TX
Texas Senate Bill SB17

Texas 2025 - 89th 2nd C.S.

Texas Senate Bill SB17

Filed
8/15/25  
Out of House Committee
 
Voted on by House
 
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

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.

Impact

The bill's enactment will have a significant impact on state laws, particularly in terms of enhancing procedural efficiency and safeguarding confidentiality in court documents. By increasing penalties for certain violations and authorizing fees related to judicial filings, the bill seeks to ensure that judicial processes remain funded and effective. The introduction of additional training requirements for judges and court personnel regarding mental health issues and court security aims to improve service delivery and responsiveness towards vulnerable populations.

Summary

Senate Bill 17 addresses various aspects of the operation and administration within the judicial branch of the Texas state government. The bill focuses on improving court security, streamlining procedures for court documents and arrest warrants, and enhancing services related to juvenile boards. It proposes amendments to existing statutes concerning the powers of the Texas Supreme Court and introduces changes that affect how mental health services are administered in court settings. Additionally, it encompasses provisions related to record retention for court documents, thereby aiming to maintain accurate and retrievable records within the judicial system.

Sentiment

Overall, the sentiment around SB 17 appears to be generally positive among legislative supporters who believe it will streamline court operations and enhance the administration of justice. However, there are concerns from some advocacy groups who fear that the increased focus on penalties could disproportionately affect lower-income individuals. The emphasis on mental health services training is welcomed but brings forth discussions about adequate funding and resource allocation for such initiatives.

Contention

Notable points of contention during discussions highlighted the balance between enhancing judicial efficiency and maintaining fair treatment within the court system. Critics raised concerns about the potential overreach of increasing criminal penalties, suggesting that it could lead to overcrowding in jails and further burden families. Supporters argued that improved court procedures and additional training would ultimately lead to better outcomes within the judicial process.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Health And Safety Code

  • Chapter 171. Abortion
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: New Section

Occupations Code

  • Chapter 455. Massage Therapy
    • Section: 351
    • Section: 351

Property Code

  • Chapter 24. Forcible Entry And Detainer
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: New Section

Civil Practice And Remedies Code

  • Chapter 10. Sanctions For Frivolous Pleadings And Motions
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: New Section
  • Chapter 14. Inmate Litigation
    • Section: 013
    • Section: 014
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: 013
    • Section: 014
    • Section: New Section
  • Chapter 15. Venue
    • Section: 066
    • Section: 066
  • Chapter 30. Miscellaneous Provisions
    • Section: 010
    • Section: 013
    • Section: 018
    • Section: 010
    • Section: 013
    • Section: 018
  • Chapter 51. Appeals
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: New Section
  • Chapter 52. Security For Judgments Pending Appeal
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: New Section
  • Chapter 64. Receivership
    • Section: 091
    • Section: 093
    • Section: 091
    • Section: 093
  • Chapter 65. Injunction
    • Section: 045
    • Section: 045
  • Chapter 98. Liability For Trafficking Of Persons
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: New Section
  • Chapter 100. Use Of Force In Defense Of Commercial Nuclear Power Plants
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: New Section
  • Chapter 134. Texas Theft Liability Act
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: New Section
  • Chapter 154. Alternative Dispute Resolution Procedures
    • Section: 028
    • Section: 028

Government Code

  • Chapter 22. Appellate Courts
    • Section: New Section
  • Chapter 25. Statutory County Courts
    • Section: 0003
    • Section: 0011
    • Section: 0003
    • Section: 0007
    • Section: 1102
    • Section: 1902
  • Chapter 30. Municipal Courts Of Record
    • Section: 00007
  • Chapter 24. District Courts
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: 911
    • Section: 913
  • Chapter 406. Notary Public; Commissioner Of Deeds
    • Section: 026

Labor Code

  • Chapter 410. Adjudication Of Disputes
    • Section: 305
    • Section: 305

Local Government Code

  • Chapter 191. General Records Provisions Affecting Counties
    • Section: New Section

Family Code

  • Chapter 53. Proceedings Prior To Judicial Proceedings
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: 01
  • Chapter 82. Applying For Protective Order
    • Section: New Section

Human Resources Code

  • Chapter 152. Juvenile Boards
    • Section: 00145
    • Section: 00145
  • Chapter 42. Regulation Of Certain Facilities, Homes, And Agencies That Provide Child-care Services
    • Section: 0426

Latest TX SB17 Activity

View All Events: TX 2025 - 89th 2nd C.S. SB17

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX SB16

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.

TX HB244

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.

TX SB2878

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, mandatory expunction for certain persons, record retention, and youth diversion; increasing a criminal penalty; authorizing fees.

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 HB5060

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

TX HB4703

Relating to the operation and administration of and practice in and grants provided by courts in the judicial branch of state government.

TX SB1462

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

TX HB3386

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

TX HB4502

Relating to court security, including the development of a court emergency management plan, the duties and composition of a court security committee, and increasing the criminal penalty for harassment of a court employee or judge.

TX SB29

Relating to court security, including the development of a court emergency management plan, the duties and composition of a court security committee, and increasing the criminal penalty for harassment of a court employee or judge.

Similar Bills

TX HB16

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.

TX SB16

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.

TX HB244

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.

TX SB2878

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, mandatory expunction for certain persons, record retention, and youth diversion; increasing a criminal penalty; authorizing fees.

TX SB1134

Relating to address confidentiality on certain documents for certain federal officials and family members of certain federal officials or federal or state court judges.

TX SB1749

Relating to the confidentiality of certain information for commissioners and employees whose duties relate to the administration of the judicial branch of state government and the commissioners' and employees' family members.

TX HB4347

Relating to address confidentiality on certain documents for certain federal officials and family members of certain federal officials or federal or state court judges.

TX SB42

Relating to the security of courts and judges in the state; establishing a fee.