District Courts Advocate Pay Adjustments and Language Access Improvements

The Harris County budget hearings on September 2, 2025, featured significant discussions from the District Courts regarding essential funding and operational needs. The court representatives expressed gratitude for the collaboration with the County Judge's Office and highlighted ongoing initiatives aimed at addressing case backlogs and improving access to court services.

A key point raised during the meeting was the request for pay adjustments for 13 associate judges serving in civil and family courts. Currently, these judges are the only group not slated to receive a pay increase, which the court representatives deemed an unsatisfactory outcome. They emphasized the importance of equitable compensation for all judicial staff to maintain morale and efficiency within the court system.

Additionally, the representatives discussed the need for improved language access in accordance with Senate Bill 9, which aims to enhance communication for non-English speakers in legal proceedings. They also pointed out the pressing need for a tax master position, which has been requested for the past three years. The absence of a coordinator for tax masters has resulted in challenges managing approximately 8,000 cases, complicating the civil courts' ability to process excess funds and judgments effectively.

In conclusion, the District Courts underscored the necessity for budget adjustments to support judicial staff and improve court operations, aiming to enhance overall service delivery in Harris County. The discussions set the stage for further considerations as the budget process continues.