Texas Senate Bill SB414

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to the composition of the 23rd Judicial District and the creation of the 461st Judicial District composed of Brazoria County.

Impact

If enacted, SB 414 will facilitate a more focused handling of family law matters in Brazoria County. By creating the 461st Judicial District, the bill intends to ease the caseload of the existing judicial system and ensure that family law cases are managed within a specialized court environment. The bill mandates that all ongoing cases from Brazoria County in the 23rd District Court be transferred to the new 461st District Court, streamlining the judicial process for these specific cases and enhancing the efficiency of court proceedings.

Summary

Senate Bill 414 aims to restructure the judicial landscape in Texas by altering the composition of the 23rd Judicial District and creating a new 461st Judicial District specifically for Brazoria County. The bill proposes that the 23rd Judicial District will consist of Matagorda and Wharton counties while establishing the new district that will prioritize family law cases. This change is to address the growing demands of family law in the region and better allocate judicial resources.

Contention

One notable area of discussion surrounding SB 414 may revolve around the implications of reallocating resources from the 23rd Judicial District to the new district. Stakeholders may have concerns regarding the adequacy of judicial staffing and the potential impacts on other types of cases that may now face delays as the focus shifts towards family law. Additionally, the effectiveness of prioritizing family law in a separate district could be assessed in terms of access to justice for families in need, and whether this legislative approach adequately addresses the overall judicial needs of Brazoria County.