Bills: SB10, SB16, SB6

Keywords: trafficking, prostitution, affirmative defense, victims, criminal justice reform, victim rights, criminal justice, judicial reform, court procedures, mental health services, criminal penalties, court security

Transcript Highlights:

• It changes the court creation dates that were set on January 1, 2026, to September 1, 2026.
• The committee substitute creates a new county court at law for Maverick County.
• It removes the civil preference for the 456th District Court in Guadalupe County.
• I've got you here on behalf of the Office of Court Administration, registered on the bill.
• For 47 months, those two courts have had an appeal of an anti-SLAPP motion before them.

Bills: HB16

Keywords: judicial administration, court reform, juvenile diversion, court security, mental health services, drug offenses, constitutional amendments

Summary: The Committee on Judiciary and Civil Jurisprudence met with a quorum present and took up House Bill 16, the omnibus courts bill that had been vetoed by the governor after the regular session. The committee substitute made several changes, including moving certain court creation dates, creating a new county court at law for Maverick County, repealing a missed youth diversion article, removing a civil preference for the 456th District Court in Guadalupe County, clarifying the digital court recording study makeup, correcting a drafting error involving prosecutors in the Special Prosecution Unit, and allowing the Office of the Attorney General to represent SPU prosecutors. Megan LaVoie of the Office of Court Administration testified as a resource witness in support of the bill and thanked the committee for working with the judiciary on the measure. Steve Bresnan of the Texas Court Reporters Association also testified in support of the bill, but used his time to urge action on a separate anti-SLAPP appeal that he said had been pending for 47 months; he distributed materials and proposed an amendment to impose deadlines on the courts, though he said he was not expecting discussion of it that day. After public testimony closed, the committee adopted the substitute without objection. Representative Hayes moved that House Bill 16, as substituted, be reported favorably to the full House with the recommendation that it be passed and printed. The motion prevailed on a 10-0 vote, and the committee then adjourned.

Bills: HB16

Keywords: judicial administration, court reform, juvenile diversion, court security, mental health services, drug offenses, constitutional amendments

Transcript Highlights:

• The substitute creates a new county court at law for Maverick County.
• in Guadalupe County, and specifies the makeup of the digital court recording study.
• I've got you here on behalf of the Office of Court Administration, registered on the bill.
• the Supreme Court of Texas.
• But for 47 months, these two courts.

Bills: HB16

Keywords: judicial administration, court reform, juvenile diversion, court security, mental health services, drug offenses, constitutional amendments, 997, house, all

Bills: SB 302, SB 1335, SB 1734, SB 1760, SB 1975, SB 2127

Keywords: probate court, statutory judge, reimbursement, court costs, court proceedings, judicial assignments, judge assignment, cost reimbursement, judicial expenses, estate management, statutory requirement, court expenses, estates, inheritance, representative duties, court authority, personal representative, guardianship, incapacitated persons, guardianship fees

Transcript Highlights:

• The criminal penalty for certain violations of court orders or conditions of bond in cases involving
• a couple of weeks ago relates to the expunction of arrest records and files by a statutory county court
• Chairman, we heard House Bill 4476 by Representative McLaughlin on April 14th, which requires a juvenile court
• to transfer a juvenile to the appropriate district or criminal district court if the juvenile is charged

Bills: HB867, HB1347, HB1801, HB1820, HB2197, HB2617, HB3110, HB3166, HB3330, HB4237, HB4342, HB4629, HB4933, HJR148

Keywords: criminal case dismissal, attorney discretion, law enforcement misconduct, judicial approval, evidence, judicial consent, transparency, healthcare, Medicare, insurance, elderly, retired, benefits, access, cost, criminal justice, case dismissal, prosecutorial discretion, law enforcement oversight, criminal procedure

Transcript Highlights:

• Made if it's a court of record at the lower court.
• court.
• Appeal from the Justice Court or Municipal Court.
• court.
• Court at law? County courts at law. Okay. In those counties that have county courts at law.

Bills: HB867, HB1347, HB1801, HB1820, HB2197, HB2617, HB3110, HB3166, HB3330, HB4237, HB4342, HB4629, HB4933, HJR148

Keywords: criminal case dismissal, attorney discretion, law enforcement misconduct, judicial approval, evidence, judicial consent, transparency, healthcare, Medicare, insurance, elderly, retired, benefits, access, cost, criminal justice, case dismissal, prosecutorial discretion, law enforcement oversight, criminal procedure

Transcript Highlights:

• , a civil district court and a criminal district court.
• In civil district court, the staff is paid from court-generated funds, and juvenile court..." "...the
• Court, and the Supreme Court makes it public.
• So the clerks of court provide that information to the Supreme Court, and the Supreme Court publishes
• My question was, if we combine civil court and criminal court, would... court and criminal court, would

Bills: HB141, HB178, HB179, HB187, HB188, HB527, HB782, HB911, HB916

Keywords: court proceedings, transcription, criminal law, recording, judicial discretion, court reporters, record retention, criminal cases, civil cases, legal proceedings, judicial administration, Louisiana Supreme Court, court reporting services, digital reporting, remote proceedings, virtual courts, court reporter fees, judicial district, statewide revision, costs

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:03:36.080><c> property</c> deregister all the land court property deregister all the land court
• of land court would be around vestige of land court would be around for<00:04:43.120><c> decades</c><
• I'm not aware in land court.
• Yeah, it's just a concern because if I think this measure deletes the land court, I mean, the courts,
• </c> victims to receive court-ordered victims to receive court-ordered restitution?

Bills: SB2041

Keywords: land court, real property, legal documents, bureau of conveyances, judicial confirmation, property registration, working group, Hawaii Revised Statutes, reform, 912, senate, all

Summary: The committees heard SB 2041, which would repeal the Land Court, transfer its functions to the Bureau of Conveyances, and create a working group to recommend implementation. DLNR and Judiciary stood on their written testimony, while Realtors supported the bill and one testifier raised concerns about the loss of judicial authority, title disputes, adverse possession, and possible effects on Kuleana lands. Members questioned whether property could be deregistered and what the legal consequences would be, and the Bureau of Conveyances said deregistration is already available but burdensome. The committees ultimately recommended passage with amendments, and the measure was adopted by both committees. The Judiciary Committee then heard SB 2247, which restricts certain governor-appointed, Senate-confirmed executive branch employees from participating in campaign fundraising. The State Ethics Commission and Campaign Spending Commission supported the bill as a way to curb pay-to-play concerns and the appearance of undue influence, and several advocacy and civic groups also testified in support, with one person opposing. The committee agreed to amend the bill so the restrictions apply only after confirmation and continue until the person leaves the covered position. The committee voted to pass SB 2247 with amendments. Finally, the Judiciary Committee heard SB 2143, which would make the Attorney General the interim Chief Election Officer if that office becomes vacant until the Elections Commission appoints a replacement. Supporters argued the bill would provide continuity, prevent delays in certifying election results, and protect election integrity; opponents argued it would politicize the office, create a conflict of interest, and was unnecessary because current law already provides a process for filling vacancies. Testimony was extensive and sharply divided, with many speakers on both sides. The transcript provided does not include a final vote or action on SB 2143.

Transcript Highlights:

• Simmons Supreme Court case. pre-court decision 20 years ago, which concluded that juveniles are categorically
• You've been a district court judge, which you are now.
• as well as District Court 403rd, Mr.
• We have you registered as a County Court at Law Judge for County Court at Law Number Six, and you're
• testifying on behalf of the court and on behalf of yourself.

Bills: HB1511, HB1831, HB1988, HB2147, HB2234

Keywords: housing, affordable housing, state regulations, zoning, local government authority, drug court, juvenile justice, diversion programs, rehabilitation, criminal justice reform, remote proceedings, depositions, virtual hearings, court technology, criminal responsibility, age of maturity, expungement, mental health services, juvenile record sealing, 1184

Transcript Highlights:

• Supreme Court case decision, Troxel v.
• These cases would be handled by justice municipal courts, which are adult criminal courts that do not
• But I really want to just use this platform to say that the drug courts, the mental health courts, all
• We showed that you're a court manager for Harris County Commissioner's Court.
• Juvenile drug courts were designed as a rehabilitative alternative to traditional courts.

Bills: HB1511, HB1831, HB1988, HB2147, HB2234

Keywords: housing, affordable housing, state regulations, zoning, local government authority, drug court, juvenile justice, diversion programs, rehabilitation, criminal justice reform, remote proceedings, depositions, virtual hearings, court technology, criminal responsibility, age of maturity, expungement, mental health services, juvenile record sealing, 1184

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator's House Bill 17 is the omnibus courts bill.
• and those participating may recall that, uh, as population changes and local needs arise, uh, new courts
• In the meantime, the omnibus courts bill coming back has given us a chance to address even more local
• , removes a civil preference for the 456th district court in Guadalupe County, specifies the makeup of
• the digital court recording study.

Bills: SB 53, SB 54, HB16, SB 19

Keywords: voter registration, election procedures, provisional ballot, change of address, residence requirements, Texas Election Code, voting rights, judicial administration, court reform, juvenile diversion, court security, mental health services, drug offenses, constitutional amendments, political contributions, special legislative session, election code, transparency, campaign finance, election law

Bills: SB302, SB1335, SB1734, SB1760, SB1975, SB2127

Keywords: probate court, statutory judge, reimbursement, court costs, court proceedings, judicial assignments, judge assignment, cost reimbursement, judicial expenses, estate management, statutory requirement, court expenses, estates, inheritance, representative duties, court authority, personal representative, real property, deed fraud, title fraud

Transcript Highlights:

• Generally, the bill would remove antiquated language referring to the certificate of the clerk of the court
• , allow the court to remove a personal representative on its own motion after notification by certified
• committee substitute differs from the bill as filed in that it would replace the method by which courts
• The court would be required to ...
• A court order can then be issued.

Bills: SB302, SB1335, SB1734, SB1760, SB1975, SB2127

Keywords: probate court, statutory judge, reimbursement, court costs, court proceedings, judicial assignments, judge assignment, cost reimbursement, judicial expenses, estate management, statutory requirement, court expenses, estates, inheritance, representative duties, court authority, personal representative, real property, deed fraud, title fraud

Transcript Highlights:

• Generally, the bill would remove antiquated language referring to the certificate of the clerk of the court
• , allow the court to remove a personal representative on its own motion after notification by certified
• There is a free option if it's heard in the existing county judge's court.
• If it's uncontested, if it's contested, then it can go into the district court free.
• To petition the court and have fraudulent deeds declared void efficiently and fairly.

Bills: SB 302, SB 1335, SB 1734, SB 1760, SB 1975, SB 2127

Keywords: probate court, statutory judge, reimbursement, court costs, court proceedings, judicial assignments, judge assignment, cost reimbursement, judicial expenses, estate management, statutory requirement, court expenses, estates, inheritance, representative duties, court authority, personal representative, real property, deed fraud, title fraud

Transcript Highlights:

• Debate in court. Senator Hall, you're recognized. Thank you.
• Thank you, Dean, and to everybody in court. Senator Birdwell, you're recognized. Thank you, Mr.
• Senate Bill 17 is the omnibus courts bill. It's not a bill that we normally spend a lot of time on.
• Local needs arise, new courts are added, the jurisdiction of courts is adjusted, things like that.
• of the digital court recording study.

Bills: SB 53, SB 54, HB16, SB 19

Keywords: voter registration, election procedures, provisional ballot, change of address, residence requirements, Texas Election Code, voting rights, judicial administration, court reform, juvenile diversion, court security, mental health services, drug offenses, constitutional amendments, political contributions, special legislative session, election code, transparency, campaign finance, election law

Transcript Highlights:

• by Representative Boyer, creates the crime of intentional evasion of service of process for certain court
• Members, House Bill 231 addresses a gap where individuals can intentionally evade service of court orders
• House Bill 231... ...evade service of court orders, including protective orders, delaying accountability
• House Bill 231 ensures court orders carry real weight, strengthens accountability, and helps protect
• My name is Norma DuBois, and I am the chief of the parish court unit for the Jefferson Parish District

Bills: HB51, HB58, HB69, HB82, HB93, HB143, HB166, HB231, HB429, HB806, HB884

Keywords: bail, conviction, aggravated offense, minors, constitutional amendment, bail reform, post-conviction, minor victims, legal rights, ignition interlock device, DUI, public safety, vehicle operation, criminal justice reform, DWI, driving under the influence, vehicular homicide, penalties, criminal justice, jury commission

Transcript Highlights:

• We have one county court law judge that does a lot of juvenile work. He has a specialty court.
• He's in county court law number two. Our county court law number one doesn't do any juvenile work.
• As Judge Phillips mentioned, our county court law judge number two has a specialty court known as Passage
• Back in 2018, I testified before the Texas Supreme Court and the Criminal Court of Appeals for the establishment
• I'm here today to support the Youth Parole Reform Act, HB 5500.

Bills: HB1967, HB3442, HB5525, HB5561, HB5653, HB5667, SB1171

Keywords: juvenile justice, correctional facilities, reform, rehabilitation, Texas Juvenile Justice Department, alcohol awareness, court-ordered programs, substance misuse education, deferred disposition, youth, parole reform, inmates under 18, mental health, educational achievement, reintegration, foster youth, behavior intervention, community services, diversion policies, HB 5653

Transcript Highlights:

• , allow the court to remove a personal representative on its own motion after notification by certified
• To be clear, today there is a free option if it's heard in the existing county judge's court.
• If it's uncontested, if it's contested, then it can go into the district court free.
• If it's contested, then it can go into the district court free.
• On behalf of Senator Benton Court, I'm pleased to lay out Senate Bill 1975.

Bills: SB302, SB1335, SB1734, SB1760, SB1975, SB2127

Keywords: probate court, statutory judge, reimbursement, court costs, court proceedings, judicial assignments, judge assignment, cost reimbursement, judicial expenses, estate management, statutory requirement, court expenses, estates, inheritance, representative duties, court authority, personal representative, real property, deed fraud, title fraud

Summary: The committee heard several probate, family law, judicial, property, and contract-related bills. Senate Bill 1335, relating to decedents’ estates, would remove outdated references to a clerk’s certificate, allow courts to remove personal representatives on their own motion with notice by qualified delivery method, and add independent administrators to provisions that referenced only independent executors; an estate-planning attorney testified in support, and the bill was left pending. Senate Bill 1760, concerning guardianship transfer fees and procedures, was described as setting a $45 filing fee for transferred guardianship cases and clarifying completion and dismissal procedures; it received no testimony and was left pending. Senate Bill 2127 would shorten the eligibility period for retired judges to serve as visiting judges from eight years to six, restrict practice in their assigned region for two years, and require conflict-related certification; it also was left pending without testimony. Senate Bill 302 would shift the cost of a traveling probate judge to the requesting estate or parties rather than the county; one witness registered in favor, no one testified, and the bill was left pending. The committee then considered a committee substitute for Senate Bill 252, which would clarify the parental presumption in conservatorship cases, require non-parents seeking relief against a parent to file an affidavit showing significant impairment to the child if relief is denied, require courts to state specific findings when overcoming the presumption, confirm the clear-and-convincing standard, and clarify that agreed prior orders do not defeat the presumption. The substitute was explained as consensus language from a work group, public testimony was reopened, and the bill was left pending. Senate Bill 1734, on deed fraud, would create a streamlined ex parte process for property owners to have fraudulent deeds declared void, modeled on the fraudulent lien statute; county clerk and title association representatives testified that it would provide a low-cost self-help remedy for a growing problem, and the bill was left pending subject to the chair. Senate Bill 1975 would prevent Texas contractors from being forced to litigate disputes in foreign jurisdictions and require disputes to be handled in the county where the project is located; it was presented as a repeat of a previously vetoed bill and was left pending. Finally, the committee took up a substitute for Senate Bill 1940, concerning transfer-on-death style beneficiary designations for manufactured homes. The substitute would allow one or more beneficiaries instead of only one, transfer the interest to surviving designated beneficiaries who survive by 120 hours, extend the application period for transfer to 365 days, void the designation if not timely filed, and require mailing by certified or registered mail with return receipt requested. The substitute was adopted without objection. The committee then recessed subject to the call of the chair.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Supreme Court has recently spoken on this, and the Supreme Court was very clear.
• House Bill 1366 relates to justices and judges of state courts, judicial officers, and certain court
• Family court reform has been a focus since about 2017.
• I can tell you right now, 10 years into family court, I walk into court now, and it's no longer, 'Mr.
• Right now, courts like Judge Amado Abascal's 365th District Court in Maverick County are drowning in

Bills: HB 1181, HB3704, HB1363, HB1610, HB1615, HB1620, HB3223, HB1317, HB2884, HB2176, HB4027, HB1664, HB933, HB2613, HB3353, HB2086, HB4101, HB3441, HB4145, HB3455

Keywords: judiciary, judges, justices, retired, legal assignments, judicial conduct, notary public, criminal offense, education requirements, official documents, record retention, implicit bias, bias training, judicial training, judge education, court personnel, continuing legal education, CLE, state bar, Texas Court of Criminal Appeals