Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Texas House Bill HB2661

Voted on by House
 
Out of Senate Committee
 
Voted on by Senate
 
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

Relating to the jurisdiction and operation of the County Court at Law in Atascosa County.

Impact

The changes proposed by HB2661 are expected to streamline legal proceedings within Atascosa County by allowing the county court to handle a broader spectrum of cases, which could reduce the case load on district courts. This is particularly important for handling civil disputes efficiently and could lead to quicker resolution of cases for residents in the area. The amendment will apply to cases filed or proceedings commenced after the bill's effective date, ensuring a clear transition to the new regulations for legal practitioners and those seeking justice.

Summary

House Bill 2661 concerns the jurisdiction and operation of the County Court at Law in Atascosa County. The bill amends existing statutes to expand the concurrent jurisdiction of the county court to encompass various case types, including class A and B misdemeanors, family law, juvenile matters, probate matters, and civil cases where the amount in controversy exceeds $1 million. It sets specific conditions for civil suits and allows for certain assignments of county court judges to district courts, aiming to enhance operational flexibility within the legal system in Atascosa County.

Contention

While the bill aims to enhance judicial efficiency, there may be concerns regarding the broader implications of expanding the jurisdiction of county courts. Some stakeholders might argue that it could lead to a dilution of specialized attention that district courts provide in more complex legal matters. Others might fear that the increased authority of the county court could overwhelm it, especially as more types of cases are diverted from district courts. The bill’s passage will likely depend on balancing these operational benefits against potential drawbacks.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Government Code

  • Chapter 25. Statutory County Courts
    • Section: 0092

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX HB5378

Relating to the jurisdiction and operation of the county courts at law in McLennan County.

TX HB3386

Relating to the criminal district courts, statutory county courts, and criminal law magistrates in Tarrant County.

TX SB2573

Relating to the jurisdiction of the 411th District Court and of the County Court at Law of Polk County.

TX HB457

Relating to the jurisdiction of the statutory county courts of Grayson County in family law matters.

TX HB1436

Relating to the redesignation of County Court at Law No. 2 of Montgomery County as Probate Court No. 1 of Montgomery County, the jurisdiction and authority of statutory probate courts in Montgomery County, and the composition of the Montgomery County Juvenile Board.

TX HB2998

Relating to the County Court at Law of Aransas County.

TX SB1069

Relating to the County Court at Law of Aransas County.

TX SB1462

Relating to the operation and administration of and practices and procedures related to proceedings in the judicial branch of state government.

TX HB3474

Relating to the operation and administration of and practices and procedures regarding proceedings in the judicial branch of state government, including the service of process and delivery of documents related to the proceedings, the administration of oaths, and the management of the Texas Indigent Defense Commission, and the composition of certain juvenile boards; establishing a civil penalty; increasing certain court costs; authorizing fees.

TX HB3952

Relating to the jurisdiction of courts in cases of forcible entry and detainer and forcible detainer.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.