Justices hear TCPA timing and collateral‑estoppel fight in Sabre Point v. Farmland Partners

The Supreme Court of Texas heard argument in 230634, Sabre Point Capital Management and others v. Farmland Partners, a case addressing whether trial courts may reconsider rulings on motions under the Texas Citizens Participation Act (TCPA) after the statute’s 30‑day decision deadline and whether factual findings from a federal proceeding in Colorado preclude claims in Texas.

At issue is whether a district court may, after the TCPA’s mandatory 30‑day decision period has passed and a denial has occurred “by operation of law,” later reconsider and grant dismissal — and, if so, for how long a court should be allowed to revisit the order without undermining the statute’s purpose. The case also raises whether collateral estoppel should prevent plaintiffs from relitigating factual findings made in the Colorado litigation.

Petitioners’ counsel argued the TCPA’s 30‑day rule should not block a trial…