under ChapterSubsection 125,(a) Governmentto Code,be orreturned formerto law.the petitioner.

(e)17-60 AAASECTIONA7.03.AAArticle court102.017, thatCode grants a petition for expunction of aCriminal criminalProcedure, record17-61 mayis orderamended theby fee,adding or portion of the fee, required to be paid under Subsection (a)(e-1) to beread returnedas tofollows: the petitioner.

SECTION17-62 A7.03.AAArticle(e-1)AAIn 102.017,administering Codeor directing funds under Subsection 17-63 (e), a commissioners court shall consider the recommendations 17-64 provided by a court security committee under Section 74.0922, 17-65 Government Code, and the governing body of Criminala Procedure,municipality isshall amended17-66 consider the recommendations provided by addinga Subsectioncourt (e-1)security tocommittee read17-67 asunder follows:Sections 29.014(d) and 30.00007(c), Government Code.

(e-1)AAIn17-68 administeringSECTIONA7.04.AA(a) orThe directingheading fundsto under Subsection (e), a commissioners court shall consider the recommendations provided by a court security committee under Section 74.0922,22.110, 17-69 Government Code, andis theamended governingto bodyread ofas afollows: municipality shall consider the recommendations provided by a court security committee under Sections 29.014(d) and 30.00007(c), Government Code.

SECTIONA7.04.AA(a)S.B.ANo.A17 The18-1 headingSec.A22.110.AAJUDICIAL toINSTRUCTION SectionRELATED 22.110,TO GovernmentFAMILY Code,18-2 isVIOLENCE, amendedSEXUAL toASSAULT, readTRAFFICKING asOF follows:PERSONS, AND CHILD AND 18-3 ELDER ABUSE AND NEGLECT.

Sec.18-4 (b)AASection 22.110, Government Code, is amended by amending 18-5 Subsections (a), (b), and (d) and adding Subsection (b-1) to read as 18-6 follows:

A22.110.AAJUDICIAL18-7 INSTRUCTION(a)AAThe RELATEDcourt TOof FAMILYcriminal VIOLENCE,appeals SEXUALshall ASSAULT,assure TRAFFICKINGthat OFjudicial PERSONS,18-8 ANDtraining CHILDrelated ANDto ELDERthe ABUSEproblems ANDof NEGLECT.family violence, sexual 18-9 assault, trafficking of persons, [and] child abuse and neglect, and 18-10 elder abuse and neglect is provided.

(b)AASection18-11 22.110,(b)AAThe Governmentcourt Code,of iscriminal amendedappeals byshall amendingadopt Subsectionsthe (a),rules (b),18-12 andnecessary (d)to andaccomplish addingthe Subsectionpurposes (b-1)of tothis readsection. as follows:

(a)AATheThe courtrules of18-13 criminalmust appealsrequire: shall assure that judicial training related to the problems of family violence, sexual assault, trafficking of persons, [and] child abuse and neglect, and elder abuse and neglect is provided.

(b)AAThe18-14 court(1)AAeach district judge, judge of criminala appealsstatutory shallcounty adopt18-15 court, associate judge appointed under Chapter 54A of this code or 18-16 Chapter 201, Family Code, master, referee, and magistrate within 18-17 the rulesjudge’ necessarys tofirst accomplishterm of office or the purposesjudicial officer’ s first 18-18 four years of thisservice section.to complete and provide certification of 18-19 completion of 12 hours of training that include at least:

The18-20 rules(A) S.B.ANo.A17AAfour musthours require:dedicated to issues related to 18-21 trafficking of persons, [and] child abuse and neglect, and elder 18-22 abuse and neglect that cover at least two of the topics described in 18-23 Subsections (d)(8) through (12) and (d)(14) [(d)(8)-(12)];

(1)AAeach18-24 district(B)AAsix judge,hours judgededicated ofto a statutory county court, associate judge appointed under Chapter 54A of this code or Chapter 201, Family Code, master, referee, and magistrate within the judgetraining sdescribed first18-25 termby ofSubsections office(d)(5), or(6), the judicial officer’ s first four years of service to complete and provide(7); certification of completion of 12 hours of training that include at least:

(A)AAfourand hours18-26 dedicated(C)AAone tohour issuesdedicated related to trafficking of persons, [and] child abuse and neglect, and elder abuse and neglect that cover at least two of the topicstraining described in18-27 Subsectionsby (d)(8)Subsection through(d)(13); (12) and (d)(14) [(d)(8)-(12)];

(B)AAsix18-28 hours(2)AAeach dedicatedjudge toand thejudicial trainingofficer describedduring byeach Subsections18-29 (d)(5),additional (6),term in office or four years of service to complete and (7);18-30 provide certification of completion of an additional five hours of 18-31 training that include at least:

and18-32 (C)AAone(A) hourAAtwo hours dedicated to the training described 18-33 by SubsectionSubsections (d)(13);(d)(11) and (12);

(2)AAeach judge and judicial18-34 officer(B) duringAAone eachhour additionaldedicated term in office or four years of service to completethe and provide certification of completion of an additional five hours of training thatdescribed include18-35 atby least:Subsection (d)(13);

(A)AAtwoand hours18-36 dedicated(3)AAeach judge of a court with primary responsibility 18-37 for family law or family violence matters to thecomplete and provide 18-38 certification of completion of an additional hour of training 18-39 described by SubsectionsSubsection (d)(11)(d)(13) andevery (12);two years.

and18-40 (B)AAone(b-1)AAThe hourrules dedicatedadopted tounder Subsection (b) must exempt 18-41 from the training describedrequirements byof Subsectionthis (d)(13);section each judge or 18-42 judicial officer, including an associate judge, who files an 18-43 affidavit stating the judge or judicial officer does not hear cases 18-44 involving family violence, sexual assault, trafficking of persons, 18-45 child abuse and neglect, or elder abuse and neglect.

and18-46 (3)AAeach(d)AAThe judgeinstruction ofmust ainclude courtinformation withabout: primary responsibility for family law or family violence matters to complete and provide certification of completion of an additional hour of training described by Subsection (d)(13) every two years.

S.B.ANo.A1718-47 (b-1)AAThe(1)AAstatutory rulesand adoptedcase underlaw Subsectionrelating (b)to mustvideotaping exempta from18-48 thechild trainings requirementstestimony ofand thisrelating sectionto eachcompetency judge or judicial officer, including an associate judge, who files an affidavit stating the judge or judicial officer does not hear cases involving family violence, sexual assault, trafficking of persons,children childto abuse18-49 andtestify; neglect, or elder abuse and neglect.

(d)AAThe18-50 instruction(2)AAmethods mustfor includeeliminating informationthe about:trauma to the child 18-51 caused by the court process;

(1)AAstatutory18-52 (3)AAcase law, statutory law, and caseprocedural lawrules 18-53 relating to videotapingfamily aviolence, childsexual sassault, testimonytrafficking andof relating18-54 topersons, competencyand ofchild childrenabuse toand testify;neglect;

(2)AAmethods18-55 (4)AAmethods for eliminatingproviding theprotection traumafor tovictims theof child18-56 causedfamily byviolence, thesexual courtassault, process;trafficking of persons, and child 18-57 abuse and neglect;

(3)AAcase18-58 law,(5)AAavailable statutorycommunity law, and proceduralstate rulesresources relatingfor to18-59 familycounseling violence,and sexualother assault,aid traffickingto ofvictims persons, and childto abuseoffenders; and neglect;

(4)AAmethods18-60 for(6)AAgender providingbias protectionin forthe victimsjudicial ofprocess; family violence, sexual assault, trafficking of persons, and child abuse and neglect;

(5)AAavailable18-61 community(7)AAdynamics and stateeffects resourcesof forbeing counselinga andvictim otherof aidsexual to18-62 victimsassault, andtrafficking toof offenders;persons, or child abuse and neglect;

(6)AAgender18-63 bias(8)AAdynamics inof thesexual judicialabuse process;of children, including 18-64 child abuse accommodation syndrome and grooming;

(7)AAdynamics18-65 and(9)AAimpact effects of beingsubstance aabuse victimon ofan sexualunborn assault,child traffickingand ofon persons,18-66 ora childperson’s abuseability andto neglect;care for a child;

(8)AAdynamics18-67 of(10)AAissues sexual abuse of children,attachment includingand childbonding abusebetween accommodationchildren syndrome18-68 and grooming;caregivers;

(9)AAimpact18-69 (11)AAissues of substancechild abusedevelopment onthat anpertain unbornto childS.B.ANo.A17 and19-1 ontrafficking aof person’spersons abilityand tochild careabuse forand aneglect; child;

S.B.ANo.A1719-2 (10)AAissues(12)AAmedical findings regarding physical abuse, 19-3 sexual abuse, trafficking of attachmentpersons, and bondingchild betweenabuse children and caregivers;neglect;

(11)AAissues19-4 of[and] child19-5 development(13)AAdynamics that pertain to trafficking of personsfamily andviolence; child abuse and neglect;

(12)AAmedical findings regarding physical abuse, sexual abuse, trafficking of persons, and child19-6 (14)AAelder abuse and neglect;neglect.

[and]19-7 (13)AAdynamics(c)AAAs soon as practicable after the effective date of familythis violence;19-8 Act, the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals shall adopt the rules 19-9 necessary to implement Section 22.110, Government Code, as amended 19-10 by this article.

and19-11 (14)AAelder(d)AASection abuse22.110, Government Code, as amended by this 19-12 article, applies to all judges, masters, referees, and neglect.magistrates 19-13 elected, appointed, or holding office on or after the effective 19-14 date of this Act.

(c)19-15 AAAsSECTIONA7.05.AASection soon22.216(n-2), asGovernment practicableCode, afteris the19-16 effectiveamended date of this Act, the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals shall adopt the rules necessary to implementread Section 22.110, Government Code, as amendedfollows: by this article.

(d)AASection19-17 22.110,(n-2)AANotwithstanding GovernmentSubsection Code,(n-1), asthe amendedCourt byof this19-18 article,Appeals appliesfor tothe allFifteenth judges,Court masters,of referees,Appeals andDistrict magistratesconsists elected,of appointed,a or19-19 chief justice and of two justices holding officeplaces onnumbered or19-20 afterconsecutively beginning with Place 2 for the effectivefirst datethree ofyears this19-21 Act.following the court ’s creation.

SECTIONA7.05.AASectionPlace 22.216(n-2),4 Governmentshall Code,be iscreated amendedand tothe read19-22 asinitial follows:vacancy in that place shall be filled for the fourth year 19-23 following the court ’s creation.

(n-2)Place AANotwithstanding5 Subsectionshall (n-1),be thecreated Courtand of Appeals for the Fifteenth19-24 Courtinitial ofvacancy Appealsin Districtthat consistsplace ofshall abe chieffilled justice and of two justices holding places numbered consecutively beginning with Place 2 for the firstfifth threeyear years19-25 following the court’court s’s creation.

PlaceThis 4subsection shallexpires beSeptember created19-26 and1, the2029 initial[2027]. vacancy in that place shall be filled for the fourth year following the court’ s creation.

Place19-27 5SECTIONA7.06.AASection shall25A.003(d), beGovernment createdCode, andas the19-28 initialamended vacancyby inH.B. that place shall be filled for the fifth year S.B.ANo.A17 following the court’s creation.

This40, subsectionActs expiresof the 89th Legislature, Regular Session, 19-29 2025, and effective September 1, 20292025, [2027].is amended to read as 19-30 follows:

SECTION19-31 A7.06.AASection(d)AAThe 25A.003(d),Second GovernmentBusiness Code,Court asDivision amendedis bycomposed H.B.of the 19-32 counties composing the Second Administrative Judicial Region under 19-33 Section 74.042(c), excluding Montgomery County and Bastrop County, 19-34 subject to funding through legislative appropriations.

40,19-35 ActsSECTIONA7.07.AASection of25A.003(e), theGovernment 89thCode, Legislature, Regular Session, 2025, and effective September 1, 2025, is 19-36 amended to read as follows:

(d)19-37 AAThe(e)AAThe SecondThird Business Court Division is composed of the 19-38 counties composing the SecondThird Administrative Judicial Region under 19-39 Section 74.042(c),74.042(d) excluding Montgomery County and Bastrop County,County. subject to funding through legislative appropriations.