Texas lawmakers launch judicial updates including new courts and case filing thresholds

In a recent meeting of the Texas Judicial Council held on June 13, 2025, significant updates were shared regarding legislative changes and court performance metrics that could have lasting implications for the state's judicial system. The discussions highlighted the ongoing adjustments in response to rising case filings and the evolving landscape of Texas law.

One of the key legislative updates was the passage of Senate Bill 2111, which introduced several reforms aimed at streamlining court processes. Notably, the bill lowered the threshold for certain case types from $10 million to $5 million, allowing more cases to be heard in the eleventh division, which now includes Montgomery County. This change is expected to alleviate some of the pressure on higher courts by redistributing cases more evenly across the judicial system.

Additionally, the council reported the creation of 13 new district courts, one county court at law, and one probate court, along with the addition of two justices to the court of appeals scheduled for 2028 and 2029. These expansions are part of a broader strategy to address the increasing volume of cases, which saw a 48% rise in filings across various court levels, excluding the Supreme Court and constitutional county courts.

The meeting also provided insights into the performance of the courts during fiscal year 2024. Clearance rates improved across most court levels, although the district courts experienced a slight decline. The data indicated that while criminal case filings surged, particularly in felonies, civil and family cases lagged behind, reflecting a shift in focus during the COVID-19 pandemic. The backlog of cases, particularly in criminal courts, has been exacerbated by delays in prosecutorial filings, leading to record-high case submissions.

Concerns were raised about the long-term effects of legislative changes on court efficiency. Some council members noted that recent enhancements to penalties and the reclassification of offenses could be contributing to the rising number of felony cases. This trend raises questions about the balance between public safety and the capacity of the judicial system to manage increased caseloads effectively.

The council also discussed the implications of rising debt-related cases, which have reached all-time highs in justice courts, reflecting broader economic challenges faced by residents. The increase in eviction cases, particularly in Harris County, signals a potential crisis in housing stability as the state continues to recover from the pandemic's economic fallout.

In conclusion, the Texas Judicial Council's meeting underscored the urgent need for ongoing legislative and operational adjustments to address the complexities of a changing legal landscape. As the council prepares for future sessions, the focus will remain on ensuring that the judicial system can effectively manage its growing responsibilities while maintaining fairness and accessibility for all Texans.