TX
Texas Senate Bill SB2883

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB2883

Voted on by Senate
 
Out of House Committee
 
Voted on by House
 
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

Relating to the business court.

Impact

This legislation will impact the existing structure of Texas courts by instilling specialized divisions to manage commercial disputes, thus relieving the burden on regular district courts. The bill outlines criteria for these business courts, including the qualifications necessary for judges, which should ensure that cases are presided over by individuals with significant experience in business law. By stipulating that these courts will only operate if adequately funded through legislative appropriations, the bill also ensures a level of oversight regarding the allocation of state resources toward these new court branches.

Summary

SB2883 aims to establish and redefine the framework of business courts within Texas, focusing on the governance, jurisdiction, and structure of these specialized courts. The bill proposes to create several business court divisions that will have concurrent civil jurisdiction similar to district courts, specifically targeting high-stakes business disputes with an amount in controversy exceeding $9.5 million. The intent is to provide a more efficient legal mechanism for resolving these complex civil business litigation cases, which proponents argue will enhance businesses' access to justice and legal resources.

Contention

While there may be broad support for improving the efficiency of business-related legal proceedings, there are potential points of contention around funding and the overall implications for the existing judiciary structure. Critics may argue that creating specialized courts could divert resources away from other essential court functions or exacerbate existing inequalities if access to these business courts is impeded by funding disparities. Moreover, concerns regarding the potential for corporate influence in legal proceedings might emerge, prompting discussions on maintaining impartial and equitable access to these newly established business courts.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Government Code

  • Chapter 25. Statutory County Courts
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: 0171

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX HB19

Relating to the creation of a specialty trial court to hear certain cases; authorizing fees.

TX HB3573

Relating to modernizing the regulation of money services businesses.

TX SB27

Relating to the creation of a specialty trial court to hear certain cases; authorizing fees.

TX SB895

Relating to the regulation of money services businesses; creating a criminal offense; creating administrative penalties; authorizing the imposition of a fee.

TX SB1514

Relating to business entities and nonprofit entities.

TX HB4279

Relating to business entities and nonprofit entities.

TX HB4934

Relating to support for new businesses.

TX HB13

Relating to measures to address public safety threats in this state presented by transnational criminal activity, including by establishing the Texas Homeland Security Division and the Border Security Advisory Council, and to compensate persons affected by those threats.

TX HB44

Relating to measures to ensure the safety and welfare of the southern border region of this state, including protection from ongoing criminal activity and public health threats; creating a criminal offense; creating a civil penalty.

TX HB448

Relating to compensation for damages caused by governmental actions that close or effectively close businesses.

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