Texas Senate Bill SB2135

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

• Filed: 3/10/25

Caption

Relating to the creation of an additional county court at law and an additional statutory probate court in Hidalgo County.

Impact

The implementation of this bill will result in the establishment of County Court at Law No. 11 and Probate Court No. 2 specifically for Hidalgo County. This adjustment is intended to distribute the existing workload more evenly among the courts, allowing for a faster resolution of cases and better access to the legal system for residents. The new courts are set to be operational on January 1, 2026, and January 1, 2027, respectively, thus providing a phased approach to enhancing judicial capacity.

Summary

SB2135 proposes the creation of an additional county court at law and an additional statutory probate court in Hidalgo County, Texas. This bill aims to address the increasing caseloads in the existing county courts, thereby enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of the judicial system in the region. The new courts will assist in managing legal proceedings that have been growing due to population growth and complex cases, which are taxing the current judicial resources available in Hidalgo County.

Contention

While SB2135 is largely aimed at improving judicial efficiency, there may be concerns regarding the budgetary implications of establishing new courts, including the costs related to personnel, infrastructure, and operating expenses. Some may argue that funds could be better utilized in other areas of the legal system or community services. This aspect will likely be a point of discussion as the bill moves through the legislative process, weighing the benefits of improved court access against potential budgetary constraints.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Government Code

• Chapter 25. Statutory County Courts
  • Section: 1101