Texas Senate Bill SB419

Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Caption

Relating to the jurisdiction of county and justice courts in civil matters.

Impact

The modification in jurisdictional limits is expected to enhance access to the courts for individuals and small businesses, allowing them to resolve disputes more efficiently without the need for higher-level courts. For litigants involved in civil claims with amounts between $20,000 and $50,000, the bill represents a significant shift in the legal landscape. It is anticipated that this change will reduce the backlog in district courts and improve the overall efficiency of the civil justice system within the state.

Summary

SB419 pertains to the jurisdiction of county and justice courts in civil matters, specifically addressing the monetary limits related to such jurisdictions. The bill proposes to amend existing laws to increase the cap for concurrent jurisdiction of county courts and justice courts. Currently, these courts handle civil matters where the amount in controversy does not exceed $20,000. Under SB419, this limit would increase to $50,000, thereby allowing these courts to manage a broader range of civil disputes without requiring cases to be escalated to district courts.

Contention

While proponents of the bill argue that it will streamline the judicial process and alleviate the burden on higher courts, there are also concerns regarding the implications of such changes. Critics suggest that increasing the jurisdictional limits might overwhelm county and justice courts, potentially compromising their ability to handle cases effectively. Moreover, this change could lead to disparities in how civil cases are treated across different jurisdictions, raising questions about the uniformity of justice delivery in the state.