Texas 2023 - 88th Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB1045

Filed
2/21/23  
Out of Senate Committee
3/28/23  
Voted on by Senate
3/30/23  
Out of House Committee
5/11/23  
Voted on by House
5/19/23  
Governor Action
6/9/23  

Caption

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.

Impact

The impact of SB 1045 on state laws is significant as it introduces structural changes to the Texas judicial system. Should the bill be enacted, it establishes a new pathway for adjudicating civil cases, relieving pressure from existing appellate courts. This effectively expands judicial resources and represents a shift in how Texas will handle appeals involving state matters. The bill emphasizes the exclusive jurisdiction of the Fifteenth Court of Appeals for certain civil cases, notably those involving state agencies, which could lead to improved resolutions in cases where state regulations are challenged.

Summary

Senate Bill 1045 proposes the establishment of the Fifteenth Court of Appeals in Texas, which will have jurisdiction over specified civil cases. This move is aimed at addressing the growing volume of cases currently being funneled through the third Court of Appeals in Austin, primarily due to the high statutory venue requirements that result in most cases being filed in Travis County. The new court will allow for a more efficient distribution of cases, thereby enhancing judicial efficiency and reducing delays in the appeals process. It also provides a mechanism for the compensation of the justices of this new court, ensuring that they are compensated in accordance with statewide standards.

Sentiment

Overall, the sentiment around SB 1045 appears to be mixed but leans towards approval, particularly from those who prioritize judicial efficiency and the importance of timely resolutions in civil matters. Supporters argue that this bill will help alleviate case backlogs and improve access to justice across Texas. However, there are also concerns regarding the allocation of resources and potential complications in the transition of existing cases to the new court structure. The effectiveness of this additional court in truly improving the efficiency of the system remains an important point of debate.

Contention

Notable points of contention center around the bill's implications for existing judicial resources and the potential for conflicts in jurisdictional matters. Some legislators have raised concerns about the sufficiency of funding for the new court, given that its establishment hinges on legislative appropriations. Moreover, the transition of ongoing cases to this new court may cause temporary disruptions in the appeals process, warranting further scrutiny from legal stakeholders to ensure that access to justice is maintained in the process.

Companion Bills

TX HB3166

Identical 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.

Previously Filed As

TX HB5067

Relating to notices of appeals for matters within the exclusive intermediate appellate jurisdiction of the Court of Appeals for the Fifteenth Court of Appeals District.

TX HB197

Zoning appeals, board of; appellate jurisdiction upon appeal from the circuit court.

TX SB1210

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

TX HB933

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

TX HB1004

Increases the jurisdictional threshold for justice of peace courts

TX HB197

A BILL to amend and reenact §§ 17.1-405 and 17.1-406 of the Code of Virginia, relating to board of zoning appeals; appellate jurisdiction upon appeal from the circuit court.

TX HB3718

Relating to the jurisdiction of the county courts at law in Wichita County.

TX HB1562

Business courts; creating of business courts; jurisdiction; emergency.

TX HB1562

Business courts; creating of business courts; jurisdiction; emergency.

TX A08002

Increases the jurisdictional limits for county courts and district courts to fifty thousand dollars.

Similar Bills

VA HJR6002

Judges; election in circuit court, general district court, and juvenile & domestic rel. district ct.

NY A09410

Permanently requires that the first installment of serial bonds mature not later than two years after the date of such bonds; provides that principal installments remaining unpaid on bonds may be called for redemption prior to their date of maturity in such amounts, at such times in such manner and pursuant to such terms as may be determined by the finance board of a municipality, school district or corporation at the time of the issuance thereof; repeals provisions that permanently eliminate the requirement that municipalities provide from current funds an amount equal to at least 5% of the estimated cost of each capital improvement (excluding from such cost state or federal grant funding and certain benefited area assessments) prior to the issuance of bonds or bond anticipation notes to finance such capital improvement.

VA SB158

Judicial district and circuit courts; maximum number of judges.

VA HB443

Judicial district and circuit courts; maximum number of judges.

VA HB443

An Act to amend and reenact §§ 16.1-69.6:1, 17.1-400, 17.1-402, and 17.1-507 of the Code of Virginia, relating to maximum number of judges in each judicial district and circuit; maximum number of judges on the Court of Appeals of Virginia; hearing en banc; study to examine organization and boundaries of certain judicial circuits; report.

TX HB5067

Relating to notices of appeals for matters within the exclusive intermediate appellate jurisdiction of the Court of Appeals for the Fifteenth Court of Appeals District.

VA HJR314

Election of Circuit Court Judges, General District Court Judges, and Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court Judges.

VA HJ314

Election of Circuit Court Judges, General District Court Judges, and Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court Judges.