89S10857 AMF-D
	By: Leach	H.B. No. 244

	A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
	AN ACT
	relating to the operation and administration of and practices and
	procedures related to proceedings in the judicial branch of state
	government, including court security, court documents and arrest
	warrants, document delivery, juvenile boards, constitutional
	amendment election challenges, record retention, youth diversion,
	court-ordered mental health services, the powers of the Texas
	Supreme Court, and jurors; increasing a criminal penalty;
	authorizing fees.
	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
	ARTICLE 1.  DISTRICT COURTS, DISTRICT CLERKS, AND DISTRICT
	ATTORNEYS
	SECTION 1.01.  Effective January 1, 2027, the heading to
	Section 24.127, Government Code, is amended to read as follows:
	Sec. 24.127.  522ND [SECOND 25TH] JUDICIAL DISTRICT
	([COLORADO,] GONZALES AND[,] GUADALUPE[, AND LAVACA] COUNTIES).
	SECTION 1.02.  Effective January 1, 2027, Section 24.127(a),
	Government Code, is amended to read as follows:
	(a)  The 522nd [Second 25th] Judicial District is composed of
	[Colorado,] Gonzales and[,] Guadalupe[, and Lavaca] counties.
	SECTION 1.03.  Section 24.360, Government Code, is amended
	to read as follows:
	Sec. 24.360.  173RD JUDICIAL DISTRICT (HENDERSON COUNTY).
	(a) The 173rd Judicial District is composed of Henderson County.
	(b)  The 173rd District Court shall give preference to civil
	and family law matters.
	SECTION 1.04.  Effective January 1, 2026, the heading to
	Section 24.451, Government Code, is amended to read as follows:
	Sec. 24.451.  274TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT (COMAL[, GUADALUPE,]
	AND HAYS COUNTIES).
	SECTION 1.05.  Effective January 1, 2026, Sections 24.451(a)
	and (c), Government Code, are amended to read as follows:
	(a)  The 274th Judicial District is composed of Comal[,
	Guadalupe,] and Hays counties.
	(c)  The 274th District Court has the same jurisdiction as
	the 22nd and the 207th district courts in Comal and Hays counties
	[and concurrent jurisdiction with the 25th and Second 25th district
	courts in Guadalupe County].
	SECTION 1.06.  Section 24.537, Government Code, is amended
	by adding Subsection (c) to read as follows:
	(c)  The 392nd District Court shall give preference to
	criminal cases.
	SECTION 1.07.  Section 24.591(c), Government Code, is
	amended to read as follows:
	(c)  The district clerk serves as clerk of a district court
	in all criminal and civil matters, including family matters, except
	the county clerk serves as clerk of a district court in Class A and
	Class B misdemeanor cases, juvenile matters, probate matters, and
	guardianship matters. Each clerk shall establish a separate docket
	for a district court [All civil and criminal matters within the
	concurrent jurisdiction of the county and district courts must be
	filed with the county clerk in the county court.  The county clerk
	serves as the clerk of the district court for those matters].
	SECTION 1.08.  (a)  Effective September 1, 2026, Subchapter
	C, Chapter 24, Government Code, is amended by adding Section
	24.60035 to read as follows:
	Sec. 24.60035.  490TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT (BRAZORIA COUNTY).
	The 490th Judicial District is composed of Brazoria County.
	(b)  The 490th Judicial District is created on September 1,
	2026.
	SECTION 1.09.  (a) Effective September 1, 2026, Subchapter
	C, Chapter 24, Government Code, is amended by adding Section
	24.60037 to read as follows:
	Sec. 24.60037.  492ND JUDICIAL DISTRICT (COLORADO AND LAVACA
	COUNTIES). The 492nd Judicial District is composed of Colorado and
	Lavaca counties.
	(b)  The 492nd Judicial District is created on September 1,
	2026.
	SECTION 1.10.  Effective January 1, 2026, Section
	24.60043(d), Government Code, is amended to read as follows:
	(d)  The district clerk serves as the clerk of a district
	court in all criminal and civil matters, including family matters,
	except the county clerk serves as the clerk of a district court in
	Class A and Class B misdemeanor cases, juvenile matters, probate
	matters, and guardianship matters. Each clerk shall establish a
	separate docket for a district court [All civil and criminal
	matters within the concurrent jurisdiction of the county and
	district courts must be filed with the county clerk in the county
	court.  The county clerk serves as the clerk of the district court
	for those matters].
	SECTION 1.11.  (a)  Subchapter C, Chapter 24, Government
	Code, is amended by adding Sections 24.60046 and 24.60047 to read as
	follows:
	Sec. 24.60046.  501ST JUDICIAL DISTRICT (FORT BEND COUNTY).
	The 501st Judicial District is composed of Fort Bend County.
	Sec. 24.60047.  502ND JUDICIAL DISTRICT (FORT BEND COUNTY).
	The 502nd Judicial District is composed of Fort Bend County.
	(b)  The 501st and 502nd Judicial Districts are created on
	the effective date of this Act.
	SECTION 1.12.  (a)  Subchapter C, Chapter 24, Government
	Code, is amended by adding Section 24.60048 to read as follows:
	Sec. 24.60048.  503RD JUDICIAL DISTRICT (ROCKWALL COUNTY).
	The 503rd Judicial District is composed of Rockwall County.
	(b)  The 503rd Judicial District is created on the effective
	date of this Act.
	SECTION 1.13.  (a)  Subchapter C, Chapter 24, Government
	Code, is amended by adding Section 24.60049 to read as follows:
	Sec. 24.60049.  504TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT (ELLIS COUNTY).  The
	504th Judicial District is composed of Ellis County.
	(b)  The 504th Judicial District is created on the effective
	date of this Act.
	SECTION 1.14.  (a)  Effective September 1, 2026, Subchapter
	C, Chapter 24, Government Code, is amended by adding Section
	24.60053 to read as follows:
	Sec. 24.60053.  511TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT (COMAL COUNTY). The
	511th Judicial District is composed of Comal County.
	(b)  The 511th Judicial District is created on September 1,
	2026.
	SECTION 1.15.  (a)  Subchapter C, Chapter 24, Government
	Code, is amended by adding Section 24.60054 to read as follows:
	Sec. 24.60054.  512TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT (WILLIAMSON
	COUNTY).  The 512th Judicial District is composed of Williamson
	County.
	(b)  The 512th Judicial District is created on the effective
	date of this Act.
	SECTION 1.16.  (a)  Effective January 1, 2026, Subchapter C,
	Chapter 24, Government Code, is amended by adding Sections
	24.60055, 24.60056, and 24.60057 to read as follows:
	Sec. 24.60055.  513TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT (HARRIS COUNTY).
	(a) The 513th Judicial District is composed of Harris County.
	(b)  The 513th District Court shall give preference to civil
	cases.
	Sec. 24.60056.  514TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT (HARRIS COUNTY).
	(a) The 514th Judicial District is composed of Harris County.
	(b)  The 514th District Court shall give preference to civil
	cases.
	Sec. 24.60057.  515TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT (HARRIS COUNTY).
	(a) The 515th Judicial District is composed of Harris County.
	(b)  The 515th District Court shall give preference to civil
	cases.
	(b)  The 513th, 514th, and 515th District Courts are created
	on January 1, 2026.
	SECTION 1.17.  (a)  Effective October 1, 2026, Subchapter C,
	Chapter 24, Government Code, is amended by adding Sections 24.60058
	and 24.60059 to read as follows:
	Sec. 24.60058.  516TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT (HARRIS COUNTY).
	(a) The 516th Judicial District is composed of Harris County.
	(b)  The 516th District Court shall give preference to civil
	cases.
	Sec. 24.60059.  517TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT (HARRIS COUNTY).
	(a) The 517th Judicial District is composed of Harris County.
	(b)  The 517th District Court shall give preference to civil
	cases.
	(b)  The 516th and 517th District Courts are created on
	October 1, 2026.
	SECTION 1.18.  Section 24.911, Government Code, is amended
	by adding Subsection (a-2) to read as follows:
	(a-2)  Tarrant County Criminal District Court No. 2 shall
	give preference to criminal cases.
	SECTION 1.19.  Section 24.913, Government Code, is amended
	by adding Subsection (e) to read as follows:
	(e)  Tarrant County Criminal District Court No. 4 shall give
	preference to criminal cases.
	SECTION 1.20.  Effective September 1, 2028, Section 43.101,
	Government Code, is amended to read as follows:
	Sec. 43.101.  1ST JUDICIAL DISTRICT. The voters of [Sabine
	and] San Augustine County [counties] elect a district attorney for
	the 1st Judicial District who represents the state in the [that]
	district courts in that county [court only in those counties].
	SECTION 1.21.  (a)  Effective January 1, 2029, Subchapter B,
	Chapter 43, Government Code, is amended by adding Section 43.1742
	to read as follows:
	Sec. 43.1742.  273RD JUDICIAL DISTRICT. The voters of
	Sabine County elect a district attorney for the 273rd Judicial
	District who represents the state in the district courts in that
	county.
	(b)  The office of district attorney for the 273rd Judicial
	District is created on September 1, 2028.
	SECTION 1.22.  Effective January 1, 2029, Section 43.177,
	Government Code, is amended to read as follows:
	Sec. 43.177.  293RD JUDICIAL DISTRICT. (a) The voters of
	Maverick County [the 293rd Judicial District] elect a district
	attorney who represents the state in all cases before the [that]
	district court.
	(b)  The commissioners court of Maverick County [one or more
	of the counties comprising the district] may supplement the state
	salary of the district attorney and[.  The commissioners court of
	each county may] set the amount of supplemental compensation paid
	by that county.
	(c)  The district attorney of the 293rd Judicial District
	also represents the state in all criminal and civil matters that
	arise in the 365th Judicial District in Maverick County.
	SECTION 1.23.  (a)  Effective January 1, 2029, Subchapter B,
	Chapter 43, Government Code, is amended by adding Section 43.1812
	to read as follows:
	Sec. 43.1812.  365TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT.  The voters of
	Dimmit and Zavala Counties elect a district attorney for the 365th
	Judicial District who represents the state in all civil and
	criminal matters in the district courts having jurisdiction in
	those counties.
	(b)  The office of district attorney for the 365th Judicial
	District is created on January 1, 2029.
	(c)  The office of district attorney for the 365th Judicial
	District exists for purposes of the primary and general elections
	in 2028.
	SECTION 1.24.  Effective January 1, 2029, Section 46.002,
	Government Code, is amended to read as follows:
	Sec. 46.002.  PROSECUTORS SUBJECT TO CHAPTER.  This chapter
	applies to the state prosecuting attorney, all county prosecutors,
	and the following state prosecutors:
	(1)  the district attorneys for Kenedy and Kleberg
	Counties and for the 1st, 2nd, 8th, 9th, 18th, 21st, 23rd, 24th,
	26th, 27th, 29th, 31st, 32nd, 33rd, 34th, 35th, 36th, 38th, 39th,
	42nd, 43rd, 46th, 47th, 49th, 50th, 51st, 52nd, 53rd, 63rd, 64th,
	66th, 69th, 70th, 76th, 79th, 81st, 83rd, 84th, 85th, 88th, 90th,
	97th, 100th, 105th, 106th, 109th, 110th, 112th, 118th, 119th,
	123rd, 132nd, 142nd, 143rd, 145th, 156th, 159th, 173rd, 196th,
	198th, 216th, 220th, 229th, 235th, 253rd, 258th, 259th, 266th,
	268th, 271st, 273rd, 286th, 287th, 329th, 344th, 349th, 355th,
	369th, 452nd, and 506th judicial districts;
	(2)  the criminal district attorneys for the counties
	of Anderson, Austin, Bastrop, Bexar, Bowie, Brazoria, Caldwell,
	Calhoun, Cass, Collin, Comal, Dallas, Deaf Smith, Denton, Eastland,
	Fannin, Galveston, Grayson, Gregg, Harrison, Hays, Hidalgo,
	Jasper, Jefferson, Kaufman, Kendall, Lubbock, McLennan, Madison,
	Medina, Navarro, Newton, Panola, Polk, Randall, Rockwall, San
	Jacinto, Smith, Tarrant, Taylor, Tyler, Upshur, Van Zandt,
	Victoria, Walker, Waller, Wichita, Wood, and Yoakum; and
	(3)  the county attorneys performing the duties of
	district attorneys in the counties of Andrews, Aransas, Burleson,
	Callahan, Cameron, Castro, Colorado, Crosby, Ellis, Falls,
	Fayette, Freestone, Gonzales, Guadalupe, Lamar, Lamb, Lampasas,
	Lavaca, Lee, Limestone, Marion, Milam, Morris, Ochiltree, Oldham,
	Orange, Rains, Red River, Robertson, Rusk, Swisher, Terry, Webb,
	and Willacy.
	SECTION 1.25.  Effective January 1, 2026, the following
	provisions of the Government Code are repealed:
	(1)  Sections 24.126(b) and (d);
	(2)  Sections 24.127(b) and (c); and
	(3)  Section 24.451(b).
	ARTICLE 2.  STATUTORY COUNTY COURTS
	SECTION 2.01.  Sections 22.004(b) and (h-1), Government
	Code, are amended to read as follows:
	(b)  The supreme court from time to time may promulgate a
	specific rule or rules of civil procedure, or an amendment or
	amendments to a specific rule or rules, to be effective at the time
	the supreme court deems expedient in the interest of a proper
	administration of justice.  The rules and amendments to rules
	remain in effect unless and until disapproved by the
	legislature.  The clerk of the supreme court shall file with the
	secretary of state the rules or amendments to rules promulgated by
	the supreme court under this subsection and shall provide [mail] a
	copy of those rules or amendments to rules to each registered member
	of the State Bar of Texas not later than the 60th day before the date
	on which they become effective.  On receiving a written request
	from a member of the legislature, the secretary of state shall
	provide the member with electronic notifications when the supreme
	court has promulgated rules or amendments to rules under this
	section.
	(h-1)  In addition to the rules adopted under Subsection (h),
	the supreme court shall adopt rules to promote the prompt,
	efficient, and cost-effective resolution of civil actions filed in
	county courts at law in which the amount in controversy does not
	exceed $325,000 [$250,000]. The rules shall balance the need for
	lowering discovery costs in these actions against the complexity of
	and discovery needs in these actions. The supreme court may not
	adopt rules under this subsection that conflict with other
	statutory law.
	SECTION 2.02.  Section 25.0003(c), Government Code, is
	amended to read as follows:
	(c)  In addition to other jurisdiction provided by law, a
	statutory county court exercising civil jurisdiction concurrent
	with the constitutional jurisdiction of the county court has
	concurrent jurisdiction with the district court in:
	(1)  civil cases in which the matter in controversy
	exceeds $500 but does not exceed $325,000 [$250,000], excluding
	interest, statutory or punitive damages and penalties, and
	attorney's fees and costs, as alleged on the face of the petition;
	and
	(2)  appeals of final rulings and decisions of the
	division of workers' compensation of the Texas Department of
	Insurance regarding workers' compensation claims, regardless of
	the amount in controversy.
	SECTION 2.03.  Section 25.0007(c), Government Code, is
	amended to read as follows:
	(c)  In a civil case pending in a statutory county court in
	which the matter in controversy exceeds $325,000 [$250,000], the
	jury shall be composed of 12 members unless all of the parties agree
	to a jury composed of a lesser number of jurors.
	SECTION 2.04.  Section 25.00212, Government Code, is amended
	by amending Subsection (a) and adding Subsection (a-1) to read as
	follows:
	(a)  At the end of each state fiscal year, the comptroller
	shall determine:
	(1)  the amounts deposited in the judicial fund under
	Section 133.151(c)(1), Local Government Code, from [by] statutory
	probate courts fees remitted under Section 133.151(a)(1), Local
	Government Code, either:
	(A)  directly to the treasury by the Office of
	Court Administration of the Texas Judicial System for fees paid
	using the electronic filing system established under Section
	72.031; or
	(B)  to the comptroller in the manner provided by
	Subchapter B, Chapter 133, Local Government Code, for fees paid to
	an officer of a court; and
	(2)  the sum of the amount paid under Section
	25.0022(e) and the total amounts paid to the counties under Section
	25.00211.
	(a-1)  If the comptroller determines the total amount
	deposited in the judicial fund by statutory probate courts in all
	counties as calculated under Subsection (a)(1) exceeds the sum
	calculated under Subsection (a)(2) [that sum], the comptroller
	[state] shall remit the excess proportionately to each county that
	contributed [deposited] a greater amount to [in] the judicial fund
	from fees collected by a statutory probate court than the amount the
	county was paid under Section 25.00211, as adjusted in an equitable
	manner to reflect the differences in the total amounts paid to the
	counties under Section 25.00211.
	SECTION 2.05.  Section 25.0022(f), Government Code, is
	amended to read as follows:
	(f)  Each county pays annually to the presiding judge, from
	fees allocated to the judicial education and support fund under
	[collected pursuant to] Section 135.102 [118.052(2)(A)(vi)], Local
	Government Code, the amount of the salary apportioned [to it] as
	provided by this section and the other expenses authorized by this
	section. The presiding judge shall place each county's payment of
	salary and other expenses in an administrative fund, from which the
	salary and other expenses are paid. The salary shall be paid in
	equal monthly installments.
	SECTION 2.06.  Section 25.0062(b), Government Code, is
	amended to read as follows:
	(b)  The district clerk serves as clerk of a county court at
	law in felony cases, in family law cases and proceedings, and in
	civil cases in which the matter in controversy exceeds $325,000
	[$250,000]. The county clerk serves as clerk of a county court at
	law in all other cases. The district clerk shall establish a
	separate docket for a county court at law. The commissioners court
	shall provide the deputy clerks, bailiffs, and other personnel
	necessary to operate a county court at law.
	SECTION 2.07.  (a)  Section 25.0092, Government Code, is
	amended by amending Subsections (a) and (d) and adding Subsection
	(c-1) to read as follows:
	(a)  In addition to the jurisdiction provided by Section
	25.0003 and other law, and except as limited by Subsection (b), a
	county court at law in Atascosa County has concurrent jurisdiction
	with the district court in:
	(1)  Class A and Class B misdemeanor cases;
	(2)  family law matters;
	(3)  juvenile matters;
	(4)  probate matters; [and]
	(5)  appeals from the justice and municipal courts; and
	(6)  civil cases in which the matter in controversy
	exceeds the maximum amount provided by Section 25.0003 but does not
	exceed $1 million, excluding interest, statutory or punitive
	damages and penalties, and attorney's fees and costs, as alleged on
	the face of the petition, including:
	(A)  a suit to decide the issue of title to real or
	personal property;
	(B)  a suit for the enforcement of a lien on real
	property;
	(C)  a suit for the trial of the right to property
	valued at $500 or more that has been levied on under a writ of
	execution, sequestration, or attachment; and
	(D)  a suit for the recovery of real property.
	(c-1)  In addition to other assignments provided by law, a
	judge of the county court at law in Atascosa County is subject to
	assignment under Chapter 74 to any district court in Atascosa
	County.  A county court at law judge assigned to a district court
	may hear any matter pending in the district court.
	(d)  The judge of a county court at law shall be paid as
	provided by Section 25.0005 [a total annual salary set by the
	commissioners court at an amount that is not less than $1,000 less
	than the total annual salary received by a district judge in the
	county.  A district judge's or statutory county court judge's total
	annual salary does not include contributions and supplements paid
	by a county].
	(b)  Section 25.0092(a), Government Code, as amended by this
	section, applies only to a case filed or proceeding commenced on or
	after the effective date of this Act. A case filed or proceeding
	commenced before that date is governed by the law in effect on the
	date the case was filed or the proceeding was commenced, and the
	former law is continued in effect for that purpose.
	SECTION 2.08.  Section 25.0212, Government Code, is amended
	by amending Subsections (a), (b), and (f) and adding Subsections
	(i) and (j) to read as follows:
	(a)  In addition to the jurisdiction provided by Section
	25.0003 and other law and except as limited by Subsection (b), a
	county court at law in Bowie County has, concurrent with the
	district court, the jurisdiction provided by the constitution and
	by general law for district courts, including concurrent
	jurisdiction in:
	(1)  specialty court programs;
	(2)  misdemeanor cases;
	(3)  family law cases and proceedings, including
	juvenile matters; and
	(4)  probate and guardianship matters.
	(b)  A county court at law does not have jurisdiction of:
	(1)  felony criminal matters;
	(2)  suits on behalf of the state to recover penalties
	or escheated property;
	(3)  misdemeanors involving official misconduct;
	(4)  contested elections; or
	(5)  civil cases in which the matter in controversy
	exceeds the amount provided in Section 25.0003 [$200,000],
	excluding interest, statutory or punitive damages and penalties,
	and attorney's fees and costs, as alleged on the face of the
	petition.
	(f)  The [commissioners court may authorize the judge of a
	county court at law to set the] official court reporter of a county
	court at law is entitled to compensation, fees, and allowances in
	amounts equal to the amounts paid to the official court reporters
	serving the district courts in Bowie County, including an annual
	salary set by the judge of the county court at law and approved by
	the commissioners court [reporter's salary].
	(i)  The jury in all civil or criminal matters is composed of
	12 members, except in misdemeanor criminal cases and any other case
	in which the court has concurrent jurisdiction with county courts
	under Section 25.0003(a), the jury is composed of six members.
	(j)  In matters of concurrent jurisdiction, a judge of a
	county court at law and a judge of a district court with
	jurisdiction in Bowie County may transfer cases between the courts
	in the same manner that judges of district courts may transfer cases
	under Section 24.003.
	SECTION 2.09.  (a)  Section 25.1031(a), Government Code, is
	amended to read as follows:
	(a)  Harris County has the following county civil courts at
	law:
	(1)  County Civil Court at Law No. 1 of Harris County,
	Texas;
	(2)  County Civil Court at Law No. 2 of Harris County,
	Texas;
	(3)  County Civil Court at Law No. 3 of Harris County,
	Texas; [and]
	(4)  County Civil Court at Law No. 4 of Harris County,
	Texas; and
	(5)  County Civil Court at Law No. 5 of Harris County,
	Texas.
	(b)  The County Civil Court at Law No. 5 of Harris County is
	created on the effective date of this Act.
	SECTION 2.10.  (a)  Section 25.1101(b), Government Code, is
	amended to read as follows:
	(b)  Hidalgo County has the following statutory probate
	courts:
	(1)  [one statutory probate court, the] Probate Court
	No. 1 of Hidalgo County; and
	(2)  Probate Court No. 2 of Hidalgo County.
	(b)  On the effective date of this section:
	(1)  Probate Court No. 2 of Hidalgo County is created;
	and
	(2)  the Probate Court of Hidalgo County is
	redesignated as Probate Court No. 1 of Hidalgo County.
	(c)  This section takes effect September 1, 2025, if this Act
	receives a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each
	house, as provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution.
	If this Act does not receive the vote necessary for the effect of
	this section on that date, this section takes effect on the 91st day
	after the last day of the legislative session.
	SECTION 2.11.  (a)  Section 25.1102(a), Government Code, is
	amended to read as follows:
	(a)  In addition to the jurisdiction provided by Section
	25.0003 and other law, a county court at law in Hidalgo County has
	concurrent jurisdiction with the district court in:
	(1)  family law cases and proceedings; and
	(2)  civil cases [in which the matter in controversy
	does not exceed $750,000, excluding interest, statutory or punitive
	damages and penalties, and attorney's fees and costs, as alleged on
	the page of the petition].
	(b)  Section 25.1102(a), Government Code, as amended by this
	section, applies only to an action filed in a county court at law in
	Hidalgo County on or after the effective date of this section.  An
	action filed in a county court at law in Hidalgo County before the
	effective date of this section is governed by the law in effect on
	the date the action was filed, and the former law is continued in
	effect for that purpose.
	(c)  This section takes effect September 1, 2025, if this Act
	receives a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each
	house, as provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution.
	If this Act does not receive the vote necessary for the effect of
	this section on that date, this section takes effect on the 91st day
	after the last day of the legislative session.
	SECTION 2.12.  Section 25.1902(b-1), Government Code, is
	amended to read as follows:
	(b-1)  In addition to the jurisdiction provided by
	Subsections (a) and (b), the county courts at law in [County Court
	at Law No. 1 of] Potter County have [has] concurrent jurisdiction
	with the district court in felony cases to conduct arraignments,
	conduct pretrial hearings, and accept pleas in uncontested matters.
	SECTION 2.13.  Section 25.2282, Government Code, is amended
	by adding Subsection (b) to read as follows:
	(b)  In addition to the jurisdiction provided by Section
	25.0003 and other law, a county court at law in Tom Green County has
	concurrent jurisdiction with the district court in family law cases
	and proceedings.
	SECTION 2.14.  Sections 25.2452(b), (c), (d), and (e),
	Government Code, are amended to read as follows:
	(b)  All misdemeanor cases, probate and mental health
	matters, proceedings under the Estates Code, and appeals from
	municipal courts of record shall be filed in the county court at
	law.  A county court at law may transfer a case or an appeal
	described by this subsection to the county court with the consent of
	the county judge.
	(c)  Except as provided by Section 25.0003 and Subsection
	(d), a county court at law has concurrent jurisdiction with the
	district court in:
	(1)  family law cases and proceedings under the Family
	Code; [and]
	(2)  civil cases in which the amount in controversy
	exceeds $500 but does not exceed $200,000, excluding interest,
	exemplary damages, penalties, attorney's fees, and court costs; and
	(3)  appeals from the justice courts.
	(d)  A county court at law does not have jurisdiction of:
	(1)  a case under:
	(A)  the Alcoholic Beverage Code;
	(B)  the Election Code; or
	(C)  the Tax Code; or
	(2)  a matter over which the district court has
	exclusive jurisdiction[; or
	[(3)  a civil case, other than a case under the Family
	Code or the Estates Code, in which the amount in controversy is:
	[(A)  less than the maximum amount in controversy
	allowed the justice court in Wichita County; or
	[(B)  more than $200,000, exclusive of punitive or
	exemplary damages, penalties, interest, costs, and attorney's
	fees].
	(e)  On the motion of any party, a county court at law may
	transfer a civil case originally filed in a county court at law that
	exceeds the maximum amount in controversy described by Subsection
	(c)(2) [(d)(3)(B)] to the district court in Wichita County, except
	that an announcement of ready for trial by all parties before a
	motion to transfer the case to the district court is filed confers
	original jurisdiction on the county court at law.  A case that is
	transferred to the district court shall be completed under the same
	cause number and in the same manner as if the case were originally
	filed in the district court.
	SECTION 2.15.  Section 25.2704(a), Government Code, is
	amended to read as follows:
	(a)  In addition to the jurisdiction provided by Section
	25.0003 and other law, the 2nd Multicounty Court at Law has
	concurrent jurisdiction with the district courts, including
	[except] in civil cases in which the matter in controversy exceeds
	the maximum amount provided by Section 25.0003(c)(1).
	SECTION 2.16.  (a)  Sections 25.0212(d) and 25.1723(c),
	Government Code, are repealed.
	(b)  Section 25.1723(c), Government Code, as repealed by
	this section, applies only to an action filed on or after the
	effective date of this Act. An action filed before that date is
	governed by the law in effect immediately before that date, and that
	law is continued in effect for that purpose.
	SECTION 2.17.  Sections 25.0003(c), 25.0007(c), and
	25.0062(b), Government Code, as amended by this article, apply only
	to a civil case filed in a statutory county court on or after the
	effective date of this Act.  A civil case filed in a statutory
	county court before that date is governed by the law in effect
	immediately before that date, and the former law is continued in
	effect for that purpose.
	SECTION 2.18.  Section 25.00212, Government Code, as amended
	by this article, applies to amounts deposited in the judicial fund
	under Section 133.151(c)(1), Local Government Code, from fees
	collected by a statutory probate court before, on, or after the
	effective date of this Act.
	SECTION 2.19.  Section 25.2282, Government Code, as amended
	by this article, applies only to a case filed or proceeding
	commenced on or after the effective date of this Act. A case filed
	or proceeding commenced before that date is governed by the law in
	effect on the date the action was filed, and the former law is
	continued in effect for that purpose.
	SECTION 2.20.  Section 25.2452, Government Code, as amended
	by this article, applies only to an action filed in a county court
	at law in Wichita County on or after the effective date of this Act.
	An action filed in a county court at law in Wichita County before
	that date is governed by the law in effect on the date the action was
	filed, and the former law is continued in effect for that purpose.
	SECTION 2.21.  Section 25.2704(a), Government Code, as
	amended by this article, applies only to a case filed or proceeding
	commenced on or after the effective date of this Act.  A case filed
	or proceeding commenced before that date is governed by the law in
	effect on the date the case was filed or the proceeding was
	commenced, and the former law is continued in effect for that
	purpose.
	ARTICLE 3. MUNICIPAL COURT PROVISIONS
	SECTION 3.01.  Section 29.014, Government Code, is amended
	by amending Subsections (c) and (d) and adding Subsection (e) to
	read as follows:
	(c)  The committee shall establish the policies and
	procedures necessary to provide adequate security to the municipal
	courts served by the presiding or municipal judge, as applicable,
	including by developing a court emergency management plan.
	(d)  A committee shall [may] recommend to the municipality
	the uses of resources and expenditures of money for courthouse
	security, but may not direct the assignment of those resources or
	the expenditure of those funds.
	(e)  Notwithstanding Section 551.001 or 552.003, a court
	security committee established under this section is not a
	governmental body for the purposes of Chapter 551 or 552.
	SECTION 3.02.  Section 30.00007, Government Code, is amended
	by amending Subsections (b) and (c) and adding Subsection (d) to
	read as follows:
	(b)  The presiding judge shall:
	(1)  maintain a central docket for cases filed within
	the territorial limits of the municipality over which the municipal
	courts of record have jurisdiction;
	(2)  provide for the distribution of cases from the
	central docket to the individual municipal judges to equalize the
	distribution of business in the courts;
	(3)  request the jurors needed for cases that are set
	for trial by jury;
	(4)  temporarily assign judges or substitute judges to
	exchange benches and to act for each other in a proceeding pending
	in a court if necessary for the expeditious disposition of business
	in the courts;
	(5)  supervise and control the operation and clerical
	functions of the administrative department of each court, including
	the court's personnel, during the proceedings of the court; and
	(6)  establish a court security committee to adopt
	security policies and procedures for the courts served by the
	presiding judge, including by developing a court emergency
	management plan, that is composed of:
	(A)  the presiding judge, or the presiding judge's
	designee, who serves as presiding officer of the committee;
	(B)  a representative of the law enforcement
	agency or other entity that provides the primary security for the
	court;
	(C)  a representative of the municipality; and
	(D)  any other person the committee determines
	necessary to assist the committee.
	(c)  A court security committee shall [may] recommend to the
	governing body the uses of resources and expenditures of money for
	courthouse security, but may not direct the assignment of those
	resources or the expenditure of those funds.
	(d)  Notwithstanding Section 551.001 or 552.003, a court
	security committee established under this section is not a
	governmental body for the purposes of Chapter 551 or 552.
	SECTION 3.03.  Section 30.01014(d), Government Code, is
	amended to read as follows:
	(d)  [In addition to satisfying the requirements of Section
	30.00006(c), a municipal judge must maintain residence in the city
	during the tenure of office and must be a resident of the city at the
	time of appointment or election.] The judge shall devote as much
	time to the office as it requires.
	SECTION 3.04.  Chapter 30, Government Code, is amended by
	adding Subchapter AAA to read as follows:
	SUBCHAPTER AAA. CANYON
	Sec. 30.01911.  APPLICABILITY. This subchapter applies to
	the city of Canyon.
	Sec. 30.01912.  JUDGE. A municipal judge for the city of
	Canyon is not required to be a resident of the city.
	SECTION 3.05.  As soon as practicable after the effective
	date of this Act, a court security committee shall develop a court
	emergency management plan as required by Section 29.014 or
	30.00007, Government Code, as amended by this article.
	ARTICLE 4. VISITING JUDGES
	SECTION 4.01.  Sections 25.0022(d), (h), (k), (o), (t), (u),
	and (w), Government Code, are amended to read as follows:
	(d)  The presiding judge shall:
	(1)  ensure the promulgation of local rules of
	administration in accordance with policies and guidelines set by
	the supreme court;
	(2)  advise local statutory probate court judges on
	case flow management practices and auxiliary court services;
	(3)  perform a duty of a local administrative statutory
	probate court judge if the local administrative judge does not
	perform that duty;
	(4)  appoint an assistant presiding judge of the
	statutory probate courts;
	(5)  call and preside over annual meetings of the
	judges of the statutory probate courts at a time and place in the
	state as designated by the presiding judge;
	(6)  call and convene other meetings of the judges of
	the statutory probate courts as considered necessary by the
	presiding judge to promote the orderly and efficient administration
	of justice in the statutory probate courts;
	(7)  study available statistics reflecting the
	condition of the dockets of the probate courts in the state to
	determine the need for the assignment of judges under this section;
	(8)  compare local rules of court to achieve uniformity
	of rules to the extent practical and consistent with local
	conditions;
	(9)  assign or order the clerk who serves the statutory
	probate courts to randomly assign a judge or former or retired judge
	of a statutory probate court or a former or retired justice of an
	appellate court to hear a case under Section 25.002201(a) or
	25.00255, as applicable; and
	(10)  require the local administrative judge for
	statutory probate courts in a county to ensure that all statutory
	probate courts in the county comply with Chapter 37.
	(h)  Subject to Section 25.002201, a judge or a former or
	retired judge of a statutory probate court or a former or retired
	justice of an appellate court may be assigned by the presiding judge
	of the statutory probate courts to hold court in a statutory probate
	court, a county court, or any statutory court exercising probate
	jurisdiction when:
	(1)  a statutory probate judge requests assignment of
	another judge to the judge's court;
	(2)  a statutory probate judge is absent, disabled, or
	disqualified for any reason;
	(3)  a statutory probate judge is present or is trying
	cases as authorized by the constitution and laws of this state and
	the condition of the court's docket makes it necessary to appoint an
	additional judge;
	(4)  the office of a statutory probate judge is vacant;
	(5)  the presiding judge of an administrative judicial
	district requests the assignment of a statutory probate judge to
	hear a probate matter in a county court or statutory county court;
	(6)  the statutory probate judge is recused or
	disqualified as described by Section 25.002201(a);
	(7)  a county court judge requests the assignment of a
	statutory probate judge to hear a probate matter in the county
	court; or
	(8)  a local administrative statutory probate court
	judge requests the assignment of a statutory probate judge to hear a
	matter in a statutory probate court.
	(k)  The daily compensation of a former or retired judge or
	justice for purposes of this section is set at an amount equal to
	the daily compensation of a judge of a statutory probate court in
	the county in which the former or retired judge or justice is
	assigned. A former or retired judge or justice assigned to a county
	that does not have a statutory probate court shall be paid an amount
	equal to the daily compensation of a judge of a statutory probate
	court in the county where the assigned judge or justice was last
	elected.
	(o)  The county in which the assigned judge served shall pay
	out of the general fund of the county:
	(1)  expenses certified under Subsection (m) to the
	assigned judge; and
	(2)  the salary certified under Subsection (m) to the
	county in which the assigned judge serves, or, if the assigned judge
	is a former or retired judge or justice, to the assigned judge.
	(t)  To be eligible for assignment under this section, a
	former or retired judge of a statutory probate court or a former or
	retired justice of an appellate court must:
	(1)  not have been removed from office;
	(2)  certify under oath to the presiding judge, on a
	form prescribed by the state board of regional judges, that:
	(A)  the judge or justice has not been publicly
	reprimanded or censured by the State Commission on Judicial
	Conduct; and
	(B)  the judge or justice:
	(i)  did not resign or retire from office
	after the State Commission on Judicial Conduct notified the judge
	or justice of the commencement of a full investigation into an
	allegation or appearance of misconduct or disability of the judge
	or justice as provided in Section 33.022 and before the final
	disposition of that investigation; or
	(ii)  if the judge or justice did resign from
	office under circumstances described by Subparagraph (i), was not
	publicly reprimanded or censured as a result of the investigation;
	(3)  annually demonstrate that the judge or justice has
	completed in the past state fiscal year the educational
	requirements for an active statutory probate court judge;
	(4)  have served as an active judge or justice for at
	least 72 months in a district, statutory probate, statutory county,
	or appellate court; and
	(5)  have developed substantial experience in the
	judge's or justice's area of specialty.
	(u)  In addition to the eligibility requirements under
	Subsection (t), to be eligible for assignment under this section in
	the judge's or justice's county of residence, a former or retired
	judge of a statutory probate court or a former or retired justice of
	an appellate court must certify to the presiding judge a
	willingness not to:
	(1)  appear and plead as an attorney in any court in the
	judge's county of residence for a period of two years; and
	(2)  accept appointment as a guardian ad litem,
	guardian of the estate of an incapacitated person, or guardian of
	the person of an incapacitated person in any court in the judge's or
	justice's county of residence for a period of two years.
	(w)  A former or retired judge or justice who is assigned
	under this section is not an employee of the county in which the
	assigned court is located.
	SECTION 4.02.  Section 25.002201, Government Code, is
	amended to read as follows:
	Sec. 25.002201.  ASSIGNMENT OF JUDGE ON RECUSAL OR
	DISQUALIFICATION. (a)  Except as provided by Subsection (b), not
	later than the 15th day after the date an order of recusal or
	disqualification of a statutory probate court judge is issued in a
	case, the presiding judge shall assign a statutory probate court
	judge or a former or retired judge of a statutory probate court or a
	former or retired justice of an appellate court to hear the case if:
	(1)  the judge of the statutory probate court recused
	himself or herself under Section 25.00255(g)(1)(A);
	(2)  the judge of the statutory probate court
	disqualified himself or herself under Section 25.00255(g-1);
	(3)  the order was issued under Section
	25.00255(i-3)(1); or
	(4)  the presiding judge receives notice and a request
	for assignment from the clerk of the statutory probate court under
	Section 25.00255(l).
	(b)  If the judge who is the subject of an order of recusal or
	disqualification is the presiding judge of the statutory probate
	courts, the chief justice of the supreme court shall assign a
	statutory probate judge, [or] a former or retired judge of a
	statutory probate court, or a former or retired justice of an
	appellate court to hear the case.
	SECTION 4.03.  Section 25.00255, Government Code, is amended
	by amending Subsection (a) and adding Subsections (b) and (c) to
	read as follows:
	(a)  Notwithstanding any conflicting provision in the Texas
	Rules of Civil Procedure, Rules 18a and 18b, Texas Rules of Civil
	Procedure, apply to the recusal and disqualification of a statutory
	probate court judge except as otherwise provided by this section or
	another provision of this subchapter.  The presiding judge:
	(1)  has the authority and shall perform the functions
	and duties of the presiding judge of the administrative judicial
	region under the rules, including the duty to hear or rule on a
	referred motion of recusal or disqualification or, subject to
	Subdivisions (2) and (3), assign a judge to hear and rule on a
	referred motion of recusal or disqualification;
	(2)  may assign a presiding judge of the administrative
	judicial region to hear and rule on a referred motion of recusal or
	disqualification only with the consent of the presiding judge of
	the administrative judicial region;
	(3)  may not assign a judge of a statutory probate court
	located in the same county as the statutory probate court served by
	the judge who is the subject of the motion of recusal or
	disqualification; and
	(4)  if the presiding judge is the subject of the motion
	of recusal or disqualification, shall sign and file with the clerk
	an order referring the motion to the chief justice of the supreme
	court for assignment of a presiding judge of an administrative
	judicial region, a statutory probate court judge, [or] a former or
	retired judge of a statutory probate court, or a former or retired
	justice of an appellate court to hear and rule on the motion,
	subject to Subdivisions (2) and (3).
	(b)  The presiding judge may deny a motion of recusal or
	disqualification that does not comply with Rule 18a, Texas Rules of
	Civil Procedure, without a hearing.  An order denying a motion under
	this subsection must state the manner in which the motion fails to
	comply with that rule.
	(c)  A motion of recusal or disqualification that does not
	comply with Rule 18a, Texas Rules of Civil Procedure, is a motion or
	disqualification for the purpose of determining whether a tertiary
	recusal motion has been filed under Section 25.00256, regardless of
	whether the motion was amended after filing.
	SECTION 4.04.  Section 74.003(e), Government Code, is
	amended to read as follows:
	(e)  A retired justice or judge assigned as provided by this
	section is entitled to receive, pro rata for the time serving on
	assignment, from money appropriated from the general revenue fund
	for that purpose, an amount equal to the compensation received from
	state and county sources by a justice of the court of appeals to
	which assigned.  A former justice or judge assigned as provided by
	this section is entitled to receive, pro rata for the time serving
	on assignment, from money appropriated from the general revenue
	fund for that purpose, an amount equal to the compensation from the
	state received by a justice of the court of appeals to which
	assigned, and from county sources, an amount equal to the
	compensation received from county sources by a justice of the court
	of appeals to which assigned.  For purposes of determining the
	amount to be paid to a former or retired justice or judge under this
	subsection, the compensation received from the state by a justice
	of the court of appeals to which the retired justice or judge is
	assigned is the amount equal to the state [base] salary paid in
	accordance with Section 659.012(b) to a justice of that court of
	appeals with comparable years of service as the retired justice or
	judge on the retired justice's or judge's last day of service in
	judicial office [as set by the General Appropriations Act in
	accordance with Section 659.012(a)].
	SECTION 4.05.  Section 74.046(b), Government Code, is
	amended to read as follows:
	(b)  A presiding judge may appoint a judicial mentor or
	arrange for additional administrative personnel to be assigned to a
	court identified by the Office of Court Administration of the Texas
	Judicial System as needing additional assistance under Section
	72.024(b-1). A former or retired judge or justice assigned as a
	judicial mentor under this subsection is entitled to the same
	salary, compensation, and expenses under Section 74.061 that the
	judge or justice would be entitled to if the judge or justice had
	been assigned under this chapter to serve as the judge of a trial
	court in the administrative judicial region of the court to which
	the judge or justice is assigned as a judicial mentor.
	SECTION 4.06.  Section 74.059, Government Code, is amended
	by adding Subsection (a-1) to read as follows:
	(a-1)  A judge assigned under the provisions of this chapter
	to a court that sits in a county located in the Texas-Mexico border
	region, as defined by Section 2056.002(e), may conduct a
	proceeding, other than a trial, or perform a judicial action from
	any location in this state using videoconference, teleconference,
	or other available electronic means if authorized by the order of
	assignment.
	SECTION 4.07.  Section 74.061, Government Code, is amended
	by amending Subsections (h), (i), and (k) and adding Subsection
	(k-1) to read as follows:
	(h)  Notwithstanding Subsection (c), the salary from the
	state of a retired judge or justice assigned to a district court is
	determined pro rata based on the sum of the regular judge's salary
	from the county plus the amount of the state [base] salary paid in
	accordance with Section 659.012(b) to a district judge with
	comparable years of service as the retired judge or justice on the
	retired judge's or justice's last day of service in judicial office
	[as set by the General Appropriations Act in accordance with
	Section 659.012(a)].
	(i)  Notwithstanding Subsection (d), the salary from the
	state of a former judge or justice assigned to a district court is
	determined pro rata based on the amount of the state [base] salary
	paid in accordance with Section 659.012(b) to a district judge with
	comparable years of service as the retired judge or justice on the
	retired judge's or justice's last day of service in judicial office
	[as set by the General Appropriations Act in accordance with
	Section 659.012(a)].
	(k)  Except as provided by Subsection (k-1) and
	notwithstanding [Notwithstanding] any other provision of law, a
	former, retired, or active judge is not entitled to compensation
	paid by the state when the judge sits as an assigned judge for a
	statutory county court.
	(k-1)  Notwithstanding any other provision, a former or
	retired judge or justice assigned under this chapter to a
	constitutional county court in a county located in the Texas-Mexico
	border region, as defined by Section 2056.002(e), is entitled to
	compensation from the state in an amount equal to the maximum salary
	a district judge may receive from county and state sources under
	Section 659.012(a) if the presiding judge of the administrative
	judicial region in which the county lies certifies that exigent
	circumstances require the assignment.
	SECTION 4.08.  This article takes effect immediately if this
	Act receives a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each
	house, as provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution.
	If this Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate
	effect, this article takes effect on the effective date of this Act.
	ARTICLE 5.  MASTERS, MAGISTRATES, REFEREES, AND ASSOCIATE JUDGES
	SECTION 5.01.  Article 2A.151, Code of Criminal Procedure,
	as amended by S.B. 251, Acts of the 89th Legislature, Regular
	Session, 2025, and by H.B. 1620, Acts of the 89th Legislature,
	Regular Session, 2025, as effective September 1, 2025, is reenacted
	and amended to read as follows:
	Art. 2A.151.  TYPES OF MAGISTRATES.  The following officers
	are magistrates for purposes of this code:
	(1)  a justice of the supreme court;
	(2)  a judge of the court of criminal appeals;
	(3)  a justice of the courts of appeals;
	(4)  a judge of a district court;
	(5)  an associate judge appointed by:
	(A)  a judge of a district court or a statutory
	county court that gives preference to criminal cases in Jefferson
	County;
	(B)  a judge of a district court or a statutory
	county court of Brazos County, Nueces County, or Williamson County;
	[or]
	(C)  a judge of a district court under Chapter
	54A, Government Code; or
	(D)  a judge of a district court under Subchapter
	B, Chapter 54B, Government Code;
	(6)  a criminal magistrate appointed by:
	(A)  the Bell County Commissioners Court;
	(B)  the Brazoria County Commissioners Court; or
	(C)  the Burnet County Commissioners Court;
	(7)  a criminal law hearing officer for:
	(A)  Harris County appointed under Subchapter L,
	Chapter 54, Government Code; or
	(B)  Cameron County appointed under Subchapter
	BB, Chapter 54, Government Code;
	(8)  a magistrate appointed:
	(A)  by a judge of a district court of Bexar
	County, Dallas County, or Tarrant County that gives preference to
	criminal cases;
	(B)  by a judge of a criminal district court of
	Dallas County or Tarrant County;
	(C)  by a judge of a district court or statutory
	county court of Denton or Grayson County;
	(D)  by a judge of a district court or statutory
	county court that gives preference to criminal cases in Travis
	County;
	(E)  by the El Paso Council of Judges;
	(F)  by the Fort Bend County Commissioners Court;
	(G)  by the Collin County Commissioners Court; or
	(H)  under Subchapter JJ, Chapter 54, Government
	Code;
	(9)  a magistrate or associate judge appointed by a
	judge of a district court of Lubbock County, Nolan County, or Webb
	County;
	(10)  a county judge;
	(11)  a judge of:
	(A)  a statutory county court;
	(B)  a county criminal court; or
	(C)  a statutory probate court;
	(12)  an associate judge appointed by a judge of a
	statutory probate court under Chapter 54A, Government Code;
	(13)  a justice of the peace; and
	(14)  a mayor or recorder of a municipality or a judge
	of a municipal court.
	SECTION 5.02.  Section 54.1601(b), Government Code, as added
	by S.B. 251, Acts of the 89th Legislature, Regular Session, 2025,
	is amended to read as follows:
	(b)  The commissioners court shall establish the minimum
	qualifications, salary, benefits, and other compensation of each
	magistrate position and shall determine whether the position is
	full-time or part-time.  Notwithstanding any other provision of
	this chapter, to be eligible for appointment under this subchapter,
	a person must [The qualifications must require the magistrate to:
	[(1)  have served as a justice of the peace or municipal
	court judge; or
	[(2)]  have been licensed to practice law in this state
	and in good standing with the State Bar of Texas for at least two
	years.
	SECTION 5.03.  Chapter 54B, Government Code, is amended by
	adding Subchapter B to read as follows:
	SUBCHAPTER B.  CRIMINAL ASSOCIATE JUDGES IN COKE, CONCHO, IRION,
	RUNNELS, SCHLEICHER, STERLING, AND TOM GREEN COUNTIES
	Sec. 54B.031.  APPOINTMENT. (a)  A judge of the 51st, 119th,
	340th, or 391st district court may appoint a full-time or part-time
	criminal associate judge to perform the duties authorized by this
	subchapter if the commissioners court of the county in which the
	court has jurisdiction has authorized the creation of an associate
	judge position.
	(b)  If a court has jurisdiction in more than one county, an
	associate judge appointed by that court may serve only in a county
	in which the commissioners court has authorized the appointment.
	(c)  If more than one court in a county is subject to this
	subchapter, the commissioners court may authorize the appointment
	of an associate judge for each court or may authorize one or more
	associate judges to share service with two or more courts.
	(d)  If an associate judge serves more than one court, the
	associate judge's appointment must be made as established by local
	rule, but in no event by less than a vote of two-thirds of the judges
	under whom the associate judge serves.
	Sec. 54B.032.  APPLICABILITY. Except as provided by Section
	54B.033, Subchapter A, Chapter 54A applies to a criminal associate
	judge appointed under this subchapter.
	Sec. 54B.033.  PROCEEDINGS THAT MAY BE REFERRED. (a)  A
	judge may refer to a criminal associate judge any criminal case or
	matter relating to a criminal case for proceedings involving:
	(1)  a negotiated plea of guilty or no contest and
	sentencing before the court;
	(2)  a bond forfeiture, remittitur, and related
	proceedings;
	(3)  a pretrial motion;
	(4)  a writ of habeas corpus;
	(5)  an examining trial;
	(6)  an occupational driver's license;
	(7)  a petition for an order of expunction under
	Chapter 55A, Code of Criminal Procedure;
	(8)  an asset forfeiture hearing as provided by Chapter
	59, Code of Criminal Procedure;
	(9)  a petition for an order of nondisclosure of
	criminal history record information or an order of nondisclosure of
	criminal history record information that does not require a
	petition provided by Subchapter E-1, Chapter 411;
	(10)  a motion to modify or revoke community
	supervision or to proceed with an adjudication of guilty;
	(11)  setting conditions, modifying, revoking, and
	surrendering of bonds, including surety bonds;
	(12)  specialty court proceedings;
	(13)  a waiver of extradition; and
	(14)  any other matter the judge considers necessary
	and proper.
	(b)  A judge may refer to a criminal associate judge a civil
	case arising out of Chapter 59, Code of Criminal Procedure, for any
	purpose authorized by that chapter, including issuing orders,
	accepting agreed judgments, enforcing judgments, and presiding
	over a case on the merits if a party has not requested a jury trial.
	(c)  A criminal associate judge may accept a plea of guilty
	from a defendant charged with misdemeanor, felony, or both
	misdemeanor and felony offenses.
	(d)  A criminal associate judge may select a jury. A
	criminal associate judge may not preside over a criminal trial on
	the merits, whether or not the trial is before a jury.
	(e)  A criminal associate judge may not hear a jury trial on
	the merits of a bond forfeiture.
	(f)  A judge of a designated juvenile court may refer to a
	criminal associate judge any proceeding over which a juvenile court
	has exclusive original jurisdiction under Title 3, Family Code,
	including any matter ancillary to the proceeding.
	ARTICLE 6.  JUVENILE BOARDS
	SECTION 6.01.  Section 152.0191(a), Human Resources Code, is
	amended to read as follows:
	(a)  The juvenile board of Bee County is composed of the
	county judge, [and] the district judges in Bee County, and the judge
	of the 2nd Multicounty Court at Law.
	SECTION 6.02.  Section 152.0521(a), Human Resources Code, is
	amended to read as follows:
	(a)  The Comal County Juvenile Board is composed of:
	(1)  the county judge;
	(2)  the local administrative statutory county court
	judge [of each county court at law in the county];
	(3)  an elected judicial officer of Comal County
	appointed by the local administrative statutory county court judge;
	(4)  the local administrative district judge [of the
	22nd District Court];
	(5)  two elected judicial officers of Comal County
	appointed by the local administrative district judge [(4)  the
	judge of the 207th District Court]; and
	[(5)  the judge of the 433rd District Court;]
	(6)  [the judge of the 274th District Court; and
	[(7)]  the criminal district attorney of Comal County.
	SECTION 6.03.  Section 152.0971(a), Human Resources Code, is
	amended to read as follows:
	(a)  The juvenile board of Grayson County is composed of the
	county judge and the district judges in Grayson County. The county
	judge may add a judge of a county court at law to the board.
	SECTION 6.04.  Section 152.1551(a), Human Resources Code, is
	amended to read as follows:
	(a)  The juvenile board of Live Oak County is composed of the
	county judge, [and] the district judges in Live Oak County, and the
	judge of the 2nd Multicounty Court at Law.
	SECTION 6.05.  Section 152.1621(a), Human Resources Code, is
	amended to read as follows:
	(a)  The juvenile board of McMullen County is composed of the
	county judge, [and] the district judges in McMullen County, and the
	judge of the 2nd Multicounty Court at Law.
	ARTICLE 7.  COURT ADMINISTRATION
	SECTION 7.01.  Articles 45A.302(b), (c), and (d), Code of
	Criminal Procedure, are amended to read as follows:
	(b)  In issuing the order of deferral, the judge may impose a
	special expense fee [fine] on the defendant in an amount not to
	exceed the amount of the fine that could be imposed on the defendant
	as punishment for the offense.
	(c)  The fee [fine] described by Subsection (b) may be
	collected at any time before the date on which the period of
	deferral ends.  A judge who orders the collection of the fee [fine]
	must require that the amount of the fee [fine] be credited toward
	the payment of the amount of any fine imposed by the judge as
	punishment for the offense.
	(d)  The judge may elect not to impose the special expense
	fee [fine] for good cause shown by the defendant.
	SECTION 7.02.  Subchapter A, Chapter 102, Code of Criminal
	Procedure, is amended by adding Article 102.0061 to read as
	follows:
	Art. 102.0061.  FEES IN EXPUNCTION PROCEEDINGS. (a) In
	addition to any other fees required by other law and except as
	provided by Subsections (c) and (d), a petitioner seeking
	expunction of a criminal record in a district court shall pay the
	fee charged for filing an ex parte petition in a civil action in
	district court.
	(b)  In addition to any other fees required by other law and
	except as provided by Subsection (c), a petitioner seeking
	expunction of a criminal record in a justice court or a municipal
	court of record under Chapter 55A shall pay a fee of $100 for filing
	an ex parte petition for expunction to defray the cost of notifying
	state agencies of orders of expunction under that chapter.
	(c)  The fee under Subsection (a) or the fee under Subsection
	(b), as applicable, shall be waived if:
	(1)  the petitioner seeks expunction of a criminal
	record that relates to an arrest for an offense of which the person
	was acquitted, other than an acquittal for an offense described by
	Article 55A.151; and
	(2)  the petition for expunction is filed not later
	than the 30th day after the date of the acquittal.
	(d)  The fee under Subsection (a) shall be waived if the
	petitioner is entitled to expunction:
	(1)  under Article 55A.053(a)(2)(A) after successful
	completion of a veterans treatment court program created under
	Chapter 124, Government Code, or former law; or
	(2)  under Article 55A.053(a)(2)(B) after successful
	completion of a mental health court program created under Chapter
	125, Government Code, or former law.
	(e)  A court that grants a petition for expunction of a
	criminal record may order the fee, or portion of the fee, required
	to be paid under Subsection (a) to be returned to the petitioner.
	SECTION 7.03.  Article 102.017, Code of Criminal Procedure,
	is amended by adding Subsection (e-1) to read as follows:
	(e-1)  In administering or directing funds under Subsection
	(e), a commissioners court shall consider the recommendations
	provided by a court security committee under Section 74.0922,
	Government Code, and the governing body of a municipality shall
	consider the recommendations provided by a court security committee
	under Sections 29.014(d) and 30.00007(c), Government Code.
	SECTION 7.04.  (a)  The heading to Section 22.110,
	Government Code, is amended to read as follows:
	Sec. 22.110.  JUDICIAL INSTRUCTION RELATED TO FAMILY
	VIOLENCE, SEXUAL ASSAULT, TRAFFICKING OF PERSONS, AND CHILD AND
	ELDER ABUSE AND NEGLECT.
	(b)  Section 22.110, Government Code, is amended by amending
	Subsections (a), (b), and (d) and adding Subsection (b-1) to read as
	follows:
	(a)  The court of criminal appeals shall assure that judicial
	training related to the problems of family violence, sexual
	assault, trafficking of persons, [and] child abuse and neglect, and
	elder abuse and neglect is provided.
	(b)  The court of criminal appeals shall adopt the rules
	necessary to accomplish the purposes of this section. The rules
	must require:
	(1)  each district judge, judge of a statutory county
	court, associate judge appointed under Chapter 54A of this code or
	Chapter 201, Family Code, master, referee, and magistrate within
	the judge's first term of office or the judicial officer's first
	four years of service to complete and provide certification of
	completion of 12 hours of training that include at least:
	(A)  four hours dedicated to issues related to
	trafficking of persons, [and] child abuse and neglect, and elder
	abuse and neglect that cover at least two of the topics described in
	Subsections (d)(8) through (12) and (d)(14) [(d)(8)-(12)];
	(B)  six hours dedicated to the training described
	by Subsections (d)(5), (6), and (7); and
	(C)  one hour dedicated to the training described
	by Subsection (d)(13);
	(2)  each judge and judicial officer during each
	additional term in office or four years of service to complete and
	provide certification of completion of an additional five hours of
	training that include at least:
	(A)  two hours dedicated to the training described
	by Subsections (d)(11) and (12); and
	(B)  one hour dedicated to the training described
	by Subsection (d)(13); and
	(3)  each judge of a court with primary responsibility
	for family law or family violence matters to complete and provide
	certification of completion of an additional hour of training
	described by Subsection (d)(13) every two years.
	(b-1)  The rules adopted under Subsection (b) must exempt
	from the training requirements of this section each judge or
	judicial officer, including an associate judge, who files an
	affidavit stating the judge or judicial officer does not hear cases
	involving family violence, sexual assault, trafficking of persons,
	or child abuse and neglect.
	(d)  The instruction must include information about:
	(1)  statutory and case law relating to videotaping a
	child's testimony and relating to competency of children to
	testify;
	(2)  methods for eliminating the trauma to the child
	caused by the court process;
	(3)  case law, statutory law, and procedural rules
	relating to family violence, sexual assault, trafficking of
	persons, and child abuse and neglect;
	(4)  methods for providing protection for victims of
	family violence, sexual assault, trafficking of persons, and child
	abuse and neglect;
	(5)  available community and state resources for
	counseling and other aid to victims and to offenders;
	(6)  gender bias in the judicial process;
	(7)  dynamics and effects of being a victim of sexual
	assault, trafficking of persons, or child abuse and neglect;
	(8)  dynamics of sexual abuse of children, including
	child abuse accommodation syndrome and grooming;
	(9)  impact of substance abuse on an unborn child and on
	a person's ability to care for a child;
	(10)  issues of attachment and bonding between children
	and caregivers;
	(11)  issues of child development that pertain to
	trafficking of persons and child abuse and neglect;
	(12)  medical findings regarding physical abuse,
	sexual abuse, trafficking of persons, and child abuse and neglect;
	[and]
	(13)  dynamics of family violence; and
	(14)  elder abuse and neglect.
	(c)  As soon as practicable after the effective date of this
	Act, the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals shall adopt the rules
	necessary to implement Section 22.110, Government Code, as amended
	by this article.
	(d)  Section 22.110, Government Code, as amended by this
	article, applies to all judges, masters, referees, and magistrates
	elected, appointed, or holding office on or after the effective
	date of this Act.
	SECTION 7.05.  Section 22.216(n-2), Government Code, is
	amended to read as follows:
	(n-2)  Notwithstanding Subsection (n-1), the Court of
	Appeals for the Fifteenth Court of Appeals District consists of a
	chief justice and of two justices holding places numbered
	consecutively beginning with Place 2 for the first three years
	following the court's creation.  Place 4 shall be created and the
	initial vacancy in that place shall be filled for the fourth year
	following the court's creation.  Place 5 shall be created and the
	initial vacancy in that place shall be filled for the fifth year
	following the court's creation. This subsection expires September
	1, 2029 [2027].
	SECTION 7.06.  Section 25A.003(d), Government Code, as
	amended by H.B. 40, Acts of the 89th Legislature, Regular Session,
	2025, and effective September 1, 2025, is amended to read as
	follows:
	(d)  The Second Business Court Division is composed of the
	counties composing the Second Administrative Judicial Region under
	Section 74.042(c), excluding Montgomery County and Bastrop County,
	subject to funding through legislative appropriations.
	SECTION 7.07.  Section 25A.003(e), Government Code, is
	amended to read as follows:
	(e)  The Third Business Court Division is composed of the
	counties composing the Third Administrative Judicial Region under
	Section 74.042(d) and Bastrop County.
	SECTION 7.08.  Section 51.303, Government Code, is amended
	by amending Subsections (b) and (f) and adding Subsection (d) to
	read as follows:
	(b)  The clerk of a district court shall:
	(1)  record the acts and proceedings of the court;
	(2)  enter all judgments of the court under the
	direction of the judge; [and]
	(3)  record all executions issued and the returns on
	the executions; and
	(4)  accept an application for a protective order filed
	under Chapter 82, Family Code.
	(d)  Paper records must include a reference opposite each
	name to the minutes on which is entered the judgment in the case.
	(f)  A case with an electronic record must be searchable by
	each party's full name, the case number, and the date on which the
	record was made [In addition to the other powers and duties of this
	section, a district clerk shall accept applications for protective
	orders under Chapter 71, Family Code].
	SECTION 7.09.  Section 51.903(d), Government Code, is
	amended to read as follows:
	(d)  The district clerk may not collect a filing fee under
	Section 12.005, Civil Practice and Remedies Code, for a filing [a
	motion] under this section.
	SECTION 7.10.  Section 57.002(d), Government Code, is
	amended to read as follows:
	(d)  Subject to Subsection (e), in a county with a population
	of 50,000 or more, a court may appoint a spoken language interpreter
	who is not a certified or licensed court interpreter:
	(1)  if:
	(A) [(1)]  the language necessary in the
	proceeding is a language other than Spanish; and
	(B) [(2)]  the court makes a finding that there is
	no licensed court interpreter within 75 miles who can interpret in
	the language that is necessary in a proceeding; or
	(2)  if the court is a justice court, municipal court,
	or municipal court of record.
	SECTION 7.11.  (a)  Subchapter C, Chapter 71, Government
	Code, is amended by adding Section 71.0354 to read as follows:
	Sec. 71.0354.  PROSECUTING ATTORNEY INFORMATION. (a) In
	this section, "prosecuting attorney" means a county attorney,
	district attorney, or criminal district attorney representing this
	state in criminal matters before the district or other courts of the
	county.
	(b)  Each prosecuting attorney shall report in the form and
	manner prescribed by the council information on:
	(1)  the categories of criminal offenses prosecuted by
	the prosecuting attorney and the number of criminal cases in each
	category;
	(2)  the number of personnel employed by the
	prosecuting attorney and whether that number is sufficient to
	support the prosecutor's caseload;
	(3)  the number of times a defendant was released as
	provided by Article 17.151, Code of Criminal Procedure; and
	(4)  the number of electronic notices submitted by the
	prosecuting attorney to a court as required by Article
	17.027(a)(2), Code of Criminal Procedure.
	(c)  In prescribing the information to be submitted and form
	and manner of submission of the information under Subsection (b),
	the council shall consult with:
	(1)  the Texas District and County Attorneys
	Association; and
	(2)  other interested persons.
	(b)  Not later than September 1, 2026, the Texas Judicial
	Council shall prescribe the information, and form and manner of
	submission, a prosecuting attorney in this state is required to
	report under Section 71.0354, Government Code, as added by this
	article.
	SECTION 7.12.  Section 72.015(c), Government Code, is
	amended to read as follows:
	(c)  The judicial security division shall:
	(1)  serve as a central resource for information on
	local and national best practices for court security and the safety
	of court personnel;
	(2)  provide an expert opinion on the technical aspects
	of court security; [and]
	(3)  keep abreast of and provide training on recent
	court security improvements; and
	(4)  develop a model court emergency management plan as
	a resource for court security committees.
	SECTION 7.13.  Section 72.016, Government Code, is amended
	to read as follows:
	Sec. 72.016.  NOTIFICATION PROCEDURE FOR JUDICIAL PRIVACY.
	The director shall develop a procedure to regularly notify county
	registrars, the Department of Public Safety, the Texas Ethics
	Commission, and any other state or local government agency the
	office determines should be notified of the judges, judges'
	spouses, employees of the Office of Court Administration of the
	Texas Judicial System and entities administratively attached to the
	office, employees and commissioners of the State Commission on
	Judicial Conduct, and related family members whose personal
	information must be kept from public records, as provided under
	Sections 552.117 and 572.035 of this code, Sections 13.0021 and
	15.0215, Election Code, Section 25.025, Tax Code, and Section
	521.121, Transportation Code.
	SECTION 7.14.  Section 72.083, Government Code, is amended
	by adding Subsection (c) to read as follows:
	(c)  Notwithstanding Subsection (b), if the director
	determines a performance measure listed in Subsection (b) does not
	accurately reflect a court's performance in probate and mental
	health matters, the director may develop an alternative performance
	measure to assess the efficient and timely adjudication of those
	matters and include the alternative performance measure in the
	annual report required under Subsection (b).
	SECTION 7.15.  Section 74.024(d), Government Code, is
	amended to read as follows:
	(d)  Any rules adopted under this section remain in effect
	unless and until disapproved by the legislature. The clerk of the
	supreme court shall file with the secretary of state the rules or
	any amendments to the rules adopted by the supreme court under this
	section and shall provide [mail] a copy of the rules and any
	amendments to each registered member of the State Bar not later than
	the 120th day before the date on which they become effective. The
	supreme court shall allow a period of 60 days for review and comment
	on the rules and any amendments. The clerk of the supreme court
	shall report the rules or amendments to the rules to the next
	regular session of the legislature by providing [mailing] a copy of
	the rules or amendments to the rules to each elected member of the
	legislature on or before December 1 immediately preceding the
	session.
	SECTION 7.16.  Section 74.051(c), Government Code, is
	amended to read as follows:
	(c)  A presiding judge [who is a retired or former district
	judge or a retired appellate judge and who presides over an
	administrative region with 30 or more district courts, statutory
	county courts, and retired and former judges named on the list
	maintained under Section 74.055 for the administrative region] is
	entitled to an annual salary for each fiscal year, based on the
	number of district courts, business courts, and statutory county
	courts in the administrative region, the number of associate judges
	appointed by the presiding judge under Chapter 201, Family Code,
	and the number of retired and former judges named on the list
	maintained under Section 74.055 for the administrative region, in
	an amount equal to:
	Number of Courts and Judges Salary
	[30 to] 49 or fewer 50 [30] percent of the state base salary paid to a district judge as set by the General Appropriations Act in accordance with Section 659.012(a)
	50 to 69 55 [35] percent of the state base salary paid to a district judge as set by the General Appropriations Act in accordance with Section 659.012(a)
	70 to 89 60 [40] percent of the state base salary paid to a district judge as set by the General Appropriations Act in accordance with Section 659.012(a)
	90 or more 65 [45] percent of the state base salary paid to a district judge as set by the General Appropriations Act in accordance with Section 659.012(a)
	SECTION 7.17.  Section 74.091, Government Code, is amended
	by amending Subsection (b) and adding Subsection (b-1) to read as
	follows:
	(b)  In a county with two or more district courts the judges
	of those courts shall elect a district judge as local
	administrative district judge:
	(1)  for a term of [not more than] two years; or
	(2)  if the district judge's term ends before the second
	anniversary of the date the district judge is elected as local
	administrative judge, for the remainder of the district judge's
	term.
	(b-1)  The local administrative district judge may not be
	elected on the basis of rotation or seniority.
	SECTION 7.18.  Section 74.092, Government Code, as amended
	by S.B. 664, Acts of the 89th Legislature, Regular Session, 2025,
	and effective September 1, 2025, is amended by amending Subsection
	(a) and adding Subsection (c) to read as follows:
	(a)  A local administrative judge, for the courts for which
	the judge serves as local administrative judge, shall:
	(1)  implement and execute the local rules of
	administration, including the assignment, docketing, transfer, and
	hearing of cases;
	(2)  appoint any special or standing committees
	necessary or desirable for court management and administration;
	(3)  promulgate local rules of administration if the
	other judges do not act by a majority vote;
	(4)  recommend to the regional presiding judge any
	needs for assignment from outside the county to dispose of court
	caseloads;
	(5)  supervise the expeditious movement of court
	caseloads, subject to local, regional, and state rules of
	administration;
	(6)  provide the supreme court and the office of court
	administration requested statistical and management information;
	(7)  set the hours and places for holding court in the
	county;
	(8)  supervise the employment and performance of
	nonjudicial personnel;
	(8-a)  supervise the performance of each master,
	magistrate, referee, associate judge, or hearing officer who was
	appointed under Chapter 54 to serve a court for which the judge
	serves as a local administrative judge and whose duties include
	duties under Article 15.17, Code of Criminal Procedure;
	(9)  supervise the budget and fiscal matters of the
	local courts, subject to local rules of administration;
	(10)  coordinate and cooperate with any other local
	administrative judge in the district in the assignment of cases in
	the courts' concurrent jurisdiction for the efficient operation of
	the court system and the effective administration of justice;
	(11)  if requested by the courts the judge serves,
	establish and maintain the lists required by Section 37.003 and
	ensure appointments are made from the lists in accordance with
	Section 37.004;
	(12)  perform other duties as may be directed by the
	chief justice or a regional presiding judge; and
	(13)  establish a court security committee to adopt
	security policies and procedures for the trial courts served by the
	local administrative district judge, including by adopting a court
	emergency management plan, that is composed of:
	(A)  the local administrative district judge, or
	the judge's designee, who serves as presiding officer of the
	committee;
	(B)  a representative of the sheriff's office;
	(C)  a representative of a constable's office;
	(D)  a representative of the county commissioners
	court;
	(E) [(D)]  one judge of each type of court in the
	county, including a justice of the peace and excluding the judge of
	[other than] a municipal court or a municipal court of record;
	(F) [(E)]  a representative of any county
	attorney's office, district attorney's office, or criminal district
	attorney's office that serves in the applicable courts; and
	(G) [(F)]  any other person the committee
	determines necessary to assist the committee.
	(c)  Notwithstanding Section 551.001 or 552.003, a court
	security committee established under this section is not a
	governmental body for the purposes of Chapter 551 or 552.
	SECTION 7.19.  Section 74.092(b), Government Code, is
	redesignated as Section 74.0922, Government Code, and amended to
	read as follows:
	Sec. 74.0922.  DUTIES OF COURT SECURITY COMMITTEE. [(b)] A
	court security committee established under Section 74.092(a)(13)
	shall meet at least once annually and shall develop and submit
	recommendations [may recommend] to the county commissioners court
	on the uses of resources and expenditures of money for courthouse
	security, but may not direct the assignment of those resources or
	the expenditure of those funds.
	SECTION 7.20.  Chapter 74, Government Code, is amended by
	adding Subchapter D-1 to read as follows:
	SUBCHAPTER D-1. COURT LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE
	Sec. 74.0981.  COURT LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE. The Office of
	Court Administration of the Texas Judicial System shall hold an
	annual leadership conference to provide information to presiding
	judges of administrative regions, local administrative judges, and
	court administrators related to:
	(1)  court budgets and operational funding;
	(2)  court activity statistics and case-level
	information on the amount and character of the business transacted
	by the state trial courts;
	(3)  the duties of a local administrative judge; and
	(4)  other matters related to court administration.
	Sec. 74.0982.  REIMBURSEMENT.  The Office of Court
	Administration of the Texas Judicial System may reimburse a
	presiding judge of an administrative region, a local administrative
	judge, or a court administrator for the expense of attending the
	leadership conference described by Section 74.0981 to the extent
	money is appropriated to the office for that purpose.
	SECTION 7.21.  Section 75.001(d), Government Code, is
	amended to read as follows:
	(d)  A retiree who makes an election under this section shall
	be:
	(1)  designated a senior judge; and
	(2)  considered a judge of a court of this state for the
	purpose of appointment to a judicial branch board, commission, or
	council.
	SECTION 7.22.  Section 121.002(c), Government Code, is
	amended to read as follows:
	(c)  Notwithstanding any other law, a specialty court
	program may not operate until the judge, magistrate, or
	coordinator:
	(1)  provides to the Office of Court Administration of
	the Texas Judicial System:
	(A)  written notice of the program;
	(B)  any resolution or other official declaration
	under which the program was established; and
	(C)  a copy of the program policy manual,
	participant handbook, or other adopted documentation describing
	the operational plan of [applicable strategic plan that
	incorporates duties related to supervision that will be required
	under] the program; and
	(2)  receives from the office written verification of
	the program's compliance with Subdivision (1).
	SECTION 7.23.  Section 118.011(a), Local Government Code, as
	amended by S.B. 1547, Acts of the 89th Legislature, Regular
	Session, 2025, is amended to read as follows:
	(a)  A county clerk shall collect the following fees for
	services rendered to any person:
	(1)  Personal Property Records Filing (Sec. 118.012):
	(A)  for the first page$ 5.00;
	(B)  for each additional page or part of a page on
	which there are visible marks of any kind$ 4.00;
	(2)  Real Property Records Filing (Sec. 118.013):
	(A)  for the first page$ 5.00;
	(B)  for each additional page or part of a page on
	which there are visible marks of any kind$ 4.00;
	(C)  for all or part of each 8-1/2" X 14"
	attachment or rider$ 4.00;
	(D)  for each name in excess  of five names that
	has to  be indexed in all  records in  which the  document must be
	indexed $ 0.25;
	(3)  Certified Papers (Sec. 118.014):
	(A)  for the clerk's certificate$ 5.00;
	(B)  printed on paper, plus a fee for each page or
	part of a page$ 1.00;
	(C)  that is a paper document converted to
	electronic format, for each page or part of a page$1;
	(D)  that is an electronic copy of an electronic
	document:
	(i)  for each document up to 10 pages in
	length$1;
	(ii)  for each page or part of a page of a
	document over 10 pages$0.10;
	(4)  Noncertified Papers (Sec. 118.0145):
	(A)  printed on paper, for each page or part of a
	page$ 1.00;
	(B)  that is a paper document converted to
	electronic format, for each page or part of a page$1;
	(C)  that is an electronic copy of an electronic
	document, except for real property records:
	(i)  for each document up to 10 pages in
	length$1;
	(ii)  for each page or part of a page of a
	document over 10 pages$0.10;
	(5)  Birth or Death Certificate (Sec. 118.015)same
	as state registrar;
	(6)  Bond Approval (Sec. 118.016)$ 5.00 [3.00];
	(7)  Marriage License (Sec. 118.018)$60.00;
	(8)  Declaration of Informal Marriage (Sec.
	118.019)$25.00;
	(9)  Brand Registration (Sec. 118.020)$ 5.00;
	(10)  Oath Administration (Sec. 118.021)$ 1.00.
	SECTION 7.24.  Section 135.101(a), Local Government Code, is
	amended to read as follows:
	(a)  A person shall pay in a district court, statutory county
	court, or county court in addition to all other fees and court costs
	a local consolidated filing fee of:
	(1)  $213 on filing any civil case except a probate,
	guardianship, or mental health case; and
	(2)  $35 on any action other than an original action for
	a case subject to Subdivision (1), including [an appeal and] any
	counterclaim, cross-action, intervention, contempt action,
	interpleader, motion for new trial, motion to reinstate, or
	third-party action.
	SECTION 7.25.  Section 74.051(b), Government Code, is
	repealed.
	SECTION 7.26.  (a) In this section:
	(1)  "Digital court reporting" means the act of making
	a verbatim record of an oral court proceeding, deposition, or
	proceeding before a grand jury, referee, or court commissioner for
	use in litigation in the courts of this state through the use of
	digital technology, electronic recording equipment, or other
	recording and transcribing technology.
	(2)  "Office" means the Office of Court Administration
	of the Texas Judicial System.
	(b)  The office shall conduct a study on digital court
	reporting, including:
	(1)  an evaluation of the current use of digital court
	reporting in the courts of this state, including the cost, access,
	accuracy, and effectiveness of digital court reporting;
	(2)  an analysis of the use of digital court reporting
	in other states and jurisdictions; and
	(3)  recommendations on any necessary changes to
	statutes, rules, regulations, or standards regarding the use of
	digital court reporting in this state.
	(c)  Not later than October 1, 2026, the office shall submit
	a report on the study conducted under this section to the governor,
	lieutenant governor, speaker of the house of representatives, and
	appropriate standing committees of the legislature.
	(d)  This section expires September 1, 2027.
	ARTICLE 8.  COPIES CERTIFIED BY CLERKS
	SECTION 8.01.  Subchapter D, Chapter 51, Government Code, is
	amended by adding Section 51.3033 to read as follows:
	Sec. 51.3033.  CERTIFIED COPIES. A certified copy made of an
	original document on file in a district clerk's office must
	include:
	(1)  on each page of the copy:
	(A)  the clerk's signature or initials;
	(B)  the district court seal; or
	(C)  a unique document certification and
	paginated page number; and
	(2)  on the final page of the copy:
	(A)  the clerk's attestation certifying that the
	copy is a true and correct copy of the original document filed in
	the clerk's office;
	(B)  the number of pages copied; and
	(C)  the date the copy was issued.
	SECTION 8.02.  Subchapter F, Chapter 51, Government Code, is
	amended by adding Section 51.503 to read as follows:
	Sec. 51.503.  CERTIFIED COPIES. A certified copy made of an
	original document on file in a joint clerk's office must include:
	(1)  on each page of the copy:
	(A)  the clerk's signature or initials;
	(B)  the applicable court's seal; or
	(C)  a unique document certification and
	paginated page number; and
	(2)  on the final page of the copy:
	(A)  the clerk's attestation certifying that the
	copy is a true and correct copy of the original document filed in
	the clerk's office;
	(B)  the number of pages copied; and
	(C)  the date the copy was issued.
	SECTION 8.03.  Chapter 191, Local Government Code, is
	amended by adding Section 191.0041 to read as follows:
	Sec. 191.0041.  CERTIFIED COPIES. A certified copy made of
	an original document on file in a county clerk's office must
	include:
	(1)  on each page of the copy:
	(A)  either:
	(i)  the clerk's signature or initials; or
	(ii)  a unique document certification and
	paginated page number; and
	(B)  either:
	(i)  the commissioners court seal on a copy
	of a document that is not a court document; or
	(ii)  the court seal on a copy of a court
	document; and
	(2)  on the final page of the copy:
	(A)  the clerk's attestation certifying that the
	copy is a true and correct copy of the original document filed in
	the clerk's office;
	(B)  the number of pages copied; and
	(C)  the date the copy was issued.
	ARTICLE 9. CIVIL, CRIMINAL, AND APPELLATE COURT PROCEDURES
	SECTION 9.01.  Section 16.073, Civil Practice and Remedies
	Code, is amended to read as follows:
	Sec. 16.073.  APPLICABILITY OF LIMITATIONS PERIODS TO
	ARBITRATION.  A claim that is sought to be arbitrated is subject to
	the same limitations period that would apply to the claim if the
	claim had been brought in court. Commencing an action asserting a
	claim by filing suit in a court of competent jurisdiction will toll
	the applicable limitations period for arbitration of the same
	claim. [(a)  A party may not assert a claim in an arbitration
	proceeding if the party could not bring suit for the claim in court
	due to the expiration of the applicable limitations period.
	[(b)  A party may assert a claim in an arbitration proceeding
	after expiration of the applicable limitations period if:
	[(1)  the party brought suit for the claim in court
	before the expiration of the applicable limitations period; and
	[(2)  the parties to the claim agreed to arbitrate the
	claim or a court ordered the parties to arbitrate the claim.]
	SECTION 9.02.  Section 30.015(a), Civil Practice and
	Remedies Code, as amended by H.B. 40, Acts of the 89th Legislature,
	Regular Session, 2025, and effective September 1, 2025, is amended
	to read as follows:
	(a)  In a civil action filed in a district court, a county
	court, a statutory county court, a statutory probate court, or the
	business court, each party or the party's attorney must provide the
	clerk of the court with written notice of the party's name, the
	party's [and] current residence or business address, and for a
	party who is an individual:
	(1)  the last three digits of the party's social
	security number; or
	(2)  the last three digits of the party's Texas driver's
	license.
	SECTION 9.03.  Section 30.015(b), Civil Practice and
	Remedies Code, is amended to read as follows:
	(b)  Unless the party is the defendant in a tax suit, the
	[The] notice required by Subsection (a) may not be required from any
	party or party's attorney if the [such] party has not appeared or
	answered in the civil action.
	SECTION 9.04.  (a)  Articles 43.09(a) and (k), Code of
	Criminal Procedure, are amended to read as follows:
	(a)  When a defendant is convicted of a misdemeanor and the
	defendant's punishment is assessed at a pecuniary fine or is
	confined in a jail after conviction of a felony for which a fine is
	imposed, if the defendant is unable to pay the fine and costs
	adjudged against the defendant, the defendant may for such time as
	will satisfy the judgment be put to work in the county jail
	industries program, in the workhouse, or on the county farm, or
	public improvements and maintenance projects of the county or a
	political subdivision located in whole or in part in the county, as
	provided in Article 43.10; or if there is no such county jail
	industries program, workhouse, farm, or improvements and
	maintenance projects, the defendant shall be confined in jail for a
	sufficient length of time to discharge the full amount of fine and
	costs adjudged against the defendant; rating such confinement at
	$150 [$100] for each day and rating such labor at $150 [$100] for
	each day; provided, however, that the defendant may pay the
	pecuniary fine assessed against the defendant at any time while the
	defendant is serving at work in the county jail industries program,
	in the workhouse, or on the county farm, or on the public
	improvements and maintenance projects of the county or a political
	subdivision located in whole or in part in the county, or while the
	defendant is serving the defendant's jail sentence, and in such
	instances the defendant is entitled to the credit earned under this
	subsection during the time that the defendant has served and the
	defendant shall only be required to pay the balance of the pecuniary
	fine assessed against the defendant.  A defendant who performs
	labor under this article during a day in which the defendant is
	confined is entitled to both the credit for confinement and the
	credit for labor provided by this article.
	(k)  A defendant is considered to have discharged $150 [$100]
	of fines or costs for each eight hours of community service
	performed under Subsection (f) of this article.
	(b)  Article 43.09(a), Code of Criminal Procedure, as
	amended by this article, applies to a defendant who is confined or
	performs labor to discharge fines or costs on or after the effective
	date of this Act, regardless of whether the offense for which the
	fines or costs were imposed occurred before, on, or after that date.
	SECTION 9.05.  (a)  Article 45A.251(e), Code of Criminal
	Procedure, is amended to read as follows:
	(e)  In addition to credit under Subsection (d), in imposing
	a fine and costs in a case involving a misdemeanor punishable by
	fine only, the justice or judge shall credit the defendant for any
	period the defendant was confined in jail or prison while awaiting
	trial or serving a sentence for another offense if that confinement
	occurred after the commission of the misdemeanor.  The credit under
	this subsection shall be applied to the amount of the fine and costs
	at the rate of not less than $150 for each day of confinement.
	(b)  Article 45A.251(e), Code of Criminal Procedure, as
	amended by this article, applies to a defendant who is sentenced for
	an offense on or after the effective date of this Act, regardless of
	whether the offense was committed before, on, or after that date.
	SECTION 9.06.  Article 45A.254(e), Code of Criminal
	Procedure, is amended to read as follows:
	(e)  A defendant is considered to have discharged not less
	than $150 [$100] of fines or costs for each eight hours of community
	service performed under this article.
	SECTION 9.07.  Article 45A.459(i), Code of Criminal
	Procedure, is amended to read as follows:
	(i)  A defendant is considered to have discharged not less
	than $150 [$100] of fines or costs for each eight hours of community
	service performed under this article.
	SECTION 9.08.  Article 45A.460(i), Code of Criminal
	Procedure, is amended to read as follows:
	(i)  A defendant is considered to have discharged not less
	than $150 [$100] of fines or costs for each eight hours of community
	service performed under this article.
	SECTION 9.09.  Section 233.006(b), Election Code, is amended
	to read as follows:
	(b)  Except as provided by Section 30.023, Civil Practice and
	Remedies Code [233.014], the contestant must file the petition not
	later than the later of the 30th day after the date the election
	records are publicly available under Section 1.012 or the official
	result of the contested election is determined.
	SECTION 9.10.  (a) Section 233.014, Election Code, is
	transferred to Chapter 30, Civil Practice and Remedies Code,
	redesignated as Section 30.023, Civil Practice and Remedies Code,
	and amended to read as follows:
	Sec. 30.023 [233.014].  SPECIAL PROCEDURES FOR CONTEST OF
	CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT ELECTION. (a) This section applies only
	to a contest of an election on a proposed constitutional amendment.
	(b)  The contestant's petition must be filed and service of
	citation on the secretary of state must be obtained before the final
	official canvass is completed.
	(c)  The filing of an election contest does not suspend
	implementation of a constitutional amendment approved by the
	majority of the votes cast [The declaration of the official result
	of a contested election may not be made until the contest is finally
	determined. The secretary of state shall tabulate the county
	returns and the governor shall announce the final vote count, as
	ascertained from the returns, in a written document. The document
	announcing the final vote count must state that a contest of the
	election has been filed and that the declaration of the official
	result will not be made until the contest is finally determined].
	(c-1)  The trial court must ensure a written ruling on a
	pretrial motion before the court is entered not later than the 30th
	day after the date the motion is filed.
	(d)  The trial date may not be earlier than the 45th day after
	the date of the contested election except [nor later than the 180th
	day after the date of the contested election. The trial date may be
	earlier than the 45th day after the date of the contested election]
	at the request of the contestant. The trial court must ensure the
	judgment of the court is not filed later than the 180th day after
	the date of the contested election.
	(e)  If an amended petition alleging additional grounds of
	contest is filed, the contest may not be called for trial earlier
	than the 20th day after the date the amended petition is filed
	unless the secretary of state agrees to calling the contest for
	trial at an earlier date.
	(f)  The court shall include in its judgment in a contest an
	order directing the governor to declare the [official result of the
	election or to declare the] election valid or void, as appropriate,
	not later than the 10th day after the date the judgment becomes
	final.
	(g)  Any question relating to the validity or outcome of a
	constitutional amendment election may be raised in an election
	contest.  A contest is the exclusive method for adjudicating such
	questions.
	(h)  If a contestant files an appeal of the contest, the
	appellate court must ensure that the action is brought to final
	disposition not later than the 60th [180th] day after the date the
	judgment becomes final.
	(b)  Section 233.014, Election Code, as redesignated and
	amended by this article, applies to a contest of a constitutional
	amendment election filed on or after the effective date of this Act.
	A contest of a constitutional amendment election filed before that
	date is governed by the law in effect on the date that the suit is
	filed, and the former law is continued in effect for that purpose.
	SECTION 9.11.  Section 6.4035(e), Family Code, is amended to
	read as follows:
	(e)  The party executing the waiver may [not] sign the waiver
	using a digitized signature.
	SECTION 9.12.  (a)  Section 22.220, Government Code, is
	amended by adding Subsection (e) to read as follows:
	(e)  A party may not file a notice of appeal in a civil case
	requesting assignment of the appeal to the Court of Appeals for the
	Fifteenth Court of Appeals District unless the notice includes a
	matter arising out of or related to the case that is within the
	court's exclusive intermediate appellate jurisdiction.
	(b)  Section 22.220(e), Government Code, as added by this
	article, applies only to a notice of appeal filed on or after the
	effective date of this Act. A notice of appeal filed before that
	date is governed by the law in effect on the date the notice was
	filed, and the former law is continued in effect for that purpose.
	SECTION 9.13.  Section 406.026, Government Code, is amended
	to read as follows:
	Sec. 406.026.  ELECTRONIC NOTARIZATION. In a proceeding
	filed under Title 1 or 5, Family Code, if a signature is required to
	be notarized, acknowledged, verified, or made under oath, the
	requirement may be satisfied if the electronic signature of the
	person authorized to perform that act, together with all other
	information required to be included by other applicable law, is
	attached to or logically associated with the signature required to
	be notarized, acknowledged, verified, or made under oath.
	SECTION 9.14.  Section 21.049, Property Code, is amended to
	read as follows:
	Sec. 21.049.  NOTICE OF DECISION OF SPECIAL COMMISSIONERS.
	The judge of a court hearing a proceeding under this chapter shall
	inform the clerk of the court as to a decision by the special
	commissioners on the day the decision is filed or on the next
	working day after the day the decision is filed. Not later than the
	next working day after the day the decision is filed, the clerk
	shall send notice of the decision by a delivery method described
	under Rule 21a, Texas Rules of Civil Procedure [certified or
	registered United States mail, return receipt requested], to the
	parties in the proceeding, or to their attorneys of record, at their
	addresses of record.
	SECTION 9.15.  Section 34.03(a), Tax Code, is amended to
	read as follows:
	(a)  The clerk of the court shall:
	(1)  if the amount of excess proceeds is more than $25,
	before the 31st day after the date the excess proceeds are received
	by the clerk, send by a delivery method described by Rule 21a, Texas
	Rules of Civil Procedure [certified mail, return receipt
	requested], a written notice to the former owner of the property, at
	the former owner's last known address according to the records of
	the court or any other source reasonably available to the court,
	that:
	(A)  states the amount of the excess proceeds;
	(B)  informs the former owner of that owner's
	rights to claim the excess proceeds under Section 34.04; and
	(C)  includes a copy or the complete text of this
	section and Section 34.04;
	(2)  regardless of the amount, keep the excess proceeds
	paid into court as provided by Section 34.02(d) for a period of two
	years after the date of the sale unless otherwise ordered by the
	court; and
	(3)  regardless of the amount, send to the attorney
	general notice of the deposit and amount of excess proceeds if the
	attorney general or a state agency represented by the attorney
	general is named as an in rem defendant in the underlying suit for
	seizure of the property or foreclosure of a tax lien on the
	property.
	SECTION 9.16.  Section 521.243(a), Transportation Code, is
	amended to read as follows:
	(a)  Unless the petition is dismissed under Section
	521.2421(f), the clerk of the court shall send electronically or by
	a delivery method described by Rule 21a, Texas Rules of Civil
	Procedure, [by certified mail] to the attorney representing the
	state a copy of the petition and notice of the hearing if the
	petitioner's license was suspended, revoked, or canceled following
	a conviction for:
	(1)  an offense under Section 19.05 or Sections
	49.04-49.08, Penal Code; or
	(2)  an offense to which Section 521.342 applies.
	SECTION 9.17.  The changes in law made by this article to
	Articles 43.09(k), 45A.254(e), 45A.459(i), and 45A.460(i), Code of
	Criminal Procedure, apply to a defendant who performs community
	service to discharge fines or costs on or after the effective date
	of this Act, regardless of whether the offense for which the fines
	or costs were imposed occurred before, on, or after that date.
	SECTION 9.18.  Section 6.4035(e), Family Code, and Section
	406.026, Government Code, as amended by this article, apply to a
	waiver of citation executed in a suit for dissolution of a marriage
	that is pending in a trial court on the effective date of this Act,
	or that is filed on or after that date.
	ARTICLE 10.  YOUTH DIVERSION
	SECTION 10.01.  Section 53.01(b-1), Family Code, is amended
	to read as follows:
	(b-1)  The person who is conducting the preliminary
	investigation shall, as appropriate, refer the child's case to a
	community resource coordination group, a local-level interagency
	staffing group, or other community juvenile service provider for
	services under Section 53.011, if the person determines that:
	(1)  [the child is younger than 12 years of age;
	[(2)]  there is probable cause to believe the child
	engaged in delinquent conduct or conduct indicating a need for
	supervision;
	(2) [(3)]  the child's case does not require referral
	to the prosecuting attorney under Subsection (d) or (f);
	(3) [(4)]  the child is eligible for deferred
	prosecution under Section 53.03; and
	(4) [(5)]  the child:
	(A)  is younger than 12 years of age, and the
	child  and the child's family are not currently receiving services
	under Section 53.011 and would benefit from receiving the services;
	or
	(B)  resides in a general residential operation,
	as that term is defined by Section 42.002, Human Resources Code.
	SECTION 10.02.  Section 82.004, Family Code, is amended to
	read as follows:
	Sec. 82.004.  FORM AND CONTENT OF APPLICATION.  (a) A person
	filing an application under this chapter shall use the protective
	order application form created by the Office of Court
	Administration of the Texas Judicial System under Section 72.039,
	Government Code, that is available on the office's Internet
	website, and shall include in the application:
	(1)  the name [and county of residence] of each
	applicant;
	(2)  the county of residence of each applicant, unless
	the applicant requests confidentiality pursuant to Section 82.011
	or 85.007;
	(3)  the name and county of residence of each
	individual alleged to have committed family violence;
	(4) [(3)]  the relationships between the applicants
	and the individual alleged to have committed family violence;
	(5) [(4)]  a request for one or more protective orders;
	[and]
	(6) [(5)]  whether an applicant is receiving services
	from the Title IV-D agency in connection with a child support case
	and, if known, the agency case number for each open case; and
	(7)  any additional information known by the applicant
	that may assist in finding the respondent for the purposes of
	services.
	(b)  An applicant may submit an affidavit of confidentiality
	to the court pursuant to Section 72.039, Government Code, or
	Section 82.011 or 85.007, Family Code, to omit confidential
	information from the application and any subsequent protective
	order. An affidavit of confidentiality is only for the court's use
	and shall not be transmitted to the respondent.
	(c)  A party's failure to use the standardized protective
	order form as required under Subsection (a) does not affect the
	validity or enforceability of the application or any subsequent
	protective order issued.
	SECTION 10.03.  Section 42.0426(b), Human Resources Code, is
	amended to read as follows:
	(b)  A residential child-care facility shall implement a
	behavior intervention program approved by the department for the
	benefit of a child served by the facility who needs assistance in
	managing the child's conduct.  The program must include:
	(1)  behavior intervention instruction for staff
	members who work directly with children served by the facility,
	including crisis response training for emergency behavior
	intervention with a goal of limiting law enforcement involvement;
	and
	(2)  training for all employees regarding the risks
	associated with the use of prone restraints.
	SECTION 10.04.  Section 152.00145, Human Resources Code, is
	amended to read as follows:
	Sec. 152.00145.  DIVERSION AND DETENTION POLICY FOR CERTAIN
	JUVENILES.  (a)  In this section, "general residential operation"
	has the meaning assigned by Section 42.002.
	(b)  A juvenile board shall establish policies that
	prioritize:
	(1)  the diversion from referral to a prosecuting
	attorney under Chapter 53, Family Code, of children who are:
	(A)  younger than 12 years of age [from referral
	to a prosecuting attorney under Chapter 53, Family Code]; or
	(B)  residing in a general residential operation,
	particularly children alleged to have engaged in conduct
	constituting a misdemeanor involving violence to a person; and
	(2)  the limitation of detention, to circumstances of
	last resort, of children who are:
	(A)  younger than 12 years of age; or
	(B)  residing in a general residential operation
	[to circumstances of last resort].
	(c)  To monitor the success of policies implemented under
	Subsection (b) for children who reside in general residential
	operations, a juvenile board shall track:
	(1)  the number of children referred to the board who
	reside in a general residential operation;
	(2)  the number of children described by Subdivision
	(1) who receive deferred prosecution or are referred to the
	juvenile probation department; and
	(3)  the general residential operation where a child
	described by Subdivision (1) resides.
	SECTION 10.05.  Section 53.01(b-1), Family Code, as amended
	by this article, applies only to conduct that occurs on or after the
	effective date of this Act.  Conduct that occurs before that date is
	governed by the law in effect on the date the conduct occurred, and
	the former law is continued in effect for that purpose.  For the
	purposes of this section, conduct occurred before the effective
	date of this Act if any element of the conduct occurred before that
	date.
	ARTICLE 11.  COURT-ORDERED MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES
	SECTION 11.01.  Sections 574.011(a) and (b), Health and
	Safety Code, as amended by S.B. 1164, Acts of the 89th Legislature,
	Regular Session, 2025, and effective September 1, 2025, are amended
	to read as follows:
	(a)  A certificate of medical examination for mental illness
	must be sworn to, dated, and signed by the examining
	physician.  The certificate must include:
	(1)  the name and address of the examining physician;
	(2)  the name and address of the person examined;
	(3)  the date and place of the examination;
	(4)  a brief diagnosis of the examined person's
	physical and mental condition;
	(5)  the period, if any, during which the examined
	person has been under the care of the examining physician;
	(6)  an accurate description of the mental health
	treatment, if any, given by or administered under the direction of
	the examining physician; and
	(7)  the examining physician's opinion that:
	(A)  the examined person is a person with mental
	illness; and
	(B)  as a result of that illness the examined
	person is[:
	[(i)]  likely to cause serious harm to the
	person or to others or is:
	(i)  [;
	[(ii)]  suffering severe and abnormal
	mental, emotional, or physical distress;
	(ii) [(iii)]  experiencing substantial
	mental or physical deterioration of the proposed patient's ability
	to function independently, which is exhibited by the proposed
	patient's inability, except for reasons of indigence, to provide
	for the proposed patient's basic needs, including food, clothing,
	health, or safety; and
	(iii) [(iv)]  not able to make a rational
	and informed decision as to whether to submit to treatment[; or
	[(v)  evidencing an inability to recognize
	symptoms or appreciate the risks and benefits of treatment; and
	[(B)  in the absence of inpatient mental health
	treatment, the examined person is likely to suffer serious risk of
	harm or to inflict serious harm on another person].
	(b)  The examining physician must specify in the certificate
	which criterion listed in Subsection (a)(7)(B) [(a)(7)] forms the
	basis for the physician's opinion.
	SECTION 11.02.  Sections 574.034(a) and (d), Health and
	Safety Code, as amended by S.B. 1164, Acts of the 89th Legislature,
	Regular Session, 2025, and effective September 1, 2025, are amended
	to read as follows:
	(a)  The judge may order a proposed patient to receive
	court-ordered temporary inpatient mental health services only if
	the judge or jury finds, from clear and convincing evidence, that:
	(1)  the proposed patient is a person with mental
	illness; and
	(2)  as a result of that mental illness the proposed
	patient:
	(A)  is likely to cause serious harm to the
	proposed patient;
	(B)  is likely to cause serious harm to others; or
	(C)  is:
	(i)  suffering severe and abnormal mental,
	emotional, or physical distress;
	(ii)  experiencing substantial mental or
	physical deterioration of the proposed patient's ability to
	function independently, which is exhibited by the proposed
	patient's inability, except for reasons of indigence, to provide
	for the proposed patient's basic needs, including food, clothing,
	health, or safety; and
	(iii)  unable to make a rational and
	informed decision as to whether or not to submit to treatment[; or
	[(iv)  evidencing an inability to recognize
	symptoms or to appreciate the risks and benefits of treatment; and
	[(D)  in the absence of court-ordered temporary
	inpatient mental health services, is likely to suffer serious risk
	of harm or to inflict serious harm on another person].
	(d)  To be clear and convincing under Subsection (a), the
	evidence must include expert testimony and, unless waived, evidence
	of a recent overt act or a continuing pattern of behavior that tends
	to confirm:
	(1)  the likelihood of serious harm to the proposed
	patient or others; or
	(2)  [and] the proposed patient's distress and the
	deterioration of the proposed patient's ability to function[; or
	[(2)  the proposed patient's inability to recognize
	symptoms or appreciate the risks and benefits of treatment].
	SECTION 11.03.  Sections 574.035(a) and (e), Health and
	Safety Code, as amended by S.B. 1164, Acts of the 89th Legislature,
	Regular Session, 2025, and effective September 1, 2025, are amended
	to read as follows:
	(a)  The judge may order a proposed patient to receive
	court-ordered extended inpatient mental health services only if the
	jury, or the judge if the right to a jury is waived, finds, from
	clear and convincing evidence, that:
	(1)  the proposed patient is a person with mental
	illness;
	(2)  as a result of that mental illness the proposed
	patient:
	(A)  is likely to cause serious harm to the
	proposed patient;
	(B)  is likely to cause serious harm to others; or
	(C)  is:
	(i)  suffering severe and abnormal mental,
	emotional, or physical distress;
	(ii)  experiencing substantial mental or
	physical deterioration of the proposed patient's ability to
	function independently, which is exhibited by the proposed
	patient's inability, except for reasons of indigence, to provide
	for the proposed patient's basic needs, including food, clothing,
	health, or safety; and
	(iii)  unable to make a rational and
	informed decision as to whether or not to submit to treatment; [or
	[(iv)  evidencing an inability to recognize
	symptoms or appreciate the risks and benefits of treatment; and
	[(D)  in the absence of court-ordered extended
	inpatient mental health services, is likely to suffer serious risk
	of harm or to inflict serious harm on another person;]
	(3)  the proposed patient's condition is expected to
	continue for more than 90 days; and
	(4)  the proposed patient has received court-ordered
	inpatient mental health services under this subtitle or under
	Chapter 46B, Code of Criminal Procedure, for at least 60
	consecutive days during the preceding 12 months.
	(e)  To be clear and convincing under Subsection (a), the
	evidence must include expert testimony and evidence of a recent
	overt act or a continuing pattern of behavior that tends to confirm:
	(1)  the likelihood of serious harm to the proposed
	patient or others; or
	(2)  [and] the proposed patient's distress and the
	deterioration of the proposed patient's ability to function[; or
	[(2)  the proposed patient's inability to recognize
	symptoms or appreciate the risks and benefits of treatment].
	SECTION 11.04.  Chapter 574, Health and Safety Code, as
	amended by this article, applies only to an application or
	proceeding for court-ordered mental health services submitted or
	that occurs on or after the effective date of this Act, regardless
	of when an offense with which the defendant is charged was
	committed.
	ARTICLE 12. POWERS OF THE SUPREME COURT
	SECTION 12.01.  (a) Section 22.002(a), Government Code, is
	amended to read as follows:
	(a)  The supreme court or a justice of the supreme court may
	issue writs of procedendo and certiorari and all writs of quo
	warranto and mandamus agreeable to the principles of law regulating
	those writs, [against a statutory county court judge, a statutory
	probate court judge, a district judge, a court of appeals or a
	justice of a court of appeals, or any officer of state government]
	except the supreme court or justice may not issue a writ against the
	governor[, the court of criminal appeals, or a judge of the court of
	criminal appeals].
	(b)  The changes in law made by this article to Section
	22.002(a), Government Code, apply only to an application for a writ
	of procedendo, certiorari, quo warranto, or mandamus filed in the
	Texas Supreme Court on or after the effective date of this Act.  An
	application for a writ of procedendo, certiorari, quo warranto, or
	mandamus filed before the effective date of this Act is governed by
	the law in effect on the date the application was filed, and the
	former law is continued in effect for that purpose.
	SECTION 12.02.  Section 22.004, Government Code, is amended
	by amending Subsection (c) and adding Subsections (c-1) and (c-2)
	to read as follows:
	(c)  To ensure [So that] the supreme court has full
	rulemaking power in civil actions, [a rule adopted by the supreme
	court repeals] all [conflicting] laws and parts of laws governing
	practice and procedure in civil actions enacted before May 15,
	1939, are repealed, subject to Subsection (c-1)[, but substantive
	law is not repealed]. This subsection does not repeal a substantive
	law.
	(c-1)  A law or part of a law described by Subsection (c) is
	not superseded until the supreme court adopts a rule that governs
	the subject matter of the law or part of a law.
	(c-2)  At the time the supreme court files a rule, the court
	shall file with the secretary of state a list of each article or
	section of general law or each part of an article or section of
	general law that is superseded under Subsection (c-1) [is repealed
	or modified in any way]. The list has the same weight and effect as
	a decision of the court.
	SECTION 12.03.  Section 30.0035, Civil Practice and Remedies
	Code, is amended to read as follows:
	Sec. 30.0035.  PERSONAL SERVICE OF PROCESS DURING
	LEGISLATIVE PROCEEDING PROHIBITED. A person may not serve citation
	or other civil process in person on a member, officer, or employee
	of the senate or house of representatives during any legislative
	proceeding. A court shall quash any service made in violation of
	this section. The supreme court shall revoke the certification of a
	process server who violates this section. [This section is not
	subject to Section 22.004(c), Government Code.]
	SECTION 12.04.  Section 34.041(c), Civil Practice and
	Remedies Code, is amended to read as follows:
	(c)  A sale of real property under this subchapter must take
	place between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. on the first Tuesday of a month or,
	if the first Tuesday of a month occurs on January 1 or July 4,
	between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. on the first Wednesday of the month.
	[Notwithstanding Section 22.004, Government Code, the supreme
	court may not amend or adopt rules in conflict with this
	subsection.]
	SECTION 12.05.  Section 1162.007(c), Estates Code, is
	amended to read as follows:
	(c)  An attorney does not violate the attorney-client
	privilege solely by complying with a court order to release an
	instrument subject to this section and Sections 1162.005 and
	1162.006.  [Notwithstanding Section 22.004, Government Code, the
	supreme court may not amend or adopt rules in conflict with this
	subsection.]
	SECTION 12.06.  Section 52.047(g), Government Code, is
	amended to read as follows:
	(g)  Notwithstanding the Texas Rules of Appellate Procedure,
	an official court reporter who is required to prepare a transcript
	in a criminal case without charging a fee is not entitled to payment
	for the transcript from the state or county if the county paid a
	substitute court reporter to perform the official court reporter's
	regular duties while the transcript was being prepared. To the
	extent that this subsection conflicts with the Texas Rules of
	Appellate Procedure, this subsection controls.  [Notwithstanding
	Sections 22.004 and 22.108(b), the supreme court or the court of
	criminal appeals may not amend or adopt rules in conflict with this
	subsection.]
	SECTION 12.07.  Section 2273.004(c), Government Code, as
	added by S.B. 33, Acts of the 89th Legislature, Regular Session,
	2025, and effective September 1, 2025, is amended to read as
	follows:
	(c)  Notwithstanding any other law:
	(1)  a court may not award costs or attorney's fees
	under Rule 91a, Texas Rules of Civil Procedure, [or under another
	rule the supreme court adopts under Section 22.004(g)] to any
	defendant against whom an action is brought under this section; and
	(2)  Chapters 27 and 110, Civil Practice and Remedies
	Code, do not apply to an action brought under this section.
	SECTION 12.08.  Section 171.208(i), Health and Safety Code,
	is amended to read as follows:
	(i)  Notwithstanding any other law, a court may not award
	costs or attorney's fees under the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure
	[or any other rule adopted by the supreme court under Section
	22.004, Government Code,] to a defendant in an action brought under
	this section.
	SECTION 12.09.  Section 455.351(h), Occupations Code, is
	amended to read as follows:
	(h)  Notwithstanding any other law or rule [Section 22.004,
	Government Code]:
	(1)  a person may not continue the enjoined activity
	pending appeal or trial on the merits of an injunctive order entered
	in a suit brought under this subchapter;
	(2)  not later than the 90th day after the date of the
	injunctive order, the appropriate court of appeals shall hear and
	decide an appeal taken by a party enjoined under this subchapter;
	and
	(3)  if an appeal is not taken by a party temporarily
	enjoined under this subchapter [article], the parties are entitled
	to a full trial on the merits not later than the 90th day after the
	date of the temporary injunctive order.
	SECTION 12.10.  Effective January 1, 2026, Section
	24.0043(a), Property Code, as added by S.B. 38, Acts of the 89th
	Legislature, Regular Session, 2025, and effective January 1, 2026,
	is amended to read as follows:
	(a)  Except as provided by Subsection (b) but
	notwithstanding any other law, [including Section 22.004,
	Government Code,] only the legislature may modify or suspend
	procedures prescribed by this chapter.
	SECTION 12.11.  The following provisions of the Civil
	Practice and Remedies Code are repealed:
	(1)  Section 10.006;
	(2)  Section 14.013(c);
	(3)  Section 14.014;
	(4)  Section 14A.061(c);
	(5)  Section 14A.062;
	(6)  Section 15.066;
	(7)  Section 30.010(d);
	(8)  Section 30.013(f);
	(9)  Section 30.018(b);
	(10)  Section 51.017(b);
	(11)  Section 52.005(b);
	(12)  Section 64.091(k);
	(13)  Section 64.093(k);
	(14)  Section 65.045(b);
	(15)  Section 98.007(e);
	(16)  Section 98B.008(e), as added by S.B. 441, Acts of
	the 89th Legislature, Regular Session, 2025, and effective
	September 1, 2025;
	(17)  Section 100B.004(e), as added by S.B. 2373, Acts
	of the 89th Legislature, Regular Session, 2025, and effective
	September 1, 2025;
	(18)  Section 134A.0065(k), as added by H.B. 4081, Acts
	of the 89th Legislature, Regular Session, 2025, and effective
	September 1, 2025;
	(19)  Section 134A.007(c); and
	(20)  Section 154.028(m).
	SECTION 12.12.  The following provisions are repealed:
	(1)  Section 111.002(b), Family Code;
	(2)  Section 301.002, Family Code;
	(3)  Section 276.002(e), Finance Code;
	(4)  Section 23.303(e), Government Code, as added by
	S.B. 293, Acts of the 89th Legislature, Regular Session, 2025, and
	effective September 1, 2025;
	(5)  Section 74.1625(b), Government Code; and
	(6)  Section 410.305(b), Labor Code.
	SECTION 12.13.  On the effective date of this Act, a rule
	adopted by the Texas Supreme Court under Section 22.004, Government
	Code, as that section existed before the effective date of this Act,
	that conflicts with a provision of law is invalid and has no effect
	in any action commenced in any court in this state on or after the
	effective date of this Act.
	ARTICLE 13. JURORS
	SECTION 13.01.  Article 19A.105(b), Code of Criminal
	Procedure, as amended by H.B. 2637, Acts of the 89th Legislature,
	Regular Session, 2025, and effective September 1, 2025, is amended
	to read as follows:
	(b)  The following qualified persons may be exempted [claim
	an exemption] from grand jury service:
	(1)  a person who is 75 years of age or older;
	(2)  a person responsible for the care of a child who is
	younger than 18 years of age and who will be without adequate
	supervision if the person serves on the grand jury;
	(3)  a student of a public or private secondary school;
	(4)  a person enrolled in and in actual attendance at an
	institution of higher education; and
	(5)  any other person the court determines has a
	reasonable excuse from service.
	SECTION 13.02.  Section 62.107(c), Government Code, as
	amended by H.B. 2637, Acts of the 89th Legislature, Regular
	Session, 2025, and effective September 1, 2025, is amended to read
	as follows:
	(c)  A person who files a statement with a clerk of the court,
	as provided by Subsection (a), claiming an exemption because the
	person is 75 years of age or older, may also claim the permanent
	exemption on that ground authorized by Section 62.108 by including
	in the statement filed with the clerk a declaration that the person
	desires the permanent exemption. The clerk of the court with whom
	the declaration is filed shall notify the district clerk [secretary
	of state].
	SECTION 13.03.  Section 62.108(e), Government Code, as
	amended by H.B. 2637, Acts of the 89th Legislature, Regular
	Session, 2025, and effective September 1, 2025, is amended to read
	as follows:
	(e)  A person who has claimed a permanent exemption from jury
	service because the person is 75 years of age or older may rescind
	the exemption at any time by filing a signed request for the
	rescission with the district clerk [voter registrar] of the county.
	Rescission of a permanent exemption does not affect the right of a
	person who is 75 years of age or older to claim permanent exemption
	at a later time.
	SECTION 13.04.  Sections 62.109(a) and (b), Government Code,
	as amended by H.B. 2637, Acts of the 89th Legislature, Regular
	Session, 2025, and effective September 1, 2025, are amended to read
	as follows:
	(a)  The judge of a district court or, if authorized by the
	local administrative district judge or the county jury plan, the
	district clerk may permanently or for a specified period exempt
	from service as a juror in all the county and district courts in the
	county a person with a physical or mental impairment or with an
	inability to comprehend or communicate in the English language that
	makes it impossible or very difficult for the person to serve on a
	jury.
	(b)  A person requesting an exemption under this section must
	submit to the court or the district clerk described by Subsection
	(a) an affidavit stating the person's name and address and the
	reason for and the duration of the requested exemption. A person
	requesting an exemption due to a physical or mental impairment must
	attach to the affidavit a statement from a physician. The affidavit
	and physician's statement may be submitted to the court at the time
	the person is summoned for jury service or at any other time.
	SECTION 13.05.  The changes in law made by this article apply
	only to a person who is summoned to appear for service on a grand
	jury or petit jury on or after the effective date of this Act. A
	person who is summoned to appear for service on a grand jury or
	petit jury before the effective date of this Act is governed by the
	law in effect on the date the person was summoned, and the former
	law is continued in effect for that purpose.
	ARTICLE 14. MISCELLANEOUS JUDICIAL, COURT, AND RECORD PROVISIONS
	SECTION 14.01.  The heading to Section 13.0021, Election
	Code, is amended to read as follows:
	Sec. 13.0021.  ADDITIONAL REGISTRATION INFORMATION FROM
	CERTAIN FEDERAL AND STATE JUDGES, FEDERAL OFFICIALS, CLERKS,
	GOVERNMENTAL EMPLOYEES, INCLUDING MUNICIPAL COURT PERSONNEL, AND
	FAMILY MEMBERS.
	SECTION 14.02.  Section 13.0021(b), Election Code, is
	amended to read as follows:
	(b)  The registrar of the county shall omit from the
	registration list the residence address for a [If the] registration
	applicant who is:
	(1)  a federal judge, including a federal bankruptcy
	judge;
	(2)  [,] a state judge;
	(3)  [,] a marshal of the United States Marshals
	Service;
	(4)  [,] a United States attorney;
	(5)  a current or former county clerk, district clerk,
	or county and district clerk, or a current or former employee of the
	office of a county clerk, district clerk, or county and district
	clerk or municipal court personnel;
	(6)  a current or former employee whose duties relate
	to court administration, including a court clerk, court
	coordinator, court administrator, juvenile case manager, law
	clerk, or staff attorney;
	(7)  a current or former employee of the Office of Court
	Administration of the Texas Judicial System and entities
	administratively attached to the office;
	(8)  a current or former employee or commissioner of
	the State Commission on Judicial Conduct; or
	(9) [, or] a family member of a person listed in
	Subdivisions (1)-(8) [state judge, a federal judge, including a
	federal bankruptcy judge, a marshal of the United States Marshals
	Service, or a United States attorney, the registrar of the county
	shall omit the applicant's residence address from the registration
	list].
	SECTION 14.03.  Section 253.152(7), Election Code, is
	amended to read as follows:
	(7)  "Statewide judicial office" means the office of
	chief justice or justice, supreme court, or presiding judge or
	judge, court of criminal appeals, or the Court of Appeals for the
	Fifteenth Court of Appeals District.
	SECTION 14.04.  Subchapter A, Chapter 58, Family Code, is
	amended by adding Section 58.010 to read as follows:
	Sec. 58.010.  CONFIDENTIALITY OF WARRANTS OF ARREST.
	Notwithstanding Article 15.26, Code of Criminal Procedure, an
	arrest warrant issued for a child and a complaint or affidavit on
	which an arrest warrant issued for a child is based are confidential
	and may be disclosed only to the following:
	(1)  the judge, probation officer, and professional
	staff or consultants of the juvenile court;
	(2)  a juvenile justice agency, as defined by Section
	58.101;
	(3)  a criminal justice agency, as defined by Section
	411.082, Government Code;
	(4)  an attorney representing the child's parent in a
	proceeding under this title;
	(5)  an attorney representing the child;
	(6)  a prosecuting attorney; or
	(7)  with permission from the juvenile court, another
	individual, agency, or institution with a legitimate interest in
	the information or court.
	SECTION 14.05.  (a) Section 81.113(a), Government Code, is
	amended to read as follows:
	(a)  Except as provided by Subsection (b), the state bar
	shall credit an attorney licensed in this state with meeting the
	minimum continuing legal education requirements of the state bar
	for a reporting year if during the reporting year the attorney is:
	(1)  employed full-time as an attorney by:
	(A) [(1)]  the senate;
	(B) [(2)]  the house of representatives;
	(C) [(3)]  a committee, division, department, or
	office of the senate or house;
	(D) [(4)]  the Texas Legislative Council;
	(E) [(5)]  the Legislative Budget Board;
	(F) [(6)]  the Legislative Reference Library;
	(G) [(7)]  the office of the state auditor; or
	(H) [(8)]  the Sunset Advisory Commission; or
	(2)  serving as a state official appointed by the
	governor and confirmed by the senate.
	(b)  Section 81.113, Government Code, as amended by this
	article, applies only to the minimum requirements for a continuing
	legal education compliance year that ends on or after the effective
	date of this Act. The minimum requirements for continuing legal
	education for a compliance year that ends before that date are
	covered by the law and rules in effect when the compliance year
	ended, and that law and those rules are continued in effect for that
	purpose.
	SECTION 14.06.  Section 92.001(1), Government Code, as added
	by H.B. 5081, Acts of the 89th Legislature, Regular Session, 2025,
	and effective September 1, 2025, is amended to read as follows:
	(1)  "At-risk individual" means:
	(A)  a judge, as defined by Section 33.001;
	(B)  a federal judge, as defined by Section
	411.201, who resides in this state;
	(C)  a court clerk; or [and]
	(D) [(C)]  an employee of a state court, a court
	clerk, the office, or another agency in the judicial branch of state
	government.
	SECTION 14.07.  Section 552.117(a), Government Code, as
	amended by S.B. 370 and S.B. 1569, Acts of the 89th Legislature,
	Regular Session, 2025, and effective September 1, 2025, is
	reenacted and amended to read as follows:
	(a)  Information is excepted from the requirements of
	Section 552.021 if it is information that relates to the home
	address, home telephone number, emergency contact information, or
	social security number of the following person or that reveals
	whether the person has family members:
	(1)  a current or former official or employee of a
	governmental body, except as otherwise provided by Section 552.024;
	(2)  a current or honorably retired peace officer as
	defined by Article 2A.001, Code of Criminal Procedure, or a current
	or honorably retired security officer commissioned under Section
	51.212, Education Code, regardless of whether the officer complies
	with Section 552.024 or 552.1175, as applicable;
	(3)  a current or former employee of the Texas
	Department of Criminal Justice or of the predecessor in function of
	the department or any division of the department, regardless of
	whether the current or former employee complies with Section
	552.1175;
	(4)  a peace officer as defined by Article 2A.001, Code
	of Criminal Procedure, or other law, a reserve law enforcement
	officer, a commissioned deputy game warden, or a corrections
	officer in a municipal, county, or state penal institution in this
	state who was killed in the line of duty, regardless of whether the
	deceased complied with Section 552.024 or 552.1175;
	(5)  a commissioned security officer as defined by
	Section 1702.002, Occupations Code, regardless of whether the
	officer complies with Section 552.024 or 552.1175, as applicable;
	(6)  an officer or employee of a community supervision
	and corrections department established under Chapter 76 who
	performs a duty described by Section 76.004(b), regardless of
	whether the officer or employee complies with Section 552.024 or
	552.1175;
	(7)  a current or former employee of the office of the
	attorney general and a family member of the current or former
	employee, regardless of whether the person complies with Section
	552.024 or 552.1175;
	(8)  a current or former employee of the Texas Juvenile
	Justice Department or of the predecessors in function of the
	department, regardless of whether the current or former employee
	complies with Section 552.024 or 552.1175;
	(9)  a current or former juvenile probation or
	supervision officer certified by the Texas Juvenile Justice
	Department, or the predecessors in function of the department,
	under Title 12, Human Resources Code, regardless of whether the
	current or former officer complies with Section 552.024 or
	552.1175;
	(10)  a current or former employee of a juvenile
	justice program or facility, as those terms are defined by Section
	261.405, Family Code, regardless of whether the current or former
	employee complies with Section 552.024 or 552.1175;
	(11)  a current or former member of the United States
	Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, or Marine Corps, an auxiliary
	service of one of those branches of the armed forces, or the Texas
	military forces, as that term is defined by Section 437.001;
	(12)  a current or former district attorney, criminal
	district attorney, or county or municipal attorney whose
	jurisdiction includes any criminal law or child protective services
	matters, regardless of whether the current or former attorney
	complies with Section 552.024 or 552.1175;
	(13)  a current or former employee of a district
	attorney, criminal district attorney, or county or municipal
	attorney whose jurisdiction includes any criminal law or child
	protective services matters, regardless of whether the current or
	former employee complies with Section 552.024 or 552.1175;
	(14)  a current or former employee of the Texas Civil
	Commitment Office or of the predecessor in function of the office or
	a division of the office, regardless of whether the current or
	former employee complies with Section 552.024 or 552.1175;
	(15)  a current or former federal judge or state judge,
	as those terms are defined by Section 1.005, Election Code, a
	federal bankruptcy judge, a marshal of the United States Marshals
	Service, a United States attorney, or a family member of a current
	or former federal judge, including a federal bankruptcy judge, a
	marshal of the United States Marshals Service, a United States
	attorney, or a state judge;
	(16)  a current or former child protective services
	caseworker, adult protective services caseworker, or investigator
	for the Department of Family and Protective Services, regardless of
	whether the caseworker or investigator complies with Section
	552.024 or 552.1175, or a current or former employee of a department
	contractor performing child protective services caseworker, adult
	protective services caseworker, or investigator functions for the
	contractor on behalf of the department;
	(17)  an elected public officer, regardless of whether
	the officer complies with Section 552.024 or 552.1175;
	(18)  a current or former United States attorney,
	assistant United States attorney, federal public defender, deputy
	federal public defender, or assistant federal public defender and
	the spouse or child of the current or former attorney or public
	defender, regardless of whether the person complies with Section
	552.024 or 552.1175; [or]
	(19)  a firefighter or volunteer firefighter or
	emergency medical services personnel as defined by Section 773.003,
	Health and Safety Code, regardless of whether the firefighter or
	volunteer firefighter or emergency medical services personnel
	comply with Section 552.024 or 552.1175, as applicable;
	(20)  a current or former employee of a public
	defender's office as defined by Article 26.044(a), Code of Criminal
	Procedure, regardless of whether the current or former employee
	complies with Section 552.024 or 552.1175;
	(21) [(20)]  a member of the governing board of an
	institution of higher education or a private or independent
	institution of higher education, as those terms are defined by
	Section 61.003, Education Code;
	(22) [(21)]  the chancellor or other chief executive
	officer of a university system, as defined by Section 61.003,
	Education Code; [or]
	(23) [(22)]  the president or other chief executive
	officer of an institution of higher education or a private or
	independent institution of higher education, as those terms are
	defined by Section 61.003, Education Code;
	(24)  a current or former county clerk, district clerk,
	or county and district clerk, or a current or former employee of the
	office of a county clerk, district clerk, or county and district
	clerk, regardless of whether the current or former clerk or
	employee complies with Section 552.024 or 552.1175;
	(25)  a current or former employee whose duties relate
	to court administration, including a court clerk, court
	coordinator, court administrator, juvenile case manager, law
	clerk, or staff attorney, regardless of whether the employee
	complies with Section 552.024 or 552.1175;
	(26)  a current or former employee of the Office of
	Court Administration of the Texas Judicial System and entities
	administratively attached to the office, regardless of whether the
	employee complies with Section 552.024 or 552.1175; or
	(27)  a current or former employee or commissioner of
	the State Commission on Judicial Conduct, regardless of whether the
	employee or commissioner complies with Section 552.024 or 552.1175.
	SECTION 14.08.  Section 552.117, Government Code, is amended
	by amending Subsection (b) and adding Subsection (b-1) to read as
	follows:
	(b)  Except as provided by Subsection (b-1), all [All]
	documents filed with a county clerk and all documents filed with a
	district clerk are exempt from this section.
	(b-1)  A county clerk or district clerk on request of a
	person to whom this section applies shall redact information
	described by Subsection (a) that relates to the person posted on an
	Internet website by:
	(1)  the clerk; or
	(2)  an entity with which the county contracts for the
	provision or maintenance of the Internet website.
	SECTION 14.09.  Section 552.1175(a), Government Code, as
	amended by S.B. 370, S.B. 1540, and S.B. 1569, Acts of the 89th
	Legislature, Regular Session, 2025, and effective September 1,
	2025, is reenacted and amended to read as follows:
	(a)  This section applies only to:
	(1)  current or honorably retired peace officers as
	defined by Article 2A.001, Code of Criminal Procedure, or special
	investigators as described by Article 2A.002, Code of Criminal
	Procedure;
	(2)  current or honorably retired county jailers as
	defined by Section 1701.001, Occupations Code;
	(3)  current or former employees of the Texas
	Department of Criminal Justice or of the predecessor in function of
	the department or any division of the department;
	(4)  commissioned security officers as defined by
	Section 1702.002, Occupations Code;
	(5)  a current or former district attorney, criminal
	district attorney, or county or municipal attorney whose
	jurisdiction includes any criminal law or child protective services
	matters;
	(5-a) a current or former employee of a district
	attorney, criminal district attorney, or county or municipal
	attorney whose jurisdiction includes any criminal law or child
	protective services matters;
	(6)  officers and employees of a community supervision
	and corrections department established under Chapter 76 who perform
	a duty described by Section 76.004(b);
	(7)  criminal investigators of the United States as
	described by Article 2A.002(a), Code of Criminal Procedure;
	(8)  current or honorably retired police officers and
	inspectors of the United States Federal Protective Service;
	(9)  current or former employees of the office of the
	attorney general and a family member of the current or former
	employee;
	(10)  current or former juvenile probation and
	detention officers certified by the Texas Juvenile Justice
	Department, or the predecessors in function of the department,
	under Title 12, Human Resources Code;
	(11)  current or former employees of a juvenile justice
	program or facility, as those terms are defined by Section 261.405,
	Family Code;
	(12)  current or former employees of the Texas Juvenile
	Justice Department or the predecessors in function of the
	department;
	(13)  federal judges and state judges as defined by
	Section 1.005, Election Code;
	(14)  current or former employees of the Texas Civil
	Commitment Office or of the predecessor in function of the office or
	a division of the office;
	(15)  a current or former member of the United States
	Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, or Marine Corps, an auxiliary
	service of one of those branches of the armed forces, or the Texas
	military forces, as that term is defined by Section 437.001;
	(16)  a current or former child protective services
	caseworker, adult protective services caseworker, or investigator
	for the Department of Family and Protective Services or a current or
	former employee of a department contractor performing child
	protective services caseworker, adult protective services
	caseworker, or investigator functions for the contractor on behalf
	of the department;
	(17)  an elected public officer;
	(18)  a firefighter or volunteer firefighter or
	emergency medical services personnel as defined by Section 773.003,
	Health and Safety Code;
	(19)  a current or former United States attorney,
	assistant United States attorney, federal public defender, deputy
	federal public defender, or assistant federal public defender; [or]
	(20)  a current or former employee of a public
	defender's office as defined by Article 26.044(a), Code of Criminal
	Procedure;
	(21) [(20)]  a current or former election official, as
	defined by Section 1.005, Election Code, or employee, volunteer, or
	designee of an election official, or an employee of the secretary of
	state's office who performs duties relating to elections;
	(22) [(20)]  a member of the governing board of an
	institution of higher education or a private or independent
	institution of higher education, as those terms are defined by
	Section 61.003, Education Code;
	(23) [(21)]  the chancellor or other chief executive
	officer of a university system, as defined by Section 61.003,
	Education Code; [and]
	(24) [(22)]  the president or other chief executive
	officer of an institution of higher education or a private or
	independent institution of higher education, as those terms are
	defined by Section 61.003, Education Code;
	(25)  a current or former county clerk, district clerk,
	or county and district clerk, or a current or former employee of the
	office of a county clerk, district clerk, or county and district
	clerk;
	(26)  a current or former employee whose duties relate
	to court administration, including a court clerk, court
	coordinator, court administrator, juvenile case manager, law
	clerk, or staff attorney;
	(27)  a current or former employee of the Office of
	Court Administration of the Texas Judicial System and entities
	administratively attached to the office; and
	(28)  a current or former employee or commissioner of
	the State Commission on Judicial Conduct.
	SECTION 14.10.  Section 552.1175, Government Code, is
	amended by amending Subsection (e) and adding Subsection (e-1) to
	read as follows:
	(e)  Except as provided by Subsection (e-1), all [All]
	documents filed with a county clerk and all documents filed with a
	district clerk are exempt from this section.
	(e-1)  A county clerk or district clerk on request of a
	person to whom this section applies shall redact information
	described by Subsection (b) that relates to the person from any
	document the clerk posts on an Internet website.
	SECTION 14.11.  Section 615.003(a), Local Government Code,
	is amended to read as follows:
	(a)  A county [with a population of 150,000 or more] may
	construct, enlarge, equip, and operate a parking lot or parking
	garage adjacent to or near the county courthouse.
	SECTION 14.12.  Section 42.07(b), Penal Code, is amended by
	amending Subdivision (1) and adding Subdivision (1-a) to read as
	follows:
	(1)  "Court employee" means an employee whose duties
	relate to court administration, including a court clerk, court
	coordinator, court administrator, juvenile case manager, law
	clerk, or staff attorney.  The term does not include a judge.
	(1-a)  "Electronic communication" means a transfer of
	signs, signals, writing, images, sounds, data, or intelligence of
	any nature transmitted in whole or in part by a wire, radio,
	electromagnetic, photoelectronic, or photo-optical system.  The
	term includes:
	(A)  a communication initiated through the use of
	electronic mail, instant message, network call, a cellular or other
	type of telephone, a computer, a camera, text message, a social
	media platform or application, an Internet website, any other
	Internet-based communication tool, or facsimile machine; and
	(B)  a communication made to a pager.
	SECTION 14.13.  Section 42.07(c), Penal Code, as amended by
	S.B. 482, Acts of the 89th Legislature, Regular Session, 2025, and
	effective September 1, 2025, is amended to read as follows:
	(c)  An offense under this section is a Class B misdemeanor,
	except that the offense is:
	(1)  a Class A misdemeanor if:
	(A) [(1)]  the actor has previously been
	convicted under this section;
	(B) [(2)]  the offense was committed under
	Subsection (a)(7) or (8) and:
	(i) [(A)]  the offense was committed against
	a child under 18 years of age with the intent that the child:
	(a) [(i)]  commit suicide; or
	(b) [(ii)]  engage in conduct causing
	serious bodily injury to the child; or
	(ii) [(B)]  the actor has previously
	violated a temporary restraining order or injunction issued under
	Chapter 129A, Civil Practice and Remedies Code; [or]
	(C) [(3)]  the offense was committed against a
	person the actor knows or reasonably should know is an employee or
	agent of a utility while the person is performing a duty within the
	scope of that employment or agency; or
	(D)  the offense was committed against a person
	the actor knows is a court employee;
	(2)  a state jail felony if the offense was committed
	against a person the actor knows is:
	(A)  a court employee and the actor has previously
	been convicted under this section; or
	(B)  a judge; and
	(3)  a felony of the third degree if the offense was
	committed against a person the actor knows is a judge and the actor
	has previously been convicted under this section.
	SECTION 14.14.  Section 25.025(a), Tax Code, as amended by
	H.B. 1620, S.B. 370, and S.B. 1569, Acts of the 89th Legislature,
	Regular Session, 2025, and effective September 1, 2025, is
	reenacted and amended to read as follows:
	(a)  This section applies only to:
	(1)  a current or former peace officer as defined by
	Article 2A.001, Code of Criminal Procedure, and the spouse or
	surviving spouse of the peace officer;
	(2)  the adult child of a current peace officer as
	defined by Article 2A.001, Code of Criminal Procedure;
	(3)  a current or honorably retired county jailer as
	defined by Section 1701.001, Occupations Code;
	(4)  an employee of the Texas Department of Criminal
	Justice;
	(5)  a commissioned security officer as defined by
	Section 1702.002, Occupations Code;
	(6)  an individual who shows that the individual, the
	individual's child, or another person in the individual's household
	is a victim of family violence as defined by Section 71.004, Family
	Code, by providing:
	(A)  a copy of a protective order issued under
	Chapter 85, Family Code, or a magistrate's order for emergency
	protection issued under Article 17.292, Code of Criminal Procedure;
	or
	(B)  other independent documentary evidence
	necessary to show that the individual, the individual's child, or
	another person in the individual's household is a victim of family
	violence;
	(7)  an individual who shows that the individual, the
	individual's child, or another person in the individual's household
	is a victim of sexual assault or abuse, stalking, or trafficking of
	persons by providing:
	(A)  a copy of a protective order issued under
	Subchapter A or B, Chapter 7B, Code of Criminal Procedure, or a
	magistrate's order for emergency protection issued under Article
	17.292, Code of Criminal Procedure; or
	(B)  other independent documentary evidence
	necessary to show that the individual, the individual's child, or
	another person in the individual's household is a victim of sexual
	assault or abuse, stalking, or trafficking of persons;
	(8)  a participant in the address confidentiality
	program administered by the attorney general under Subchapter B,
	Chapter 58, Code of Criminal Procedure, who provides proof of
	certification under Article 58.059, Code of Criminal Procedure;
	(9)  a federal judge, a federal bankruptcy judge, a
	marshal of the United States Marshals Service, a state judge, or a
	family member of a federal judge, a federal bankruptcy judge, a
	marshal of the United States Marshals Service, or a state judge;
	(10)  a current or former district attorney, criminal
	district attorney, or county or municipal attorney whose
	jurisdiction includes any criminal law or child protective services
	matters;
	(11)  a current or former employee of a district
	attorney, criminal district attorney, or county or municipal
	attorney whose jurisdiction includes any criminal law or child
	protective services matters;
	(12)  an officer or employee of a community supervision
	and corrections department established under Chapter 76,
	Government Code, who performs a duty described by Section 76.004(b)
	of that code;
	(13)  a criminal investigator of the United States as
	described by Article 2A.002(a), Code of Criminal Procedure;
	(14)  a current or honorably retired police officer or
	inspector of the United States Federal Protective Service;
	(15)  a current or former United States attorney,
	assistant United States attorney, federal public defender, deputy
	federal public defender, or assistant federal public defender and
	the spouse and child of the attorney or public defender;
	(16)  a current or former employee of the office of the
	attorney general and a family member of the current or former
	employee;
	(17)  a medical examiner or person who performs
	forensic analysis or testing who is employed by this state or one or
	more political subdivisions of this state;
	(18)  a current or former member of the United States
	armed forces who has served in an area that the president of the
	United States by executive order designates for purposes of 26
	U.S.C. Section 112 as an area in which armed forces of the United
	States are or have engaged in combat;
	(19)  a current or former employee of the Texas
	Juvenile Justice Department or of the predecessors in function of
	the department;
	(20)  a current or former juvenile probation or
	supervision officer certified by the Texas Juvenile Justice
	Department, or the predecessors in function of the department,
	under Title 12, Human Resources Code;
	(21)  a current or former employee of a juvenile
	justice program or facility, as those terms are defined by Section
	261.405, Family Code;
	(22)  a current or former employee of the Texas Civil
	Commitment Office or the predecessor in function of the office or a
	division of the office;
	(23)  a current or former employee of a federal judge or
	state judge;
	(24)  a current or former child protective services
	caseworker, adult protective services caseworker, or investigator
	for the Department of Family and Protective Services or a current or
	former employee of a department contractor performing child
	protective services caseworker, adult protective services
	caseworker, or investigator functions for the contractor on behalf
	of the department;
	(25)  an elected public officer;
	(26)  a firefighter or volunteer firefighter or
	emergency medical services personnel as defined by Section 773.003,
	Health and Safety Code;
	(27)  a customs and border protection officer or border
	patrol agent of United States Customs and Border Protection or the
	spouse, surviving spouse, or adult child of a customs and border
	protection officer or border patrol agent;
	(28)  a current or former employee or contract staff
	member of a university health care provider at a corrections
	facility operated by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice or
	the Texas Juvenile Justice Department;
	(29)  a current or former attorney for the Department
	of Family and Protective Services;
	(30)  a member of the governing board of an institution
	of higher education or a private or independent institution of
	higher education, as those terms are defined by Section 61.003,
	Education Code;
	(31)  the chancellor or other chief executive officer
	of a university system, as defined by Section 61.003, Education
	Code; [and]
	(32)  the president or other chief executive officer of
	an institution of higher education or a private or independent
	institution of higher education, as those terms are defined by
	Section 61.003, Education Code;
	(33) [(30)]  a current or former employee of a public
	defender's office as defined by Article 26.044(a), Code of Criminal
	Procedure;
	(34)  a current or former county clerk, district clerk,
	or county and district clerk, or a current or former employee of the
	office of a county clerk, district clerk, or county and district
	clerk;
	(35)  a current or former employee whose duties relate
	to court administration, including a court clerk, court
	coordinator, court administrator, juvenile case manager, law
	clerk, or staff attorney;
	(36)  a current or former employee of the Office of
	Court Administration of the Texas Judicial System and entities
	administratively attached to the office; and
	(37)  a current or former employee or commissioner of
	the State Commission on Judicial Conduct.
	SECTION 14.15.  Section 521.121, Transportation Code, is
	amended by amending Subsections (a) and (c) and adding Subsection
	(c-1) to read as follows:
	(a)  The driver's license must include:
	(1)  a distinguishing number assigned by the department
	to the license holder;
	(2)  a photograph of the entire face of the holder;
	(3)  the full name and date of birth of the holder;
	(4)  a brief description of the holder; and
	(5)  the license holder's residence address or, for a
	license holder using the procedure under Subsection (c):
	(A)  [,] the street address of the courthouse in
	which the license holder or license holder's spouse or parent:
	(i)  serves as a federal judge, including a
	federal bankruptcy judge, a marshal of the United States Marshals
	Service, a United States attorney, or a state judge; or
	(ii)  performs duties related to court
	administration, including a court clerk, court coordinator, court
	administrator, juvenile case manager, law clerk, or staff attorney;
	or
	(B)  the office address of the office in which the
	license holder or the license holder's spouse or parent performs
	duties as an employee of the office of a county clerk, district
	clerk, or county and district clerk, or of the Office of Court
	Administration of the Texas Judicial System and entities
	administratively attached to the office, or as an employee or
	commissioner of the State Commission on Judicial Conduct.
	(c)  The department shall establish a procedure, on a license
	holder's qualification for or appointment to office as a federal or
	state judge as defined by Section 1.005, Election Code, or as a
	county clerk, district clerk, or county and district clerk, or as a
	federal bankruptcy judge, a marshal of the United States Marshals
	Service, [or] a United States attorney, or for a license holder
	whose duties relate to court administration, including a court
	clerk, court coordinator, court administrator, juvenile case
	manager, law clerk, or staff attorney, or as an employee of the
	office of a county clerk, district clerk, or county and district
	clerk, or of the Office of Court Administration of the Texas
	Judicial System and entities administratively attached to the
	office, or as an employee or commissioner of the State Commission on
	Judicial Conduct, to omit the residence address of the judge, [or]
	official, employee, or commissioner and any family member of the
	judge, [or] official, employee, or commissioner on the license
	holder's license and to print [include], in lieu of that address,
	the street address of the courthouse or office building in which the
	license holder or license holder's spouse or parent serves as a
	federal or state judge, [or] official, employee, or commissioner.
	(c-1)  The residence address of a license holder whose
	residence address is omitted using the procedure under Subsection
	(c) is confidential and is available only for the official use of
	the department or a law enforcement agency.
	SECTION 14.16.  Section 42.07, Penal Code, as amended by
	this article, applies only to an offense committed on or after the
	effective date of this Act. An offense committed before that date
	is governed by the law in effect on the date the offense was
	committed, and the former law is continued in effect for that
	purpose. For purposes of this section, an offense was committed
	before the effective date of this Act if any element of the offense
	occurred before that date.
	SECTION 14.17.  Not later than November 1, 2026, the
	Department of Public Safety shall:
	(1)  review the department's processes for
	implementation of and compliance with Section 521.121,
	Transportation Code, as amended by this Act; and
	(2)  submit to the governor, the lieutenant governor,
	the speaker of the house of representatives, each member of the
	legislature, and the Texas Judicial Council a written report
	containing the results of the review, a description of the methods
	used to prepare the review, and any recommendations for legislative
	or other action.
	ARTICLE 15. EFFECTIVE DATE
	SECTION 15.01.  Except as otherwise provided by a provision
	of this Act, this Act takes effect on the 91st day after the last day
	of the legislative session.