reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 2 - Judicial Branch › Subtitle F - Court Administration › Chapter 74 - Court Administration Act › Subchapter J. Additional Resources for Certain Cases › Section 74.252. Rules to Guide Determination of Whether Case Requires Additional Resources

Sec. 74.252.  RULES TO GUIDE DETERMINATION OF WHETHER CASE REQUIRES ADDITIONAL RESOURCES.  (a)  The supreme court shall adopt rules under which courts, presiding judges of the administrative judicial regions, and the judicial committee for additional resources may determine whether a case requires additional resources to ensure efficient judicial management of the case.
(b)  In developing the rules, the supreme court shall include considerations regarding whether a case involves or is likely to involve:
(1)  a large number of parties who are separately represented by counsel;
(2)  coordination with related actions pending in one or more courts in other counties of this state or in one or more United States district courts;
(3)  numerous pretrial motions that present difficult or novel legal issues that will be time-consuming to resolve;
(4)  a large number of witnesses or substantial documentary evidence;
(5)  substantial postjudgment supervision;
(6)  a trial that will last more than four weeks; and
(7)  a substantial additional burden on the trial court's docket and the resources available to the trial court to hear the case.
Added by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., 1st C.S., Ch. 3 (H.B. 79), Sec. 7.04, eff. January 1, 2012.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 2 - Judicial Branch › Subtitle F - Court Administration › Chapter 74 - Court Administration Act › Subchapter J. Additional Resources for Certain Cases › Section 74.253. Judicial Determination

Sec. 74.253.  JUDICIAL DETERMINATION.  (a)  On the motion of a party in a case, or on the court's own motion, the judge of the court in which the case is pending shall review the case and determine whether, under rules adopted by the supreme court under Section 74.252, the case will require additional resources to ensure efficient judicial management.  The judge is not required to conduct an evidentiary hearing for purposes of making the determination but may, in the judge's discretion, direct the attorneys for the parties to the case and the parties to appear before the judge for a conference to provide information to assist the judge in making the determination.
(b)  On determining that a case will require additional resources as provided by Subsection (a), the judge shall:
(1)  notify the presiding judge of the administrative judicial region in which the court is located about the case; and
(2)  request any specific additional resources that are needed, including the assignment of a judge under this chapter.
(c)  If the presiding judge of the administrative judicial region agrees that, in accordance with the rules adopted by the supreme court under Section 74.252, the case will require additional resources to ensure efficient judicial management, the presiding judge shall:
(1)  use resources previously allotted to the presiding judge; or
(2)  submit a request for specific additional resources to the judicial committee for additional resources.
Added by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., 1st C.S., Ch. 3 (H.B. 79), Sec. 7.04, eff. January 1, 2012.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 2 - Judicial Branch › Subtitle F - Court Administration › Chapter 74 - Court Administration Act › Subchapter J. Additional Resources for Certain Cases › Section 74.254. Judicial Committee for Additional Resources

Sec. 74.254.  JUDICIAL COMMITTEE FOR ADDITIONAL RESOURCES.  (a)  The judicial committee for additional resources is composed of:
(1)  the chief justice of the supreme court; and
(2)  the presiding judges of the administrative judicial regions.
(b)  The chief justice of the supreme court serves as presiding officer.  The office of court administration shall provide staff support to the committee.
(c)  On receipt of a request for additional resources from a presiding judge of an administrative judicial region under Section 74.253, the committee shall determine whether the case that is the subject of the request requires additional resources in accordance with the rules adopted under Section 74.252.  If the committee determines that the case does require additional resources, the committee shall make available the resources requested by the trial judge to the extent funds are available for those resources under the General Appropriations Act and to the extent the committee determines the requested resources are appropriate to the circumstances of the case.
(d)  Subject to Subsections (c) and (f), additional resources the committee may make available under this section include:
(1)  the assignment of an active or retired judge under this chapter, subject to the consent of the judge of the court in which the case for which the resources are provided is pending;
(2)  additional legal, administrative, or clerical personnel;
(3)  information and communication technology, including case management software, video teleconferencing, and specially designed courtroom presentation hardware or software to facilitate presentation of the evidence to the trier of fact;
(4)  specialized continuing legal education;
(5)  an associate judge;
(6)  special accommodations or furnishings for the parties;
(7)  other services or items determined necessary to try the case; and
(8)  any other resources the committee considers appropriate.
(e)  Notwithstanding any provision of Subchapter C, a justice or judge to whom Section 74.053(d) applies may not be assigned under Subsection (d).
(f)  The judicial committee for additional resources may not provide additional resources under this subchapter in an amount that is more than the amount appropriated for this purpose.
Added by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., 1st C.S., Ch. 3 (H.B. 79), Sec. 7.04, eff. January 1, 2012.
Amended by:
Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 954 (S.B. 1893), Sec. 3, eff. June 15, 2017.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 2 - Judicial Branch › Subtitle F - Court Administration › Chapter 74 - Court Administration Act › Subchapter J. Additional Resources for Certain Cases › Section 74.255. Cost of Additional Resources

Sec. 74.255.  COST OF ADDITIONAL RESOURCES.  The cost of additional resources provided for a case under this subchapter shall be paid by the state and may not be taxed against any party in the case for which the resources are provided or against the county in which the case is pending.
Added by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., 1st C.S., Ch. 3 (H.B. 79), Sec. 7.04, eff. January 1, 2012.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 2 - Judicial Branch › Subtitle F - Court Administration › Chapter 74 - Court Administration Act › Subchapter J. Additional Resources for Certain Cases › Section 74.256. No Stay or Continuance Pending Determination

Sec. 74.256.  NO STAY OR CONTINUANCE PENDING DETERMINATION.  The filing of a motion under Section 74.253 in a case is not grounds for a stay or continuance of the proceedings in the case in the court in which the case is pending during the period the motion or request is being considered by:
(1)  the judge of that court;
(2)  the presiding judge of the administrative judicial region; or
(3)  the judicial committee for additional resources.
Added by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., 1st C.S., Ch. 3 (H.B. 79), Sec. 7.04, eff. January 1, 2012.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 2 - Judicial Branch › Subtitle F - Court Administration › Chapter 74 - Court Administration Act › Subchapter J. Additional Resources for Certain Cases › Section 74.257. Appellate Review

Sec. 74.257.  APPELLATE REVIEW.  A determination made by a trial court judge, the presiding judge of an administrative judicial region, or the judicial committee for additional resources under this subchapter is not appealable or subject to review by mandamus.
Added by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., 1st C.S., Ch. 3 (H.B. 79), Sec. 7.04, eff. January 1, 2012.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 2 - Judicial Branch › Subtitle F - Court Administration › Chapter 75 - Other Court Administration › Subchapter A. Assignment of Former Judges and Retired Judges Who Elect to Be Judicial Officers › Section 75.001. Judicial Retiree Election to Be Judicial Officer

Sec. 75.001.  JUDICIAL RETIREE ELECTION TO BE JUDICIAL OFFICER.  (a)  A retiree under Subtitle D or E of Title 8  may elect to be a judicial officer.
(b)  An election under this section may be made:
(1)  not later than the 90th day after the date of the person's retirement in a document addressed to the chief justice of the supreme court;  or
(2)  after the 90th day after the date of the person's retirement in a petition addressed to the supreme court.
(c)  An election under Subsection (b)(2) takes effect only on approval of the petition by the supreme court.
(d)  A retiree who makes an election under this section shall be designated a senior judge.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.  Amended by Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 2, Sec. 8.41(a), eff. Aug. 28, 1989;  Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 179, Sec. 2(e), eff. Sept. 1, 1989;  Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 646, Sec. 18, eff. Aug. 28, 1989.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 2 - Judicial Branch › Subtitle F - Court Administration › Chapter 75 - Other Court Administration › Subchapter A. Assignment of Former Judges and Retired Judges Who Elect to Be Judicial Officers › Section 75.002. Assignment of Retiree as Judicial Officer

Sec. 75.002.  ASSIGNMENT OF RETIREE AS JUDICIAL OFFICER.  (a)  A retiree who makes an election under Section 75.001 is, with the retiree's consent to each assignment, subject to assignment:
(1)  by the chief justice of the supreme court to sit on any court of the state of the same or lesser dignity as that on which the person sat before retirement;
(2)  by the presiding judge of the court of criminal appeals to sit as a commissioner of that court;  and
(3)  if the retiree's last judicial office before retirement was judge of a district or statutory county court, by the presiding judge of an administrative judicial region to sit on a district or statutory county court in that administrative region or, on request of the presiding judge of another administrative judicial region, to that administrative region.
(b)  In addition to an assignment under Section 74.003 and Subsection (a)(1), the chief justice of the supreme court may assign a retiree whose last judicial office before retirement was justice or judge of the supreme court, the court of criminal appeals, or a court of appeals to the administrative judicial region in which the retiree resides for reassignment by the presiding judge of that region to a district or statutory county court in the region.  The reassignment by a presiding judge is subject to the requirements of Section 74.055.  The assignment by the chief justice of a retiree to the administrative region of the retiree's residence continues only during the period for which the retiree has certified a willingness to serve under Section 74.0551.
(c)  A retiree assigned under this subchapter has all the powers of a judge of the court to which the retiree has been assigned.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.  Amended by Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 2, Sec. 8.44(15), eff. Aug. 28, 1989;  Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 646, Sec. 18, eff. Aug. 28, 1989.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 2 - Judicial Branch › Subtitle F - Court Administration › Chapter 75 - Other Court Administration › Subchapter A. Assignment of Former Judges and Retired Judges Who Elect to Be Judicial Officers › Section 75.003. Assignment of Former Appellate Judge

Sec. 75.003.  ASSIGNMENT OF FORMER APPELLATE JUDGE.  (a)  A former judge whose last judicial office before leaving active service was justice or judge of the supreme court, the court of criminal appeals, or a court of appeals is, with the former judge's consent to each assignment, subject to assignment by the chief justice of the supreme court:
(1)  to sit on an appellate, district, or statutory county court;  and
(2)  to the administrative judicial region in which the former judge resides for reassignment by the presiding judge of that region to a district or statutory county court within the region.
(b)  A reassignment by a presiding judge under Subsection (a)(2) is subject to the requirements of Section 74.055.  The assignment of a former judge by the chief justice to the administrative region of the former judge's residence continues only during the period for which the former judge has certified a willingness to serve under Section 74.0551.
Added by Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 646, Sec. 19, eff. Aug. 28, 1989.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 2 - Judicial Branch › Subtitle F - Court Administration › Chapter 75 - Other Court Administration › Subchapter A. Assignment of Former Judges and Retired Judges Who Elect to Be Judicial Officers › Section 75.004. Employee Status

Sec. 75.004.  EMPLOYEE STATUS.  A former or retired judge or justice who is assigned under this subchapter is not an employee of the county in which the assigned court is located.
Added by Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 606 (S.B. 891), Sec. 14.03, eff. September 1, 2019.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 2 - Judicial Branch › Subtitle F - Court Administration › Chapter 75 - Other Court Administration › Subchapter B. Administration by Judges in County › Section 75.012. Presiding Civil Judge of Bexar County

Sec. 75.012.  PRESIDING CIVIL JUDGE OF BEXAR COUNTY.  (a)  The district judges of Bexar County, not later than January 1 and July 1 of each year, or at any other time as determined by a majority of the district judges, shall elect one of the district judges as the presiding civil judge to serve at the will of the judges.
(b)  The presiding civil judge, as necessary, shall adjust the business and dockets of the courts and transfer or cause to be transferred causes from any of the courts to any other of the courts to equalize the business of the courts so that each judge has cases or proceedings to try or consider.
(c)  The presiding civil judge shall ensure that the trial of a case will not be delayed because of the disqualification of the judge in whose court it is pending.
(d)  When a case is transferred, proper orders shall be entered on the minutes of the court as evidence of the transfer.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 2 - Judicial Branch › Subtitle F - Court Administration › Chapter 75 - Other Court Administration › Subchapter B. Administration by Judges in County › Section 75.013. Presiding Criminal Judge of Bexar County

Sec. 75.013.  PRESIDING CRIMINAL JUDGE OF BEXAR COUNTY.  (a)  A majority of the judges of the district courts giving preference to criminal cases in Bexar County shall select a presiding criminal judge to serve at the will of the judges.
(b)  The presiding criminal judge shall be the judge receiving bills of indictment for that term.  All indictments shall be returned to a district court in Bexar County giving preference to criminal cases.  The presiding criminal judge, in rotation in the order in which indictments are returned or as agreed to by a majority of judges trying criminal cases, shall assign indictments to the judicial districts for trial.  The presiding criminal judge shall adjust the case flow so that each of those courts receives approximately an equal share of the indictments for trial.
(c)  The presiding criminal judge shall handle all preindictment bond problems and preindictment appointment of counsel.
(d)  Any other judge may preside in the absence of the presiding criminal judge or at his request.
(e)  The presiding criminal judge, as necessary, shall adjust the business and dockets of the criminal courts and transfer or cause to be transferred causes from any of the courts to any other of the courts to equalize the business of the courts so that each judge has cases or proceedings to try or consider.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 2 - Judicial Branch › Subtitle F - Court Administration › Chapter 75 - Other Court Administration › Subchapter B. Administration by Judges in County › Section 75.016. Presiding Criminal Judge of Travis County

Sec. 75.016.  PRESIDING CRIMINAL JUDGE OF TRAVIS COUNTY.  (a)  The judges of the Travis County district courts that give preference to criminal cases shall elect from among those judges a presiding criminal judge for the county for a two-year term expiring September 30 of each odd-numbered year.
(b)  The presiding criminal judge, with respect to the Travis County district courts that give preference to criminal cases, shall:
(1)  preside at all meetings of the criminal judges, except when absent, in which case any other of those judges may preside;
(2)  implement and execute the local district court rules of administration for those courts, including assigning all capital murder cases to the proper court on a rotating basis;
(3)  appoint any special or standing committees necessary or desirable for the administration of those courts;
(4)  address administrative issues on an emergency basis for the criminal courts, provided that the presiding criminal judge's decisions regarding those issues may be reviewed at the next meeting of the judges of those courts;
(5)  supervise the budget and fiscal matters of the criminal courts;
(6)  monitor and serve as liaison regarding any legislation amending the Penal Code or Code of Criminal Procedure and any other legislation affecting the business of those courts; and
(7)  serve as a liaison to the commissioners court of the county and appear before the commissioners court as necessary.
(c)  The Commissioners Court of Travis County may set additional compensation to be paid to the presiding criminal judge by the county in any amount that does not exceed the amount the local administrative district judge of Travis County receives from this state.  Notwithstanding any other law, compensation paid the presiding criminal judge under this subsection is not included as part of the judge's combined base salary from all state and county sources for purposes of the salary limitations provided by Section 659.012.
Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 959 (H.B. 3468), Sec. 3, eff. September 1, 2009.
Amended by:
Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1121 (H.B. 2384), Sec. 16, eff. September 1, 2019.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 2 - Judicial Branch › Subtitle F - Court Administration › Chapter 75 - Other Court Administration › Subchapter D. Assignment Clerks › Section 75.201. Assignment Clerks in Dallas and Tarrant Counties

Sec. 75.201.  ASSIGNMENT CLERKS IN DALLAS AND TARRANT COUNTIES.  (a)  In Dallas County and Tarrant County, a majority of the district judges with civil jurisdiction may appoint an assignment clerk to serve under the judges of the district courts of each county in the setting and disposing of cases on the general jury docket.
(b)  The commissioners court of each county shall set the salary of the assignment clerk on recommendation of the district judges.  The salary shall be paid in monthly installments on vouchers approved by the presiding judge of the district courts.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 2 - Judicial Branch › Subtitle F - Court Administration › Chapter 75 - Other Court Administration › Subchapter D. Assignment Clerks › Section 75.202. Assignment Clerks in Nueces County

Sec. 75.202.  ASSIGNMENT CLERKS IN NUECES COUNTY.  (a)  A majority of the district judges in Nueces County may appoint an assignment clerk to serve under the presiding judge of the district courts in the setting and disposing of cases on the general docket.  The assignment clerk shall perform the duties that are assigned to him by the district judges in connection with the setting and disposing of cases.
(b)  The commissioners court shall set the salary of the assignment clerk and provide for the payment of the salary out of the general fund or the jury fund of the county.  The salary shall be paid in monthly installments on vouchers approved by the presiding judge of the district courts.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 2 - Judicial Branch › Subtitle F - Court Administration › Chapter 75 - Other Court Administration › Subchapter D. Assignment Clerks › Section 75.203. Assignment Clerks in Bexar County

Sec. 75.203.  ASSIGNMENT CLERKS IN BEXAR COUNTY.  (a)  A majority of the judges of district courts having jurisdiction in Bexar County may appoint an assignment clerk to serve under the presiding judge of the district courts in the coordination, setting, and disposing of cases on the general docket.  The assignment clerk shall perform the duties that are assigned to him by the district judges in connection with the coordination, setting, and disposing of cases.
(b)  The district judges shall determine reasonable compensation for the assignment clerk, which may not exceed an amount equal to 70 percent of the salary paid by the state to each district judge.  The commissioners court shall provide for the payment of the salary of the assignment clerk out of the general fund or the jury fund of the county.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 2 - Judicial Branch › Subtitle F - Court Administration › Chapter 75 - Other Court Administration › Subchapter D. Assignment Clerks › Section 75.204. Term

Sec. 75.204.  TERM.  An assignment clerk authorized by this subchapter is appointed for a term of two years but is subject to dismissal by a majority of the district judges for inefficiency or misconduct.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 2 - Judicial Branch › Subtitle F - Court Administration › Chapter 75 - Other Court Administration › Subchapter F. Administration of Certain Courts › Section 75.401. Court Administrator System for District and Statutory County Courts in Certain Counties

Sec. 75.401.  COURT ADMINISTRATOR SYSTEM FOR DISTRICT AND STATUTORY COUNTY COURTS IN CERTAIN COUNTIES.  (a)  In a county that has more than one district court or statutory county court, those courts may establish and maintain, if approved by the commissioners court, a court administrator system.
(b)  The judges of the district courts or the statutory county courts may by local rule designate local court divisions and the duties of the court administrator for each division, if applicable.  The court administrator shall cooperate with regional, presiding, and local administrative judges and state agencies having duties relating to the operation of the courts to promote uniform and efficient administration of justice.
(c)  If the commissioners court includes in the county budget money for the position of court administrator, the court administrator is appointed by the judges of the district courts or the statutory county courts served by the court administrator.  The court administrator serves at the pleasure of those judges.
(d)  A court administrator is entitled to reasonable compensation, as determined by the judges served and in the salary range for the position, as set by the commissioners court in the annual budget.
(e)  The judges of the courts served by the court administrator, if the positions are included in the county budget adopted by the commissioners court, shall appoint appropriate staff and support personnel according to the needs of the local jurisdiction.
(f)  If money to fund the court administrator system is included in the county budget, the commissioners court shall fund the court administrator system from fines collected by the courts served by the court administrator. If the fines collected are insufficient to provide the total funding for the program, the county shall provide the additional funds needed.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.
Amended by:
Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 653 (H.B. 1925), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2009.
Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 966 (S.B. 1913), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2015.
Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 966 (S.B. 1913), Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2015.
Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1110 (H.B. 4104), Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2017.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 2 - Judicial Branch › Subtitle F - Court Administration › Chapter 75 - Other Court Administration › Subchapter F. Administration of Certain Courts › Section 75.402. Court Manager and Coordinator System for Certain Harris County Courts

Sec. 75.402.  COURT MANAGER AND COORDINATOR SYSTEM FOR CERTAIN HARRIS COUNTY COURTS.  (a)  The courts in Harris County that have the same criminal jurisdiction as county courts with criminal jurisdiction may establish and maintain a court manager and coordinator system.
(b)  The judges of the courts to which this section applies may appoint a court manager, one or more court coordinators, and other staff as appropriate to the needs of the local jurisdiction.  The judges shall by rule designate the qualifications and duties of the court manager and the coordinators to improve criminal justice and expedite the processing of criminal cases through the county courts.  The court manager and the coordinators shall cooperate with state agencies having duties relating to the operation of the courts to promote uniform and efficient justice.
(c)  The court manager and the coordinators serve at the pleasure of the judges.
(d)  A court manager and coordinators are entitled to reasonable compensation as set by the judges of the courts served.  The amount paid the court manager may not exceed 60 percent of the salary paid the judges unless the commissioners court by order sets the court manager's compensation at a greater amount.  The amount paid the coordinators may not exceed 50 percent of the salary paid the judges.
(e)  On the judges' orders, the commissioners court shall fund the court manager and coordinator system from fines collected by the courts served by the court manager and coordinators.  If the fines collected are insufficient to provide the total funding for the program, the county shall provide the additional funds needed.
(f)  This section does not diminish the statutory duties and powers of the sheriff, district attorney, clerk of the court, or any court officer.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 2 - Judicial Branch › Subtitle F - Court Administration › Chapter 75 - Other Court Administration › Subchapter F. Administration of Certain Courts › Section 75.403. Presiding Judge for Certain Harris County Courts

Sec. 75.403.  PRESIDING JUDGE FOR CERTAIN HARRIS COUNTY COURTS.  (a)  The judges of the courts in Harris County that have the same criminal jurisdiction as county courts with criminal jurisdiction may select from among themselves a presiding judge.
(b)  The presiding judge shall be selected during the month preceding the term the judge is to serve by a vote of two-thirds of the judges.  The presiding judge serves a term of six months unless by a vote of two-thirds of the judges the selection is canceled and another judge is selected to serve the unexpired term.  Each judge shall enter on the minutes of the court an order reciting the selection of the presiding judge.
(c)  A co-presiding judge may be selected in the same manner as the presiding judge.  The co-presiding judge serves when the presiding judge is absent or disabled for any reason and has the same duties as the presiding judge.
(d)  The presiding judge shall:
(1)  preside at any session of the judges;
(2)  hold ex officio membership on all committees created by the judges in session that pertain to the goal of achieving more equal and efficient justice and the orderly dispatch of business;  and
(3)  serve as chief administrator of the offices of county court manager and county court coordinators, and of pretrial release services and all other court-related ministerial services in misdemeanor cases as required by the judges having jurisdiction over those cases.
(e)  If a judge is absent or for any reason unable to preside, the presiding judge may appoint a special judge to serve as presiding judge.  The qualifications, duties, and powers of a special judge are the same as for the regular judge.  The provisions of Articles 30.04, 30.05, and 30.06, Code of Criminal Procedure, 1965, relating to the oath, compensation, and record of appointment of certain special judges apply to the appointment of a special judge under this subsection.
(f)  The judges may adopt rules consistent with the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1965, and the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure for practice and procedure in the courts.  A rule may be adopted by a two-thirds vote of the judges, and on adoption shall be entered verbatim in the minutes of each court.  The clerk of the court shall supply copies of the rules to any interested person.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.  Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 163, Sec. 2, eff. Aug. 31, 1987.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 2 - Judicial Branch › Subtitle F - Court Administration › Chapter 75 - Other Court Administration › Subchapter G. Court Administrator in Jefferson County › Section 75.501. Application

Sec. 75.501.  APPLICATION.  This Act applies to the district courts and to the county courts at law that give preference to criminal cases in Jefferson County.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 2 - Judicial Branch › Subtitle F - Court Administration › Chapter 75 - Other Court Administration › Subchapter G. Court Administrator in Jefferson County › Section 75.502. Establishment of System

Sec. 75.502.  ESTABLISHMENT OF SYSTEM.  The courts may establish a court administrator system to improve criminal justice and to expedite the processing of criminal cases.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 2 - Judicial Branch › Subtitle F - Court Administration › Chapter 75 - Other Court Administration › Subchapter G. Court Administrator in Jefferson County › Section 75.503. Appointment and Duties of Court Administrator

Sec. 75.503.  APPOINTMENT AND DUTIES OF COURT ADMINISTRATOR.  (a)  The court administrator is appointed by and serves at the pleasure of the judges of the courts subject to this subchapter.
(b)  The courts shall designate by rule the duties of the court administrator.
(c)  To promote uniform and efficient administration of justice, the court administrator shall cooperate with administrative judges and state agencies with duties relating to the operation of the courts.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 2 - Judicial Branch › Subtitle F - Court Administration › Chapter 75 - Other Court Administration › Subchapter G. Court Administrator in Jefferson County › Section 75.504. Staff

Sec. 75.504.  STAFF.  (a)  The courts may appoint the necessary staff and support personnel for the administrator.
(b)  As part of the staff, the courts may appoint witness coordinators who, in addition to other duties designated by the court administrator, shall execute criminal process.
(c)  On appointment, the courts shall commission each witness coordinator as a peace officer.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 2 - Judicial Branch › Subtitle F - Court Administration › Chapter 75 - Other Court Administration › Subchapter G. Court Administrator in Jefferson County › Section 75.505. Compensation and Facilities

Sec. 75.505.  COMPENSATION AND FACILITIES.  The court administrator and the staff are entitled to reasonable compensation, facilities, and equipment as determined by the commissioners court.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 2 - Judicial Branch › Subtitle F - Court Administration › Chapter 75 - Other Court Administration › Subchapter H. Court Administrator in Fort Bend County › Section 75.521. Application

Sec. 75.521.  APPLICATION.  This subchapter applies to the district courts and county courts at law in Fort Bend County.
Added by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 654, Sec. 1, eff. June 12, 1993.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 2 - Judicial Branch › Subtitle F - Court Administration › Chapter 75 - Other Court Administration › Subchapter H. Court Administrator in Fort Bend County › Section 75.522. Establishment of System

Sec. 75.522.  ESTABLISHMENT OF SYSTEM.  The courts may establish a court administrator system to improve the administration of justice and to expedite the processing of civil and criminal cases.
Added by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 654, Sec. 1, eff. June 12, 1993.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 2 - Judicial Branch › Subtitle F - Court Administration › Chapter 75 - Other Court Administration › Subchapter H. Court Administrator in Fort Bend County › Section 75.523. Appointment and Duties of Court Administrator

Sec. 75.523.  APPOINTMENT AND DUTIES OF COURT ADMINISTRATOR.  (a)  The court administrator is appointed by and serves at the pleasure of the judges of the courts subject to this subchapter.
(b)  The courts shall designate by rule the duties of the court administrator.
(c)  To promote uniform and efficient administration of justice, the court administrator shall cooperate with administrative judges and state agencies with duties relating to the operation of the courts.
Added by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 654, Sec. 1, eff. June 12, 1993.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 2 - Judicial Branch › Subtitle F - Court Administration › Chapter 75 - Other Court Administration › Subchapter H. Court Administrator in Fort Bend County › Section 75.524. Compensation and Facilities

Sec. 75.524.  COMPENSATION AND FACILITIES.  A court administrator is entitled to reasonable compensation, facilities, and equipment as determined by the judges of the courts served, with the approval of the commissioners court.  The commissioners court shall fund the court administrator system from general funds of the county.
Added by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 654, Sec. 1, eff. June 12, 1993.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 2 - Judicial Branch › Subtitle F - Court Administration › Chapter 75 - Other Court Administration › Subchapter H. Court Administrator in Fort Bend County › Section 75.525. Staff

Sec. 75.525.  STAFF.  The judges of the courts served by the court administrator may appoint the necessary staff and support personnel for the court administrator.
Added by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 654, Sec. 1, eff. June 12, 1993.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 2 - Judicial Branch › Subtitle F - Court Administration › Chapter 75 - Other Court Administration › Subchapter I. General Provisions › Section 75.551. Objection to Judge or Justice Assigned to an Appellate Court

Sec. 75.551.  OBJECTION TO JUDGE OR JUSTICE ASSIGNED TO AN APPELLATE COURT.  (a)  When a judge or justice is assigned to an appellate court under this chapter or Chapter 74:
(1)  the order of assignment must state whether the judge or justice is an active, former, retired, or senior judge or justice;  and
(2)  the person who assigns the judge or justice shall, if it is reasonable and practicable and if time permits, give notice of the assignment to each attorney representing a party to the case that is to be heard in whole or part by the assigned judge or justice.
(b)  A judge or justice assigned to an appellate court may not hear a civil case if a party to the case files a timely objection to the assignment of the judge or justice.  Except as provided by Subsection (d), each party to the case is entitled to only one objection under this section for that case in the appellate court.
(c)  An objection under this section must be filed not later than the seventh day after the date the party receives actual notice of the assignment or before the date the case is submitted to the court, whichever date occurs earlier.  The court may extend the time to file an objection under this section on a showing of good cause.
(d)  A judge or justice who was defeated in the last primary or general election for which the judge or justice was a candidate for the judicial office held by the judge or justice may not sit in an appellate case if either party objects to the judge or justice.
(e)  An active judge or justice assigned under this chapter is not subject to an objection.
(f)  For purposes of this section, notice of an assignment may be given and an objection to an assignment may be filed by electronic mail.
(g)  In this section, "party" includes multiple parties aligned in a case as determined by the appellate court.
Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 1064, Sec. 2, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.  Amended by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 315, Sec. 14, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 2 - Judicial Branch › Subtitle F - Court Administration › Chapter 75 - Other Court Administration › Subchapter J. Court Reminder Program › Section 75.601. Establishment of State Program for Participating Counties

Sec. 75.601.  ESTABLISHMENT OF STATE PROGRAM FOR PARTICIPATING COUNTIES.  (a)  The Office of Court Administration of the Texas Judicial System shall develop and make available to each county a court reminder program that allows the county to send a text message to notify criminal defendants of scheduled court appearances.  The purposes of the program must include:
(1)  reducing costs associated with defendants who fail to appear for a scheduled court appearance;
(2)  improving the efficiency of courts in this state;
(3)  reminding criminal defendants to appear at each scheduled court appearance; and
(4)  reducing the number of criminal defendants who are confined in a county jail due solely to the defendant's failure to appear for a scheduled court appearance.
(b)  The program must:
(1)  be available to each county at no cost;
(2)  comply with applicable state and federal laws requiring the consent of an individual before sending a reminder by text message;
(3)  provide text message reminders for each court appearance of a defendant who has access to a device with the technological capability of receiving text messages and provides the court administrator with an operational phone number for the device;
(4)  document each occurrence of a criminal defendant receiving a text message reminder;
(5)  identify criminal defendants with scheduled court appearances who lack access to devices with the technological capability of receiving text messages;
(6)  document the number of criminal defendants who fail to appear at scheduled court appearances after being sent one or more text message reminders;
(7)  include the technological capability, at the discretion of the local administrative judge, to provide additional information to criminal defendants concerning scheduled court appearances, such as the location of the court appearance, available transportation options, and procedures for defendants who are unable to attend court appearances;
(8)  support partnerships with local law enforcement agencies, local governments, and local public defenders in accordance with the purposes described by Subsection (a); and
(9)  provide one or more publicly available Internet websites through which criminal defendants may request text reminders.
Added by Acts 2021, 87th Leg., R.S., Ch. 736 (H.B. 4293), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2021.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 2 - Judicial Branch › Subtitle F - Court Administration › Chapter 75 - Other Court Administration › Subchapter J. Court Reminder Program › Section 75.602. Establishment of County Programs

Sec. 75.602.  ESTABLISHMENT OF COUNTY PROGRAMS.  (a)  The justices of the justice courts and judges of the county courts, statutory county courts, and district courts with jurisdiction over criminal cases in each county may establish a court reminder program that allows the county to send a text message to notify criminal defendants of scheduled court appearances.
(b)  In developing the court reminder program, the justices and judges may join the state program developed under Section 75.601 or develop a county program that allows the county to send text message notifications to criminal defendants and that complies with the requirements of Section 75.601(b).
Added by Acts 2021, 87th Leg., R.S., Ch. 736 (H.B. 4293), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2021.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 2 - Judicial Branch › Subtitle F - Court Administration › Chapter 75 - Other Court Administration › Subchapter J. Court Reminder Program › Section 75.603. Municipal Program

Sec. 75.603.  MUNICIPAL PROGRAM.  (a)  The Office of Court Administration of the Texas Judicial System, or the justices of the justice courts and judges of the county courts, statutory county courts, and district courts with jurisdiction over criminal cases in each county, may partner with municipalities and local law enforcement agencies to allow:
(1)  individuals to whom a peace officer issues a citation and releases to receive text message reminders of scheduled court appearances; and
(2)  criminal defendants in municipal court to receive text message reminders of scheduled court appearances.
(b)  Any municipality that partners with the Office of Court Administration of the Texas Judicial System shall pay all costs of sending reminders to municipal criminal defendants, including the costs of linking the municipal court database with the state court administrator database.
Added by Acts 2021, 87th Leg., R.S., Ch. 736 (H.B. 4293), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2021.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 2 - Judicial Branch › Subtitle F - Court Administration › Chapter 76 - Community Supervision and Corrections Departments › Section 76.001. Definitions

Sec. 76.001.  DEFINITIONS.  In this chapter:
(1)  "Board" means the Texas Board of Criminal Justice.
(2)  "Community supervision" has the meaning assigned by Article 42A.001, Code of Criminal Procedure.
(3)  "Council" means a community justice council.
(4)  "Department" means a community supervision and corrections department established under this chapter.
(5)  "Division" means the community justice assistance division of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 76, Sec. 7.11, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
Amended by:
Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 770 (H.B. 2299), Sec. 2.35, eff. January 1, 2017.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 2 - Judicial Branch › Subtitle F - Court Administration › Chapter 76 - Community Supervision and Corrections Departments › Section 76.002. Establishment of Departments

Sec. 76.002.  ESTABLISHMENT OF DEPARTMENTS.  (a)  The district judge or district judges trying criminal cases in each judicial district and the statutory county court judges trying criminal cases in the county or counties served by the judicial district shall:
(1)  establish a community supervision and corrections department; and
(2)  approve the department's budget and strategic plan.
(b)  Repealed by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 255, Sec. 12, eff. May 30, 2005.
(c)  Except as provided by Subsection (d), one department serves all courts and counties in a judicial district if:
(1)  two or more judicial districts serve a county;  or
(2)  a district includes more than one county.
(d)  The board may adopt rules to allow more than one department to serve a judicial district that includes more than one county if providing more than one department will promote administrative convenience or economy or improve services.
(e)  The board shall adopt rules allowing departments to contract with one another for services or facilities or to contract as provided by Subsection (f).
(f)  In lieu of establishing a department as required by Subsection (a), programs and services may be provided under this chapter in a judicial district through a contract with a department established for another judicial district.
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 76, Sec. 7.11, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
Amended by:
Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 255 (H.B. 1326), Sec. 1, eff. May 30, 2005.
Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 255 (H.B. 1326), Sec. 12, eff. May 30, 2005.
Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1045 (H.B. 3691), Sec. 1, eff. June 17, 2011.
Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1051 (H.B. 1930), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2015.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 2 - Judicial Branch › Subtitle F - Court Administration › Chapter 76 - Community Supervision and Corrections Departments › Section 76.0045. Judicial Responsibilities; Immunity

Sec. 76.0045.  JUDICIAL RESPONSIBILITIES; IMMUNITY.  (a)  The responsibility of a judge described by Section 76.002 for personnel decisions is limited to the appointment of a department director and a fiscal officer.
(b)  The responsibility of a judge described by Section 76.002 for budgetary decisions is limited to:
(1)  appointment of a fiscal officer; and
(2)  approval of the department's budget.
(c)  A judge described by Section 76.002 has judicial immunity in a suit arising from:
(1)  the performance of a duty described by Section 76.002(a); or
(2)  the appointment of a department director or a fiscal officer or an act or failure to act by a department employee or by a department director or fiscal officer.
Added by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 255 (H.B. 1326), Sec. 4, eff. May 30, 2005.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 2 - Judicial Branch › Subtitle F - Court Administration › Chapter 76 - Community Supervision and Corrections Departments › Section 76.005. Standards for Officers

Sec. 76.005.  STANDARDS FOR OFFICERS.  (a)  An officer appointed by the department director must comply with a code of ethics developed by the division.
(b)  To be eligible for appointment as an officer who supervises defendants placed on community supervision a person must have acquired a bachelor's degree conferred by an institution of higher education accredited by an accrediting organization recognized by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.
(c)  A person employed as a peace officer is not eligible for appointment as an officer under this section.
(d)  The division may establish a waiver procedure for departments unable to hire persons meeting the requirements under Subsection (b)(2).
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 76, Sec. 7.11, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.  Amended by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 108, Sec. 1, eff. May 15, 1997.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 2 - Judicial Branch › Subtitle F - Court Administration › Chapter 76 - Community Supervision and Corrections Departments › Section 76.0051. Authorization to Carry Weapon

Sec. 76.0051.  AUTHORIZATION TO CARRY WEAPON.  An officer is authorized to carry a weapon while engaged in the actual discharge of the officer's duties only if:
(1)  the officer possesses a certificate of firearms proficiency issued by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement under Section 1701.257, Occupations Code; and
(2)  the director of the department agrees to the authorization.
Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 1261, Sec. 29, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.
Amended by:
Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 255 (H.B. 1326), Sec. 5, eff. May 30, 2005.
Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 93 (S.B. 686), Sec. 2.22, eff. May 18, 2013.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 2 - Judicial Branch › Subtitle F - Court Administration › Chapter 76 - Community Supervision and Corrections Departments › Section 76.007. Public Funds, Grants, and Gifts

Sec. 76.007.  PUBLIC FUNDS, GRANTS, AND GIFTS.  A department may accept public funds and grants and gifts from any source for the purpose of financing programs and facilities.  A municipality, county, or other political subdivision may make grants to a department for those purposes.
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 76, Sec. 7.11, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.