Texas Senate Bill SB997

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

• Filed: 1/29/25

Caption

Relating to the duties of the district attorney for the 1st Judicial District and the creation of the office of district attorney for the 273rd Judicial District.

Impact

The creation of the 273rd Judicial District seeks to streamline legal processes in Sabine County, allowing for more focused legal representation and resources. By electing a district attorney specifically for this area, the bill is seen as an effort to improve efficiency and effectiveness in handling legal cases that arise within this jurisdiction. The bill's establishment of an independent office for this judicial district is expected to assist in alleviating the caseload from neighboring districts and provide more accessible legal services to the community.

Summary

SB997 aims to amend the Government Code regarding the responsibilities of district attorneys within Texas. Specifically, the bill provides for the creation of the office of the district attorney for the 273rd Judicial District, which is composed of voters from Sabine County. This legislative move marks a significant reorganization within the state's legal provisions, as it expands the structure of government to include an additional judicial district with its own appointed prosecutor, thereby enhancing local legal representation.

Contention

One potential point of contention surrounding SB997 is the allocation of state resources to support the new district attorney’s office. Critics may raise concerns regarding the budgetary implications of adding another prosecutorial office, as creating and maintaining this position could require additional state funding. Additionally, there may be discussions regarding the implications for legal coherence and the necessity of such a new district in a region that may already have administrative structures in place. Stakeholders on both sides are likely to debate the benefits of local representation versus potential bureaucratic expansion.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Government Code

• Chapter 43. District Attorneys
  • Section: New Section

• Chapter 46. Professional Prosecutors
  • Section: New Section