Texas Senate Bill SB992

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Out of Senate Committee: 4/20/09
• Voted on by Senate: 4/24/09

Caption

Relating to the jurisdiction and administration of, and procedures relating to, certain courts in this state, including procedures for appeals.

Impact

If passed, SB992 will significantly impact how courts operate within the state, grounding various procedural aspects in the Government Code and repealing outdated sections. By redefining the responsibilities of judges and clerks, particularly concerning family law cases and civil litigation, this bill aims to foster a more coherent judicial experience for Texans. It also enforces stricter controls over the jurisdictional limits for statutory courts, potentially moving certain cases to district courts, which may alleviate case burdens on lower courts.

Summary

Senate Bill 992 seeks to revise the jurisdiction and administration of statutory courts in Texas, effectively streamlining procedures within the judicial system. The bill outlines specific duties, jurisdiction limits, and administrative processes for statutory county courts, statutory probate courts, and district courts. Notably, the bill updates regulations surrounding case transfers between courts, which aims to enhance judicial efficiency and reduce redundancy in overlapping jurisdictions. Moreover, it addresses the avenues for appeals, particularly in eviction cases, by establishing clearer guidelines on the appeals process and supersedeas bonds.

Contention

Concerns have been raised regarding the potential implications of such changes, including the fear that transferring more cases to district courts may overburden them, ultimately leading to delays in case resolution. Opponents argue that while consolidating judicial authority might streamline operations, it risks eroding local control and responsiveness to community justice needs. Discussions focused on whether the enforcement of these administrative changes would adequately address long-standing inefficiencies or create new barriers for litigants seeking justice.