reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 2 - Judicial Branch › Subtitle F - Court Administration › Chapter 72 - Office of Court Administration › Subchapter C. Powers and Duties › Section 72.036. Training on Educational and Vocational Training Pilot Program

Sec. 72.036.  TRAINING ON EDUCATIONAL AND VOCATIONAL TRAINING PILOT PROGRAM.  The office shall develop and annually provide a training program to educate and inform judges on the components of the pilot program established under Section 493.034.
Added by Acts 2021, 87th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1014 (H.B. 2352), Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2021.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 2 - Judicial Branch › Subtitle F - Court Administration › Chapter 72 - Office of Court Administration › Subchapter C. Powers and Duties › Section 72.037. Transfer Certificate and Index of Transferred Documents Form

Sec. 72.037.  TRANSFER CERTIFICATE AND INDEX OF TRANSFERRED DOCUMENTS FORM.  (a)  The office shall develop and make available a standardized transfer certificate and an index of transferred documents form to be used for the transfer of cases and proceedings under Sections 33.105 and 1023.006, Estates Code, Section 155.207, Family Code, and Sections 51.3071 and 51.403 of this code.
(b)  In developing a form under this section, the office shall consult with representatives of county and district clerks.
Added by Acts 2021, 87th Leg., R.S., Ch. 934 (H.B. 3774), Sec. 7.04, eff. September 1, 2021.
Amended by:
Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 256 (S.B. 1612), Sec. 15, eff. January 1, 2024.
Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 861 (H.B. 3474), Sec. 11.010, eff. September 1, 2023.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 2 - Judicial Branch › Subtitle F - Court Administration › Chapter 72 - Office of Court Administration › Subchapter C. Powers and Duties › Section 72.038. Bail Form

Sec. 72.038.  BAIL FORM.  (a)  The office shall promulgate a form to be completed by a magistrate, judge, sheriff, peace officer, or jailer who sets bail under Chapter 17, Code of Criminal Procedure, for a defendant charged with an offense punishable as a Class B misdemeanor or any higher category of offense.  The office shall incorporate the completed forms into the public safety report system developed under Article 17.021, Code of Criminal Procedure.
(b)  The form must:
(1)  state the cause number of the case, if available, the defendant's name and date of birth, and the offense for which the defendant was arrested;
(2)  state the name and the office or position of the person setting bail;
(3)  require the person setting bail to:
(A)  identify the bail type, the amount of the bail, and any conditions of bail;
(B)  certify that the person considered each factor provided by Article 17.15(a), Code of Criminal Procedure; and
(C)  certify that the person considered the information provided by the public safety report system; and
(4)  be electronically signed by the person setting the bail.
(c)  The person setting bail, an employee of the court that set the defendant's bail, or an employee of the county in which the defendant's bail was set must, on completion of the form required under this section, promptly but not later than 72 hours after the time the defendant's bail is set provide the form electronically to the office through the public safety report system.
(d)  The office shall publish the information from each form submitted under this section in a database that is publicly accessible on the office's Internet website.  Any identifying information or sensitive data, as defined by Rule 21c, Texas Rules of Civil Procedure, regarding the victim of an offense and any person's address or contact information shall be redacted and may not be published under this subsection.
Added by Acts 2021, 87th Leg., 2nd C.S., Ch. 11 (S.B. 6), Sec. 17, eff. December 2, 2021.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 2 - Judicial Branch › Subtitle F - Court Administration › Chapter 72 - Office of Court Administration › Subchapter C. Powers and Duties › Section 72.039. Protective Order Applications, Forms, and Materials

Text of section as added by Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1037 (S.B. 48), Sec. 8
For text of section as added by Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 861 (H.B. 3474), Sec. 1.023, see other Sec. 72.039.
Sec. 72.039.  PROTECTIVE ORDER APPLICATIONS, FORMS, AND MATERIALS.  (a)  The office shall develop and make available on the office's Internet website standardized forms and other materials necessary to apply for, issue, deny, revise, rescind, serve, and enforce any of the following:
(1)  a protective order under Title 4, Family Code, or Subchapter A, Chapter 7B, Code of Criminal Procedure;
(2)  a magistrate's order for emergency protection under Article 17.292, Code of Criminal Procedure; or
(3)  a temporary ex parte order under Chapter 83, Family Code, or Article 7B.002, Code of Criminal Procedure.
(b)  Each standardized form developed under Subsection (a) to be used by a magistrate or court issuing an order must include:
(1)  the prohibitions and requirements imposed on the respondent;
(2)  the duration of the order;
(3)  the potential consequences of violating the order; and
(4)  any other admonishments or warnings required by law.
(c)  The materials developed under Subsection (a) must include a procedure to ensure that a copy of the order is transmitted to all required parties and all relevant information required by Section 411.042(b)(6) is entered into the statewide law enforcement information system maintained by the Department of Public Safety under Section 411.042 and any other applicable databases.
(d)  In developing the required applications, forms, and materials, the office shall:
(1)  consult with individuals, organizations, and state agencies that have knowledge and experience in the issues of protective orders, including:
(A)  the Texas Council on Family Violence;
(B)  the Department of Public Safety;
(C)  nonprofit organizations that advocate for the survivors of sexual assault or family violence;
(D)  individuals, organizations, and state agencies that provide training to judges, prosecutors, and law enforcement officers;
(E)  the judges or justices of courts of varying jurisdictions;
(F)  law enforcement agencies;
(G)  prosecutors; and
(H)  an organization that receives federal funding under the legal assistance for victims grant program and that has expertise in issues related to family violence, sexual assault, or stalking; and
(2)  give consideration to promoting uniformity of law among the states that enact the Uniform Interstate Enforcement of Domestic Violence Protection Orders Act.
Added by Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1037 (S.B. 48), Sec. 8, eff. June 18, 2023.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 2 - Judicial Branch › Subtitle F - Court Administration › Chapter 72 - Office of Court Administration › Subchapter C. Powers and Duties › Section 72.039. District Court Caseload Analysis

Text of section as added by Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 861 (H.B. 3474), Sec. 1.023
For text of section as added by Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1037 (S.B. 48), Sec. 8, see other Sec. 72.039.
Sec. 72.039.  DISTRICT COURT CASELOAD ANALYSIS.  (a)  In this section:
(1)  "Clearance rate" has the meaning assigned by Section 72.083.
(2)  "Judicial officer" means a district judge or an associate judge, master, magistrate, or referee who conducts proceedings for district courts.
(b)  The office at least once every two years shall conduct a district court caseload analysis.  The analysis must concentrate on the weighted caseload of the district courts in the 30 most populous counties in this state, considering the nature and complexity of cases heard by each court, and include the following information, disaggregated by county:
(1)  the number of cases filed in each district court with jurisdiction in the county in each of the preceding five state fiscal years;
(2)  the clearance rate for each district court with jurisdiction in the county in each of the preceding five state fiscal years;
(3)  the number of estimated full-time equivalent judicial officers serving district courts in the county in the preceding state fiscal year;
(4)  the number of full-time equivalent judicial officers needed to serve the district courts in the county based on the most recent weighted caseload analysis;
(5)  the calendar year for creation of the most recently created district court in the county; and
(6)  any other relevant information identified by the director.
(c)  Not later than October 1 of each even-numbered year, the office shall report the results of the analysis conducted under Subsection (b) to the governor, the lieutenant governor, and each member of the legislature.
Added by Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 861 (H.B. 3474), Sec. 1.023, eff. September 1, 2023.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 2 - Judicial Branch › Subtitle F - Court Administration › Chapter 72 - Office of Court Administration › Subchapter D. Judicial Law Clerk and Staff Attorney Recruitment › Section 72.041. Diversity

Sec. 72.041.  DIVERSITY.  The judges of the supreme court, court of criminal appeals, and courts of appeals shall encourage the recruitment of judicial law clerks and staff attorneys that reflect the gender, racial, and ethnic diversity of this state.
Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 1327, Sec. 2, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 2 - Judicial Branch › Subtitle F - Court Administration › Chapter 72 - Office of Court Administration › Subchapter D. Judicial Law Clerk and Staff Attorney Recruitment › Section 72.042. Demographic Census

Sec. 72.042.  DEMOGRAPHIC CENSUS.  (a)  The office shall annually publish a report regarding the demographic profile of the judicial law clerks and attorneys employed by the courts of this state.
(b)  The office may request that a court provide demographic information to the office.
Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 1327, Sec. 2, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 2 - Judicial Branch › Subtitle F - Court Administration › Chapter 72 - Office of Court Administration › Subchapter E. Court Performance Standards › Section 72.081. Rules

Sec. 72.081.  RULES.  The office shall adopt rules and forms for administering this subchapter and for obtaining information under this subchapter.
Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 1327, Sec. 3, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 2 - Judicial Branch › Subtitle F - Court Administration › Chapter 72 - Office of Court Administration › Subchapter E. Court Performance Standards › Section 72.082. Performance Report

Sec. 72.082.  PERFORMANCE REPORT.  The office shall annually collect and publish a performance report of information regarding the efficiency of the courts of this state.  The report must include disaggregated performance measures for each appellate court, district court, statutory county court, statutory probate court, and county court.
Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 1327, Sec. 3, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.
Amended by:
Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 716 (H.B. 2384), Sec. 5, eff. September 1, 2023.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 2 - Judicial Branch › Subtitle F - Court Administration › Chapter 72 - Office of Court Administration › Subchapter E. Court Performance Standards › Section 72.083. Trial Courts

Sec. 72.083.  TRIAL COURTS.  (a)  In this section, "clearance rate" means the number of cases disposed of by a court divided by the number of cases added to the docket of the court.
(b)  The office shall annually report the following performance measures for each district court, statutory county court, statutory probate court, and county court:
(1)  the court's clearance rate;
(2)  the average time a case is before the court from filing to disposition; and
(3)  the age of the court's active pending caseload.
Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 1327, Sec. 3, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.
Amended by:
Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 716 (H.B. 2384), Sec. 6, eff. September 1, 2023.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 2 - Judicial Branch › Subtitle F - Court Administration › Chapter 72 - Office of Court Administration › Subchapter E. Court Performance Standards › Section 72.084. Court of Appeals

Sec. 72.084.  COURT OF APPEALS.  Each month, a court of appeals shall report to the office:
(1)  the number of cases filed with the court during the reporting month;
(2)  the number of cases disposed of by the court during the reporting month;
(3)  for active cases on the docket of the court on the reporting date, the average number of days from the date of submission of the case to the court until the reporting date; and
(4)  for each case disposed of during the reporting month by the court, the number of days from the date of submission of the case to the court until the date of disposition of the case by the court.
Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 1327, Sec. 3, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.
Amended by:
Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1203 (S.B. 1455), Sec. 6, eff. September 1, 2015.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 2 - Judicial Branch › Subtitle F - Court Administration › Chapter 72 - Office of Court Administration › Subchapter E. Court Performance Standards › Section 72.085. Court of Criminal Appeals

Sec. 72.085.  COURT OF CRIMINAL APPEALS.  The court of criminal appeals shall annually report to the office:
(1)  the number of cases filed with the court during the reporting year involving:
(A)  capital punishment;
(B)  an application for writ of habeas corpus;  or
(C)  a petition for discretionary review;
(2)  the number of cases disposed of by the court during the reporting year involving:
(A)  capital punishment;
(B)  an application for writ of habeas corpus;  or
(C)  a petition for discretionary review;
(3)  the average number of days from the date a case was filed with the court until the reporting date, for each active case on the docket of the court on the reporting date involving:
(A)  capital punishment;
(B)  an application for writ of habeas corpus;  or
(C)  a petition for discretionary review;  and
(4)  the average number of days from the date a case was filed with the court until the date the case was disposed of by the court, for each case disposed of during the reporting year by the court involving:
(A)  capital punishment;
(B)  an application for writ of habeas corpus;  or
(C)  a petition for discretionary review.
Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 1327, Sec. 3, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 2 - Judicial Branch › Subtitle F - Court Administration › Chapter 72 - Office of Court Administration › Subchapter E. Court Performance Standards › Section 72.086. Supreme Court

Sec. 72.086.  SUPREME COURT.  (a)  The supreme court shall annually report to the office:
(1)  the number of cases filed with the court during the reporting year;
(2)  the number of cases disposed of by the court during the reporting year;
(3)  for the active cases on the docket of the court on the reporting date, the average number of days from the date a case was filed with the court until the reporting date;  and
(4)  for the cases disposed of during the reporting year by the court, the average number of days from the date a case was filed with the court until the date of release of the court's opinion for the case or the date the case was otherwise disposed of by the court.
(b)  For cases on the docket of the court during the reporting year, the supreme court shall annually report to the office:
(1)  the average number of days from the date a case is filed with the court until the date the court releases an order announcing its decision granting, overruling, denying, or dismissing an application, petition, or motion;
(2)  the average number of days from the date of the granting of an application, petition, or motion until the date of oral argument of the case;
(3)  the average number of days from the date of the oral argument of the case until the date the court issues a signed opinion and judgment for the case;  and
(4)  the average number of days from the date of filing of a case with the court until the date of the release of a per curiam opinion.
Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 1327, Sec. 3, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 2 - Judicial Branch › Subtitle F - Court Administration › Chapter 72 - Office of Court Administration › Subchapter E. Court Performance Standards › Section 72.087. Capital Trials

Sec. 72.087.  CAPITAL TRIALS.  (a)  The office shall annually collect and publish a report of information regarding cases involving the trial of a capital offense.
(b)  The report must include:
(1)  the contents of the trial court's charge to the jury; and
(2)  the sentence issued in each case.
(c)  Not later than the 30th day after the date the judgment of conviction or acquittal is entered in a case involving the trial of a capital offense, the judge or clerk of the court shall submit to the office a written record of the case containing the information required by Subsection (b).
Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 390 (S.B. 705), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2007.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 2 - Judicial Branch › Subtitle F - Court Administration › Chapter 72 - Office of Court Administration › Subchapter F. Protective Order Registry › Section 72.151. Definitions

Sec. 72.151.  DEFINITIONS.  In this subchapter:
(1)  "Authorized user" means a person to whom the office has given permission and the means to submit records to or modify or remove records in the registry.  The term does not include members of the public who may only access through the registry's Internet website certain information regarding protective orders entered into the registry.
Text of subdivision effective until January 01, 2025
(2)  "Peace officer" has the meaning assigned by Article 2.12, Code of Criminal Procedure.
Text of subdivision effective on January 01, 2025
(2)  "Peace officer" has the meaning assigned by Article 2A.001, Code of Criminal Procedure.
(3)  "Protective order" means:
(A)  an order issued by a court in this state under Chapter 83 or 85, Family Code, to prevent family violence, as defined by Section 71.004, Family Code;
(B)  an order issued by a court in this state under Subchapter A, Chapter 7B, Code of Criminal Procedure, to prevent sexual assault or abuse, stalking, trafficking, or other harm to the applicant; or
(C)  a magistrate's order for emergency protection issued under Article 17.292, Code of Criminal Procedure, with respect to a person who is arrested for an offense involving family violence.
(4)  "Protective order registry" or "registry" means the protective order registry established under Section 72.153.
(5)  "Race or ethnicity" means a particular descent, including Caucasian, African, Hispanic, Asian, or Native American descent.
Added by Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 16 (S.B. 325), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2019.
Amended by:
Acts 2021, 87th Leg., R.S., Ch. 934 (H.B. 3774), Sec. 13.01, eff. September 1, 2021.
Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 765 (H.B. 4504), Sec. 2.074, eff. January 1, 2025.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 2 - Judicial Branch › Subtitle F - Court Administration › Chapter 72 - Office of Court Administration › Subchapter F. Protective Order Registry › Section 72.152. Applicability

Sec. 72.152.  APPLICABILITY.  This subchapter applies only to:
(1)  an application for a protective order filed under:
(A)  Chapter 82, Family Code;
(B)  Subchapter A, Chapter 7B, Code of Criminal Procedure; or
(C)  Article 17.292, Code of Criminal Procedure, with respect to a person who is arrested for an offense involving family violence; and
(2)  a protective order issued under:
(A)  Chapter 83 or 85, Family Code;
(B)  Subchapter A, Chapter 7B, Code of Criminal Procedure; or
(C)  Article 17.292, Code of Criminal Procedure, with respect to a person who is arrested for an offense involving family violence.
Added by Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 16 (S.B. 325), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2019.
Amended by:
Acts 2021, 87th Leg., R.S., Ch. 934 (H.B. 3774), Sec. 13.02, eff. September 1, 2021.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 2 - Judicial Branch › Subtitle F - Court Administration › Chapter 72 - Office of Court Administration › Subchapter F. Protective Order Registry › Section 72.153. Protective Order Registry

Sec. 72.153.  PROTECTIVE ORDER REGISTRY.  (a)  In consultation with the Department of Public Safety and the courts of this state, the office shall establish and maintain a centralized Internet-based registry for applications for protective orders filed in this state and protective orders issued in this state.
(b)  The office shall establish and maintain the registry in a manner that allows municipal and county case management systems to easily interface with the registry.
Added by Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 16 (S.B. 325), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2019.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 2 - Judicial Branch › Subtitle F - Court Administration › Chapter 72 - Office of Court Administration › Subchapter F. Protective Order Registry › Section 72.154. Public Access to Protective Order Registry

Sec. 72.154.  PUBLIC ACCESS TO PROTECTIVE ORDER REGISTRY.  (a)  Subject to Subsections (c) and (d) and Section 72.158, the office shall establish and maintain the registry in a manner that allows a member of the public, free of charge, to electronically search for and receive publicly accessible information contained in the registry regarding each protective order issued in this state.  The registry must be searchable by:
(1)  the county of issuance;
(2)  the name of a person who is the subject of the protective order;
(3)  any known common misspellings of the name of a person who is the subject of the protective order;
(4)  any known aliases of a person who is the subject of the protective order; and
(5)  the birth year of a person who is the subject of the protective order.
(b)  Publicly accessible information regarding each protective order must consist of the following:
(1)  the court that issued the protective order;
(2)  the case number;
(3)  the full name, county of residence, birth year, and race or ethnicity of the person who is the subject of the protective order;
(4)  the dates the protective order was issued and served; and
(5)   the date the protective order expired or will expire, as applicable.
(c)  A member of the public may only access the information in the registry described by Subsection (b).
(d)  The office may not allow a member of the public to access through the registry any information related to:
(1)  a protective order issued under Article 7B.002 or 17.292, Code of Criminal Procedure, or Chapter 83, Family Code; or
(2)  a protective order that was vacated.
Added by Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 16 (S.B. 325), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2019.
Amended by:
Acts 2021, 87th Leg., R.S., Ch. 934 (H.B. 3774), Sec. 13.03, eff. September 1, 2021.
Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 612 (H.B. 3698), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2023.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 2 - Judicial Branch › Subtitle F - Court Administration › Chapter 72 - Office of Court Administration › Subchapter F. Protective Order Registry › Section 72.155. Restricted Access to Protective Order Registry

Sec. 72.155.  RESTRICTED ACCESS TO PROTECTIVE ORDER REGISTRY.  (a)  The registry must include a copy of each application for a protective order filed in this state and a copy of each protective order issued in this state, including an expired order, or a vacated order other than an order that was vacated as the result of an appeal or bill of review from a district or county court.  Only an authorized user, the attorney general, a district attorney, a criminal district attorney, a county attorney, a municipal attorney, a magistrate, or a peace officer may access that information under the registry.
(b)  The office shall ensure that an authorized user, the attorney general, a district attorney, a criminal district attorney, a county attorney, a municipal attorney, a magistrate, or a peace officer is able to search for and receive a copy of a filed application for a protective order or a copy of an issued protective order through the registry's Internet website.
Added by Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 16 (S.B. 325), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2019.
Amended by:
Acts 2021, 87th Leg., R.S., Ch. 934 (H.B. 3774), Sec. 13.04, eff. September 1, 2021.
Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 612 (H.B. 3698), Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2023.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 2 - Judicial Branch › Subtitle F - Court Administration › Chapter 72 - Office of Court Administration › Subchapter F. Protective Order Registry › Section 72.156. Entry of Applications

Sec. 72.156.  ENTRY OF APPLICATIONS.  (a)  Except as provided by Subsection (b), as soon as possible but not later than 24 hours after the time an application for a protective order is filed, the clerk of the court shall enter a copy of the application into the registry.
(b)  A clerk may delay entering information under Subsection (a) into the registry only to the extent that the clerk lacks the specific information required to be entered.
(c)  The office shall ensure that a member of the public is not able to access through the registry's Internet website the application or any information related to the application entered into the registry under Subsection (a).
Added by Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 16 (S.B. 325), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2019.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 2 - Judicial Branch › Subtitle F - Court Administration › Chapter 72 - Office of Court Administration › Subchapter F. Protective Order Registry › Section 72.157. Entry of Orders

Sec. 72.157.  ENTRY OF ORDERS.  (a)  Except as provided by Subsection (c), as soon as possible but not later than 24 hours after the time a court issues an original or modified protective order or extends the duration of a protective order, the clerk of the court shall enter into the registry:
(1)  a copy of the order and, if applicable, a notation regarding any modification or extension of the order; and
(2)  the information required under Section 72.154(b).
(b)  Except as provided by Subsection (b-1), for a protective order that is vacated or that has expired, the clerk of the applicable court shall modify the record of the order in the registry to reflect the order's status as vacated or expired.  The clerk shall ensure that a record of a vacated order is not accessible by the public.
(b-1)  For a protective order that is vacated as the result of an appeal or bill of review from a district or county court, the clerk of the applicable court shall notify the office not later than the end of the next business day after the date the protective order was vacated.  The office shall remove the record of the order from the registry not later than the third business day after the date the notice from the clerk was received.
(c)  A clerk may delay entering information under Subsection (a) into the registry only to the extent that the clerk lacks the specific information required to be entered.
Added by Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 16 (S.B. 325), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2019.
Amended by:
Acts 2021, 87th Leg., R.S., Ch. 934 (H.B. 3774), Sec. 13.05, eff. September 1, 2021.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 2 - Judicial Branch › Subtitle F - Court Administration › Chapter 72 - Office of Court Administration › Subchapter F. Protective Order Registry › Section 72.158. Request for Grant or Removal of Public Access

Sec. 72.158.  REQUEST FOR GRANT OR REMOVAL OF PUBLIC ACCESS.  (a)  The office shall ensure that the public may access information about protective orders, other than information about vacated orders or orders under Article 7B.002 or 17.292, Code of Criminal Procedure, or Chapter 83, Family Code, through the registry, only if:
(1)  a protected person requests that the office grant the public the ability to access the information described by Section 72.154(b) for the order protecting the person; and
(2)  the office approves the request.
(b)  A person whose request under Subsection (a) was approved by the office may request that the office remove the ability of the public to access the information that was the subject of the person's earlier approved request.  Not later than the third business day after the office receives a request under this subsection, the office shall remove the ability of the public to access the information.
(c)  The Supreme Court of Texas:
(1)  shall prescribe a form for use by a person requesting a grant or removal of public access as described by Subsections (a) and (b); and
(2)  by rule may prescribe procedures for requesting a grant or removal of public access as described by Subsections (a) and (b).
Added by Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 16 (S.B. 325), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2019.
Amended by:
Acts 2021, 87th Leg., R.S., Ch. 934 (H.B. 3774), Sec. 13.06, eff. September 1, 2021.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 2 - Judicial Branch › Subtitle F - Court Administration › Chapter 72 - Office of Court Administration › Subchapter G. Guardianship Abuse, Fraud, and Exploitation Deterrence Program › Section 72.121. Definitions

Sec. 72.121.  DEFINITIONS.  In this subchapter:
(1)  "Estate" has the meaning assigned by Section 1002.010, Estates Code.
(1-a) "Financial institution" has the meaning assigned by Section 201.101, Finance Code.
(1-b) "Guardianship proceeding" has the meaning assigned by Section 1002.015, Estates Code.
(2)  "Program" means the guardianship abuse, fraud, and exploitation deterrence program established by this subchapter.
(3)  "Ward" has the meaning assigned by Section 1002.030, Estates Code.
Added by Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1226 (S.B. 31), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2019.
Amended by:
Acts 2021, 87th Leg., R.S., Ch. 181 (S.B. 692), Sec. 1, eff. May 30, 2021.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 2 - Judicial Branch › Subtitle F - Court Administration › Chapter 72 - Office of Court Administration › Subchapter G. Guardianship Abuse, Fraud, and Exploitation Deterrence Program › Section 72.122. Establishment of Program

Sec. 72.122.  ESTABLISHMENT OF PROGRAM.  (a)  The office shall establish and maintain a guardianship abuse, fraud, and exploitation deterrence program designed to provide additional resources and assistance to courts that have jurisdiction over guardianship proceedings by:
(1)  engaging guardianship compliance specialists who shall:
(A)  review the guardianships of wards and identify reporting deficiencies by guardians;
(B)  audit annual accounts required to be filed by guardians under Chapter 1163, Estates Code, or other law and report their findings to the appropriate courts;
(C)  work with courts to develop best practices in managing guardianship cases; and
(D)  report to the appropriate courts any concerns of potential abuse, fraud, or exploitation, including financial exploitation, committed against a ward and discovered as a result of the specialists' work under this section; and
(2)  maintaining an electronic database to monitor filings of:
(A)  inventories, appraisements, and lists of claims required under Chapter 1154, Estates Code, or Section 1203.203, Estates Code;
(B)  annual reports required under Section 1163.101, Estates Code; and
(C)  any other reports and accounts required of guardians under Chapter 1163, Estates Code, or other law.
(b)  A court is required to participate in the program, including allowing guardianship compliance specialists to conduct reviews and audits under the program, if the court is selected by the office to participate in the program.
(c)  A court may apply to the office in the manner and form prescribed by the office for participation in the program.
Added by Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1226 (S.B. 31), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2019.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 2 - Judicial Branch › Subtitle F - Court Administration › Chapter 72 - Office of Court Administration › Subchapter G. Guardianship Abuse, Fraud, and Exploitation Deterrence Program › Section 72.1221. Program Access to Financial Records

Sec. 72.1221.  PROGRAM ACCESS TO FINANCIAL RECORDS.  (a)  To the extent allowed and in the manner required by federal law, a financial institution or other person, as applicable, shall on request provide the program with access to financial institution records, accounting records, and other financial records concerning a ward or the ward's estate, including receipts, records of deposits and withdrawals, invoices, bills, and any other records of transactions involving the money or assets of a ward or the ward's estate, for purposes of conducting reviews and audits under the program.
(b)  The program may request the court in which the guardianship is pending to order a financial institution or other person who possesses the records described by Subsection (a) to provide the records to the program.
(c)  After notice and a hearing, the court may issue an order requiring the financial institution or other person to provide the records to the program under the conditions the court prescribes.
Added by Acts 2021, 87th Leg., R.S., Ch. 181 (S.B. 692), Sec. 2, eff. May 30, 2021.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 2 - Judicial Branch › Subtitle F - Court Administration › Chapter 72 - Office of Court Administration › Subchapter G. Guardianship Abuse, Fraud, and Exploitation Deterrence Program › Section 72.123. Notification of State Commission on Judicial Conduct

Sec. 72.123.  NOTIFICATION OF STATE COMMISSION ON JUDICIAL CONDUCT.  The director may notify the State Commission on Judicial Conduct in writing if the office has reason to believe that a judge's actions or failure to act with respect to a report received from a guardianship compliance specialist indicating a concern described by Section 72.122(a)(1)(D) constitutes judicial misconduct.
Added by Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1226 (S.B. 31), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2019.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 2 - Judicial Branch › Subtitle F - Court Administration › Chapter 72 - Office of Court Administration › Subchapter G. Guardianship Abuse, Fraud, and Exploitation Deterrence Program › Section 72.124. Annual Report

Sec. 72.124.  ANNUAL REPORT.  Not later than January 1 of each year, the office shall submit a report to the legislature regarding the performance of the program.  The report must include:
(1)  the number of courts involved in the program;
(2)  the number of guardianships reviewed by guardianship compliance specialists;
(3)  the number of reviewed guardianship cases found to be out of compliance with statutory reporting requirements;
(4)  the number of cases reported to a court concerning potential abuse, fraud, or exploitation, including financial exploitation, committed against a ward; and
(5)  the status of any technology developed to monitor guardianship cases for purposes of the program.
Added by Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1226 (S.B. 31), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2019.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 2 - Judicial Branch › Subtitle F - Court Administration › Chapter 73 - Administration of Courts of Appeals › Subchapter A. Transfer of Cases › Section 73.001. Authority to Transfer

Sec. 73.001.  AUTHORITY TO TRANSFER. (a) Except as provided by Subsection (b), the supreme court may order cases transferred from one court of appeals to another at any time that, in the opinion of the supreme court, there is good cause for the transfer.
(b)  The supreme court may not transfer any case or proceeding  properly filed in the Court of Appeals for the Fifteenth Court of Appeals District to another court of appeals for the purpose of equalizing the dockets of the courts of appeals.
(c)  The supreme court shall adopt rules for:
(1)  transferring an appeal inappropriately filed in the Fifteenth Court of Appeals to a court of appeals with jurisdiction over the appeal; and
(2)  transferring to the Fifteenth Court of Appeals from another court of appeals the appeals over which the Fifteenth Court of Appeals has exclusive intermediate appellate jurisdiction under Section 22.220(d).
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.
Amended by:
Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 459 (S.B. 1045), Sec. 1.08, eff. September 1, 2023.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 2 - Judicial Branch › Subtitle F - Court Administration › Chapter 73 - Administration of Courts of Appeals › Subchapter A. Transfer of Cases › Section 73.002. Jurisdiction When Transferred

Sec. 73.002.  JURISDICTION WHEN TRANSFERRED.  (a)  The court of appeals to which a case is transferred has jurisdiction of the case without regard to the district in which the case originally was tried and to which it is returnable on appeal.
(b)  The court to which a case is transferred shall deliver, enter, and render the opinions, orders, and decisions in a transferred case at the place where the court to which the case is transferred regularly sits as provided by law.
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 73 - Administration of Courts of Appeals › Subchapter A. Transfer of Cases › Section 73.003. Oral Argument

Sec. 73.003.  ORAL ARGUMENT.  (a)  Except as provided by Subsections (b) and (e), the justices of the court of appeals to which a case is transferred shall hear oral argument, after due notice to the parties or their attorneys, at the place from which the case is originally transferred.
(b)  If requested by all parties or their attorneys, the oral argument in a transferred case may be heard in the regular place of the court to which the case is transferred.
(c)  If a case is transferred to a court that regularly sits not more than 35 miles from the place the court from which the case was transferred regularly sits, the court, at the discretion of its chief justice and after notice to the parties or their counsel, may hear oral arguments at the place it regularly sits.  For purposes of this subsection, the place where a court of appeals regularly sits is that specified in Subchapter C, Chapter 22, and the mileage between the places is that determined by the comptroller under Chapter 660.
(d)  The actual and necessary traveling and living expenses of the justices in hearing an oral argument at the place from which the case is transferred shall be paid by the state from funds appropriated for that purpose.
(e)  At the discretion of its chief justice, a court to which a case is transferred may hear oral argument through the use of teleconferencing technology as provided by Section 22.302.  The court and the parties or their attorneys may participate in oral argument from any location through the use of teleconferencing technology.  The actual and necessary expenses of the court in hearing an oral argument through the use of teleconferencing technology shall be paid by the state from funds appropriated for the transfer of case, as specified in Subsection (d).
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.  Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 148, Sec. 2.92(a), eff. Sept. 1, 1987;  Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 76, Sec. 5.95(106), eff. Sept. 1, 1995;  Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 732, Sec. 2, eff. Sept. 1, 1997;  Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1085, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 2 - Judicial Branch › Subtitle F - Court Administration › Chapter 74 - Court Administration Act › Subchapter A. Chief Justice › Section 74.001. Meetings

Sec. 74.001.  MEETINGS.  (a)  The chief justice shall call and preside over an annual meeting of the presiding judges of the administrative judicial regions on a date and at a time and place in the state designated by the chief justice.
(b)  The chief justice may call and convene additional meetings of the regional presiding judges or local administrative judges that he considers necessary for the promotion of the orderly and efficient administration of justice.
(c)  At the meetings, the judges shall:
(1)  study the statistics reflecting the condition of the dockets of the courts of the state to determine the need for the assignment of judges under Subchapter C;
(2)  compare the regional and local rules of court to achieve the uniformity of rules that is practicable and consistent with local conditions;
(3)  consider uniformity in the administration of this chapter in the various administrative regions;  and
(4)  promote more effective administration of justice through the use of this chapter.
(d)  The expenses of the judges attending these meetings shall be paid as provided by Sections 74.043 and 74.061.
Added by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 148, Sec. 2.93(a), eff. Sept. 1, 1987.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 2 - Judicial Branch › Subtitle F - Court Administration › Chapter 74 - Court Administration Act › Subchapter A. Chief Justice › Section 74.004. Supervision of Office of Court Administration

Sec. 74.004.  SUPERVISION OF OFFICE OF COURT ADMINISTRATION.  The chief justice shall direct and supervise the office of court administration.
Added by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 148, Sec. 2.93(a), eff. Sept. 1, 1987.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 2 - Judicial Branch › Subtitle F - Court Administration › Chapter 74 - Court Administration Act › Subchapter A. Chief Justice › Section 74.005. Appointment of Presiding Judges of Administrative Judicial Regions

Sec. 74.005.  APPOINTMENT OF PRESIDING JUDGES OF ADMINISTRATIVE JUDICIAL REGIONS.  (a)  The governor, with the advice and consent of the senate, shall appoint one judge in each administrative judicial region as presiding judge of the region.
(b)  On the death, resignation, removal, or expiration of the term of office of a presiding judge, the governor immediately shall appoint or reappoint a presiding judge.
Added by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 148, Sec. 2.93(a), eff. Sept. 1, 1987.
Amended by:
Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., 1st C.S., Ch. 3 (H.B. 79), Sec. 7.01, eff. January 1, 2012.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 2 - Judicial Branch › Subtitle F - Court Administration › Chapter 74 - Court Administration Act › Subchapter A. Chief Justice › Section 74.006. Supreme Court Duties

Sec. 74.006.  SUPREME COURT DUTIES.  The chief justice shall ensure that the supreme court executes and implements the court's administrative duties and responsibilities under this chapter.
Added by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 148, Sec. 2.93(a), eff. Sept. 1, 1987.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 2 - Judicial Branch › Subtitle F - Court Administration › Chapter 74 - Court Administration Act › Subchapter A. Chief Justice › Section 74.007. Committees

Sec. 74.007.  COMMITTEES.  The chief justice, subject to the approval of the supreme court, shall name and appoint members to committees necessary or desirable for the efficient administration of justice or to carry out the provisions of this chapter.
Added by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 148, Sec. 2.93(a), eff. Sept. 1, 1987.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 2 - Judicial Branch › Subtitle F - Court Administration › Chapter 74 - Court Administration Act › Subchapter B. Supreme Court › Section 74.021. Supervisory and Administrative Control

Sec. 74.021.  SUPERVISORY AND ADMINISTRATIVE CONTROL.  The supreme court has supervisory and administrative control over the judicial branch and is responsible for the orderly and efficient administration of justice.
Added by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 148, Sec. 2.93(a), eff. Sept. 1, 1987.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 2 - Judicial Branch › Subtitle F - Court Administration › Chapter 74 - Court Administration Act › Subchapter B. Supreme Court › Section 74.022. Changes in Number of Courts

Sec. 74.022.  CHANGES IN NUMBER OF COURTS.  (a)  The supreme court shall assess the need for adding, consolidating, eliminating, or reallocating existing appellate courts.
(b)  The supreme court shall promulgate rules, regulations, and criteria to be used in assessing those needs.
(c)  The supreme court shall recommend to the regular session of the legislature convening in the third year following the year in which the federal decennial census is taken any needed changes in the number or allocation of those courts.
Added by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 148, Sec. 2.93(a), eff. Sept. 1, 1987.  Amended by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 639, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 2 - Judicial Branch › Subtitle F - Court Administration › Chapter 74 - Court Administration Act › Subchapter B. Supreme Court › Section 74.023. Director of Office of Court Administration

Sec. 74.023.  DIRECTOR OF OFFICE OF COURT ADMINISTRATION.  (a)  The supreme court shall appoint the administrative director of the courts for the office of court administration.
(b)  The director serves at the pleasure of the supreme court and shall be subordinate to, and act by the authority and under the direction of, the chief justice.
Added by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 148, Sec. 2.93(a), eff. Sept. 1, 1987.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 2 - Judicial Branch › Subtitle F - Court Administration › Chapter 74 - Court Administration Act › Subchapter B. Supreme Court › Section 74.024. Rules

Sec. 74.024.  RULES.  (a)  The supreme court may adopt rules of administration setting policies and guidelines necessary or desirable for the operation and management of the court system and for the efficient administration of justice.
(b)  The supreme court shall request the advice of the court of criminal appeals before adopting rules affecting the administration of criminal justice.
(c)  The supreme court may consider the adoption of rules relating to:
(1)  nonbinding time standards for pleading, discovery, motions, and dispositions;
(2)  nonbinding dismissal of inactive cases from dockets, if the dismissal is warranted;
(3)  attorney's accountability for and incentives to avoid delay and to meet time standards;
(4)  penalties for filing frivolous motions;
(5)  firm trial dates;
(6)  restrictive devices on discovery;
(7)  a uniform dockets policy;
(8)  formalization of settlement conferences or settlement programs;
(9)  standards for selection and management of nonjudicial personnel;
(10)  transfer of related cases for consolidated or coordinated pretrial proceedings; and
(11)  the conducting of proceedings under Rule 11, Rules of Judicial Administration, by a district court outside the county in which the case is pending.
(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 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 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.
Added by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 674, Sec. 2.01, eff. Sept. 1, 1987.  Amended by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 204, Sec. 3.01, eff. Sept. 1, 2003;  Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 747, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
Amended by:
Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 728 (H.B. 2018), Sec. 8.001, eff. September 1, 2005.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 2 - Judicial Branch › Subtitle F - Court Administration › Chapter 74 - Court Administration Act › Subchapter B. Supreme Court › Section 74.025. Education Programs

Sec. 74.025.  EDUCATION PROGRAMS.  The court of criminal appeals shall, if adequate funding is available for education programs for judges and court personnel, ensure that adequate education programs are available on an equitable basis for judges and court personnel of courts created under the constitution and laws of this state.
Added by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 674, Sec. 2.10, eff. Sept. 1, 1987.  Amended by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 896, Sec. 7, eff. Sept. 1, 1993.