TX
Texas Senate Bill SB1719

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB1719

Filed
2/27/25  
Out of Senate Committee
3/31/25  
Voted on by Senate
4/10/25  
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

Relating to the rulemaking power of the Texas Supreme Court.

Impact

The passage of SB1719 would significantly alter how civil procedure is governed in Texas by placing more authority with the Supreme Court. Specifically, it would enable the court to invalidate prior statutes and parts of statutes that conflict with newly adopted rules, thereby centralizing legal authority and streamlining civil procedures. This could lead to a consistent application of civil laws across Texas, which may improve overall legal outcomes and foster uniformity, but might also raise concerns about the implications for legislative intent and oversight.

Summary

SB1719 is a legislative act that primarily focuses on the rulemaking power of the Texas Supreme Court, amending existing statutes to clarify and enhance this authority within the context of civil actions. This bill aims to ensure that any rules adopted by the Supreme Court directly supersede previous laws governing civil procedure, ensuring greater legal clarity and efficiency in the judicial process. By amending Section 22.004 of the Government Code, the bill emphasizes that conflicting laws can be repealed only through the court's rule adoption, thus asserting the court's central role in determining procedural regulations.

Sentiment

Reactions to SB1719 have been mixed, reflecting a range of opinions among lawmakers and stakeholders. Proponents argue that centralizing rulemaking authority with the Supreme Court will lead to a more efficient and modernized civil proceedings framework that better meets contemporary legal needs. Critics, however, worry that this consolidation may undermine legislative authority and diminish the oversight role that lawmakers have traditionally played in creating civil procedure laws, which could lead to a potential overreach of judicial power.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding SB1719 revolve around the balance of power between the judiciary and legislature. Critics emphasize the risk of undermining legislative authority by placing significant rulemaking power solely in the hands of the Supreme Court. This concern underscores a broader debate about judicial overreach and the separation of powers within Texas state governance. Supporters of the bill must address these concerns, particularly regarding maintaining due process and ensuring that civil procedures remain accessible and equitable for all Texans.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Occupations Code

  • Chapter 455. Massage Therapy
    • Section: 351
    • Section: 351
    • Section: 351
    • Section: 351
    • Section: 351
  • Chapter 1. General Provisions
    • Section: New Section

Family Code

  • Chapter 111. Guidelines For Possession And Child Support
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: New Section
  • Chapter 301. Discovery Procedures For Civil Actions
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: New Section

Finance Code

  • Chapter 276. Financial Institution Accounts
    • Section: 002
    • Section: 002

Government Code

  • Chapter 74. Court Administration Act
    • Section: 1625
    • Section: 1625
  • Chapter 22. Appellate Courts
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: New Section
  • Chapter 52. Court Reporters And Shorthand Reporting Firms
    • Section: 047
    • Section: 047
  • Chapter 1. General Provisions
    • Section: New Section

Labor Code

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

Civil Practice And Remedies Code

  • Chapter 30. Miscellaneous Provisions
    • Section: 0035
    • Section: 0035
    • Section: 0035
    • Section: 0035
  • Chapter 34. Execution On Judgments
    • Section: 041
    • Section: 041
    • Section: 041
    • Section: 041
  • Chapter 1. General Provisions
    • Section: New Section

Estates Code

  • Chapter 1162. Tax-motivated, Charitable, Nonprofit, And Other Gifts
    • Section: 007
    • Section: 007
    • Section: 007
    • Section: 007

Health And Safety Code

  • Chapter 171. Abortion
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: New Section
  • Chapter 1. General Provisions
    • Section: New Section

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX SB666

Relating to complaint information and to rulemaking and disciplinary procedures of the Texas Medical Board.

TX HB2930

Relating to the jurisdiction of the Texas Supreme Court and the Court of Criminal Appeals.

TX SB2392

Relating to the jurisdiction of the Texas Supreme Court and the Court of Criminal Appeals.

TX SB1196

Relating to the jurisdiction of the Texas Supreme Court and the Court of Criminal Appeals.

TX SB1045

Relating to the creation of the Fifteenth Court of Appeals with jurisdiction over certain civil cases, the compensation of the justices of that court, and the jurisdiction of the courts of appeals in this state.

TX HB4187

Relating to the jurisdiction of the Texas Supreme Court and the Court of Criminal Appeals.

TX HB2383

Relating to court deposition and transcription services and fees and to court reporters and certified court interpreters; establishing a civil penalty.

TX HB3929

Relating to the adoption by the Supreme Court of Texas of the Uniform Interstate Depositions and Discovery Act.

TX HB3166

Relating to the creation of the Fifteenth Court of Appeals with jurisdiction over certain civil cases, the compensation of the justices of that court, and the jurisdiction of the courts of appeals in this state; 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.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.