reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 2 - Judicial Branch › Subtitle A - Courts › Chapter 26 - Constitutional County Courts › Subchapter E. Provisions Relating to Particular Counties › Section 26.295. Reeves County

Sec. 26.295.  REEVES COUNTY.  The County Court of Reeves County has juvenile jurisdiction as provided by Section 26.042(b) but has no other probate, criminal, or civil jurisdiction.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 2 - Judicial Branch › Subtitle A - Courts › Chapter 26 - Constitutional County Courts › Subchapter E. Provisions Relating to Particular Counties › Section 26.298. Robertson County

Sec. 26.298.  ROBERTSON COUNTY.  The County Court of Robertson County has:
(1)  the general jurisdiction of a probate court;
(2)  juvenile jurisdiction as provided by Section 26.042(b);  and
(3)  original and appellate jurisdiction in all matters over which county courts have jurisdiction under the constitution and general laws of this state.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.  Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 148, Sec. 2.29(a), eff. Sept. 1, 1987.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 2 - Judicial Branch › Subtitle A - Courts › Chapter 26 - Constitutional County Courts › Subchapter E. Provisions Relating to Particular Counties › Section 26.302. Sabine County

Sec. 26.302.  SABINE COUNTY.  (a)  The County Court of Sabine County has the general jurisdiction of a probate court, general criminal jurisdiction, and juvenile jurisdiction as provided by Section 26.042(b) but has no other civil jurisdiction.
(b)  The terms of the County Court of Sabine County begin on the second Mondays in January, April, July, and October and may continue for three weeks.  The commissioners court may change the court terms under Section 26.002.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 2 - Judicial Branch › Subtitle A - Courts › Chapter 26 - Constitutional County Courts › Subchapter E. Provisions Relating to Particular Counties › Section 26.303. San Augustine County

Sec. 26.303.  SAN AUGUSTINE COUNTY.  The County Court of San Augustine County has the general jurisdiction of a probate court, general criminal jurisdiction, and juvenile jurisdiction as provided by Section 26.042(b) but has no other civil jurisdiction.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 2 - Judicial Branch › Subtitle A - Courts › Chapter 26 - Constitutional County Courts › Subchapter E. Provisions Relating to Particular Counties › Section 26.307. Schleicher County

Sec. 26.307.  SCHLEICHER COUNTY.  In addition to other jurisdiction provided by law, the County Court of Schleicher County has original concurrent jurisdiction with the justice courts in all civil and criminal matters in which the justice courts have jurisdiction under general law.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 2 - Judicial Branch › Subtitle A - Courts › Chapter 26 - Constitutional County Courts › Subchapter E. Provisions Relating to Particular Counties › Section 26.308. Scurry County

Sec. 26.308.  SCURRY COUNTY.  In addition to other jurisdiction provided by law, the County Court of Scurry County has original concurrent jurisdiction with the justice courts in all civil matters in which the justice courts have jurisdiction under general law.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 2 - Judicial Branch › Subtitle A - Courts › Chapter 26 - Constitutional County Courts › Subchapter E. Provisions Relating to Particular Counties › Section 26.309. Shackelford County

Sec. 26.309.  SHACKELFORD COUNTY.  The County Court of Shackelford County has the general jurisdiction of a probate court and juvenile jurisdiction as provided by Section 26.042(b) but has no other civil or criminal jurisdiction.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 2 - Judicial Branch › Subtitle A - Courts › Chapter 26 - Constitutional County Courts › Subchapter E. Provisions Relating to Particular Counties › Section 26.314. Starr County

Sec. 26.314.  STARR COUNTY.  In addition to other jurisdiction provided by law, the County Court of Starr County has original concurrent jurisdiction with the justice courts in all civil matters in which the justice courts have jurisdiction under general law.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 2 - Judicial Branch › Subtitle A - Courts › Chapter 26 - Constitutional County Courts › Subchapter E. Provisions Relating to Particular Counties › Section 26.315. Stephens County

Sec. 26.315.  STEPHENS COUNTY.  (a)  In addition to other jurisdiction provided by law, the County Court of Stephens County has original concurrent jurisdiction with the justice courts in all civil matters in which the justice courts have jurisdiction under general law.
(b)  The district clerk shall maintain the records of the County Court of Stephens County.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.
Amended by:
Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 861 (H.B. 3474), Sec. 3.002, eff. September 1, 2023.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 2 - Judicial Branch › Subtitle A - Courts › Chapter 26 - Constitutional County Courts › Subchapter E. Provisions Relating to Particular Counties › Section 26.316. Sterling County

Sec. 26.316.  STERLING COUNTY.  In addition to other jurisdiction provided by law, the County Court of Sterling County has original concurrent jurisdiction with the justice courts in all civil and criminal matters in which the justice courts have jurisdiction under general law.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 2 - Judicial Branch › Subtitle A - Courts › Chapter 26 - Constitutional County Courts › Subchapter E. Provisions Relating to Particular Counties › Section 26.317. Stonewall County

Sec. 26.317.  STONEWALL COUNTY.  (a)  In addition to other jurisdiction provided by law, the County Court of Stonewall County has original concurrent jurisdiction with the justice courts in all civil matters in which the justice courts have jurisdiction under general law.
(b)  The terms of the county court continue until the court has disposed of its business.  The commissioners court may change the court terms under Section 26.002.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 2 - Judicial Branch › Subtitle A - Courts › Chapter 26 - Constitutional County Courts › Subchapter E. Provisions Relating to Particular Counties › Section 26.320. Tarrant County

Sec. 26.320.  TARRANT COUNTY.  The County Court of Tarrant County has the general jurisdiction of a probate court and juvenile jurisdiction as provided by Section 26.042(b) but has no other criminal or civil jurisdiction.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 2 - Judicial Branch › Subtitle A - Courts › Chapter 26 - Constitutional County Courts › Subchapter E. Provisions Relating to Particular Counties › Section 26.321. Taylor County

Sec. 26.321.  TAYLOR COUNTY.  The County Court of Taylor County has the general jurisdiction of a probate court and juvenile jurisdiction as provided by Section 26.042(b) but has no other criminal or civil jurisdiction.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.  Amended by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 71, Sec. 1, eff. May 2, 1993.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 2 - Judicial Branch › Subtitle A - Courts › Chapter 26 - Constitutional County Courts › Subchapter E. Provisions Relating to Particular Counties › Section 26.323. Terry County

Sec. 26.323.  TERRY COUNTY.  In addition to other jurisdiction provided by law, the County Court of Terry County has original concurrent jurisdiction with the justice courts in all civil matters in which the justice courts have jurisdiction under general law.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 2 - Judicial Branch › Subtitle A - Courts › Chapter 26 - Constitutional County Courts › Subchapter E. Provisions Relating to Particular Counties › Section 26.327. Travis County

Sec. 26.327.  TRAVIS COUNTY.  The County Court of Travis County has the general jurisdiction of a probate court but has no other civil or criminal jurisdiction.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 2 - Judicial Branch › Subtitle A - Courts › Chapter 26 - Constitutional County Courts › Subchapter E. Provisions Relating to Particular Counties › Section 26.328. Trinity County

Sec. 26.328.  TRINITY COUNTY.  (a)  The terms of the County Court of Trinity County begin on the first Mondays in January, April, July, and October and may continue for three weeks.
(b)  The commissioners court may change the court terms under Section 26.002.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 2 - Judicial Branch › Subtitle A - Courts › Chapter 26 - Constitutional County Courts › Subchapter E. Provisions Relating to Particular Counties › Section 26.330. Upshur County

Sec. 26.330.  UPSHUR COUNTY.  (a)  The County Court of Upshur County has the general jurisdiction of a probate court and has concurrent jurisdiction with the district court in all other matters over which county courts are given jurisdiction by the constitution and general laws of this state.
(b)  All civil and criminal matters within the concurrent jurisdiction of the county and district courts must be filed with the county clerk in the county court.
(c)  The county judge shall act as presiding judge between the county and district courts and may assign to the district court original or appellate cases that are within the concurrent jurisdiction of the courts.  The assignment shall be made by docket notation.
(d)  The county clerk shall perform all clerical functions of the county court as to matters within the concurrent jurisdiction of the county and district courts.  The county clerk shall charge the fees set by law for county courts in any case within the courts' concurrent jurisdiction.
Added by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 148, Sec. 2.30(a), eff. Sept. 1, 1987.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 2 - Judicial Branch › Subtitle A - Courts › Chapter 26 - Constitutional County Courts › Subchapter E. Provisions Relating to Particular Counties › Section 26.336. Walker County

Sec. 26.336.  WALKER COUNTY.  The County Court of Walker County has the general jurisdiction of a probate court and juvenile jurisdiction as provided by Section 26.042(b) but has no other civil or criminal jurisdiction.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 2 - Judicial Branch › Subtitle A - Courts › Chapter 26 - Constitutional County Courts › Subchapter E. Provisions Relating to Particular Counties › Section 26.337. Waller County

Sec. 26.337.  WALLER COUNTY.  The County Court of Waller County has the general jurisdiction of a probate court but has no other civil or criminal jurisdiction.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 2 - Judicial Branch › Subtitle A - Courts › Chapter 26 - Constitutional County Courts › Subchapter E. Provisions Relating to Particular Counties › Section 26.339. Washington County

Sec. 26.339.  WASHINGTON COUNTY.  The County Court of Washington County has the general jurisdiction of a probate court but has no other civil or criminal jurisdiction.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.  Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 943, Sec. 10, eff. Aug. 31, 1987.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 2 - Judicial Branch › Subtitle A - Courts › Chapter 26 - Constitutional County Courts › Subchapter E. Provisions Relating to Particular Counties › Section 26.340. Webb County

Sec. 26.340.  WEBB COUNTY.  The County Court of Webb County has the general jurisdiction of a probate court and juvenile jurisdiction as provided by Section 26.042(b) but has no other civil or criminal jurisdiction.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 2 - Judicial Branch › Subtitle A - Courts › Chapter 26 - Constitutional County Courts › Subchapter E. Provisions Relating to Particular Counties › Section 26.342. Wheeler County

Sec. 26.342.  WHEELER COUNTY.  In addition to other jurisdiction provided by law, the County Court of Wheeler County has original concurrent jurisdiction with the justice courts in all civil matters in which the justice courts have jurisdiction under general law.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 2 - Judicial Branch › Subtitle A - Courts › Chapter 26 - Constitutional County Courts › Subchapter E. Provisions Relating to Particular Counties › Section 26.343. Wichita County

Sec. 26.343.  WICHITA COUNTY.  (a)  The County Court of Wichita County has general criminal jurisdiction, the general jurisdiction of a probate court, and juvenile jurisdiction as provided by Section 26.042(b) but has no other civil jurisdiction except as prescribed by Subsection (b).
(b)  The county court has jurisdiction over cases involving child neglect or dependency proceedings and may punish contempt growing out of or ancillary to those cases if the county judge:
(1)  has the qualifications required of a district judge;  and
(2)  is designated by the Wichita County Juvenile Board as judge of the juvenile court.
(c)  With the county judge's approval a district court in Wichita County may transfer to the county court a case involving juvenile delinquency, child neglect, or dependency proceedings.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 2 - Judicial Branch › Subtitle A - Courts › Chapter 26 - Constitutional County Courts › Subchapter E. Provisions Relating to Particular Counties › Section 26.351. Yoakum County

Sec. 26.351.  YOAKUM COUNTY.  In addition to other jurisdiction provided by law, the County Court of Yoakum County has original concurrent jurisdiction with the justice courts in all civil matters in which the justice courts have jurisdiction under general law.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 2 - Judicial Branch › Subtitle A - Courts › Chapter 26 - Constitutional County Courts › Subchapter E. Provisions Relating to Particular Counties › Section 26.353. Zapata County

Sec. 26.353.  ZAPATA COUNTY.  (a)  The terms of the County Court of Zapata County begin on the third Mondays in February, May, September, and November and continue for three weeks or until the court has disposed of its business.
(b)  The commissioners court may change the court terms under Section 26.002.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 2 - Judicial Branch › Subtitle A - Courts › Chapter 27 - Justice Courts › Subchapter A. General Provisions › Section 27.001. Bond

Sec. 27.001.  BOND.  Each justice of the peace must give a bond payable to the county judge, in an amount of not more than $5,000, and conditioned that the justice will:
(1)  faithfully and impartially discharge the duties required by law;  and
(2)  promptly pay to the entitled party all money that comes into the justice's hands during the term of office.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 2 - Judicial Branch › Subtitle A - Courts › Chapter 27 - Justice Courts › Subchapter A. General Provisions › Section 27.002. Commission; Notary

Sec. 27.002.  COMMISSION;  NOTARY.  Each justice of the peace shall be commissioned as justice of the peace of the applicable precinct and ex officio notary public 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 A - Courts › Chapter 27 - Justice Courts › Subchapter A. General Provisions › Section 27.003. Effect of Precinct Boundary Changes

Sec. 27.003.  EFFECT OF PRECINCT BOUNDARY CHANGES.  A person who has served as justice of the peace of a precinct for 10 or more consecutive years preceding a change in boundaries of the precinct is not ineligible for reelection in the precinct because of residence outside the precinct as long as the justice's residence is within the boundaries of the precinct as they existed before the change.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 2 - Judicial Branch › Subtitle A - Courts › Chapter 27 - Justice Courts › Subchapter A. General Provisions › Section 27.004. Records and Other Property

Sec. 27.004.  RECORDS AND OTHER PROPERTY.  (a)  Each justice shall arrange and safely keep all dockets, books, and papers transmitted to the justice by the justice's predecessors in office, and all papers filed in a case in justice court, subject to the public access requirements prescribed by Rule 12, Rules of Judicial Administration.
(a-1)  If a person vacates the office of justice of the peace, the person shall transfer all court records, documents, property, and unfinished business to the person's successor on the date the successor takes office.  After the transfer, the business of the office must be completed as if the successor had begun the business.
(b)  A person who has possession of dockets, books, or papers belonging to the office of any justice of the peace shall deliver them to the justice on demand.  If the person refuses to deliver them, on a motion supported by an affidavit, the person may be attached and imprisoned by the order of the county judge until the person makes delivery.  The county judge may issue the order in termtime or vacation.   The person against whom the motion is made must be given three days' notice of the motion before the person may be attached.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.
Amended by:
Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 711 (S.B. 436), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2005.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 2 - Judicial Branch › Subtitle A - Courts › Chapter 27 - Justice Courts › Subchapter A. General Provisions › Section 27.005. Educational Requirements

Sec. 27.005.  EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS.  (a)  For purposes of removal under Chapter 87, Local Government Code, "incompetency" in the case of a justice of the peace includes the failure of the justice to successfully complete:
(1)  within one year after the date the justice is first elected:
(A)  an 80-hour course in the performance of the justice's duties; and
(B)  the course described by Article 17.024(a)(1), Code of Criminal Procedure;
(2)  each following year, a 20-hour course in the performance of the justice's duties, including not less than 10 hours of instruction regarding substantive, procedural, and evidentiary law in civil matters; and
(3)  each following state fiscal biennium, the course described by Article 17.024(a)(2), Code of Criminal Procedure.
(b)  The courses may be completed in an accredited state-supported school of higher education.
(c)  A course described by Subsection (a)(1)(A) may include a course described by Subsection (a)(1)(B).
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.  Amended by Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 802, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1989;  Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 147, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.
Amended by:
Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., 1st C.S., Ch. 3 (H.B. 79), Sec. 5.01(a), eff. January 1, 2012.
Acts 2021, 87th Leg., 2nd C.S., Ch. 11 (S.B. 6), Sec. 15, eff. January 1, 2022.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 2 - Judicial Branch › Subtitle A - Courts › Chapter 27 - Justice Courts › Subchapter A. General Provisions › Section 27.006. Collecting Debt for Another; Offense

Sec. 27.006.  COLLECTING DEBT FOR ANOTHER;  OFFENSE.  (a)  A justice commits an offense if the justice:
(1)  accepts for collection or undertakes the collection of a claim for a debt for another, unless the justice acts under a law that prescribes the duties of the justice;  or
(2)  accepts compensation not prescribed by law for accepting for collection or undertaking the collection of a claim for debt for another.
(b)  An offense under Subsection (a) is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not less than $200 or more than $500.
(c)  In addition to the fine, the justice may be removed from office.
(d)  This section does not prohibit a justice who is authorized by law to act for others in the collection of debts from undertaking to collect a debt for another if the amount of the debt is beyond the jurisdiction of the justice court.
Added by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 268, Sec. 9, eff. Sept. 1, 1993.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 2 - Judicial Branch › Subtitle A - Courts › Chapter 27 - Justice Courts › Subchapter B. Jurisdiction and Powers › Section 27.031. Jurisdiction

Sec. 27.031.  JURISDICTION.
(a)  In addition to the jurisdiction and powers provided by the constitution and other law, the justice court has original jurisdiction of:
(1)  civil matters in which exclusive jurisdiction is not in the district or county court and in which the amount in controversy is not more than $20,000, exclusive of interest;
(2)  cases of forcible entry and detainer; and
(3)  foreclosure of mortgages and enforcement of liens on personal property in cases in which the amount in controversy is otherwise within the justice court's jurisdiction.
(b)  A justice court does not have jurisdiction of:
(1)  a suit in behalf of the state to recover a penalty, forfeiture, or escheat;
(2)  a suit for divorce;
(3)  a suit to recover damages for slander or defamation of character;
(4)  a suit for trial of title to land;  or
(5)  a suit for the enforcement of a lien on land.
(c)  A justice court has concurrent jurisdiction with a municipal court in cases that arise in the municipality's extraterritorial jurisdiction and that arise under an ordinance of the municipality applicable to the extraterritorial jurisdiction under Section 216.902, Local Government Code.
(d)  A corporation need not be represented by an attorney in justice court.
(e)  A justice court has concurrent jurisdiction with a district court and a municipal court of record over expunction proceedings relating to the arrest of a person for an offense punishable by fine only.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.  Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 745, Sec. 2, eff. June 20, 1987;  Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. 776, Sec. 2, eff. Sept. 1, 1991.
Amended by:
Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 383 (S.B. 618), Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2007.
Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 612 (H.B. 413), Sec. 12, eff. September 1, 2007.
Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1149 (S.B. 1119), Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2007.
Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 87 (S.B. 1969), Sec. 27.001(18), eff. September 1, 2009.
Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1149 (H.B. 557), Sec. 6, eff. September 1, 2017.
Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 372 (H.B. 1631), Sec. 3, eff. June 2, 2019.
Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 696 (S.B. 2342), Sec. 32, eff. September 1, 2020.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 2 - Judicial Branch › Subtitle A - Courts › Chapter 27 - Justice Courts › Subchapter B. Jurisdiction and Powers › Section 27.032. Extraordinary Remedies

Sec. 27.032.  EXTRAORDINARY REMEDIES.  A justice of the peace may issue writs of attachment, garnishment, and sequestration within the justice's jurisdiction in the same manner as judges and clerks of the district and county courts.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 2 - Judicial Branch › Subtitle A - Courts › Chapter 27 - Justice Courts › Subchapter B. Jurisdiction and Powers › Section 27.033. Other Powers

Sec. 27.033.  OTHER POWERS.  A justice of the peace may:
(1)  exercise jurisdiction over other matters cognizable before a justice of the peace under any law of this state;  and
(2)  proceed with all unfinished business of the office as if the business had been originally begun before that justice.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 2 - Judicial Branch › Subtitle A - Courts › Chapter 27 - Justice Courts › Subchapter B. Jurisdiction and Powers › Section 27.034. Deed Restriction Jurisdiction

Sec. 27.034.  DEED RESTRICTION JURISDICTION.  (a)  A justice court has jurisdiction of suits relating to enforcement of a deed restriction of a residential subdivision that does not concern a structural change to a dwelling.
(b)  The petitioner in a dispute concerning a deed restriction shall present as evidence at the first hearing in the dispute:
(1)  a certified copy of the deed or other document that establishes the restriction on the property;  and
(2)  other documents necessary to demonstrate that the restriction applies to the property in dispute.
(c)  In a dispute concerning a deed restriction, a justice of the peace may order any alternative method of dispute resolution provided by Title 7, Civil Practice and Remedies Code.
(d)  The jurisdiction provided by this section is concurrent with the jurisdiction of the district court.
(e)  A justice court has jurisdiction of suits under this section regardless of the amount in controversy.
(f)  In a dispute concerning a deed restriction, a justice of the peace may consolidate disputes relating to the same issues and parties.
(g)  An appeal under this section is by trial de novo.
(h)  In this section, "deed restriction" means one or more restrictive covenants contained or incorporated by reference in a properly recorded deed, map, plat, replat, declaration, or other instrument filed in the real property records, map records, or deed records of the county in which the property is located.
(i)  In this section, a "dwelling" does not include an external structure such as a carport, fence, storage building, or unattached garage.
(j)  Nothing in this section authorizes a justice of the peace to grant a writ of injunction.
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 1022, Sec. 1, eff. June 17, 1995.  Amended by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 136, Sec. 1, eff. May 19, 1997;  Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 672, Sec. 1, eff. June 18, 1999.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 2 - Judicial Branch › Subtitle A - Courts › Chapter 27 - Justice Courts › Subchapter C. Conducting Court and Inquests › Section 27.051. Terms of Court; Place for Holding Court

Sec. 27.051.  TERMS OF COURT;  PLACE FOR HOLDING COURT.  (a)  Each justice shall hold a term of court for civil business once each month and may transact such business out of termtime as is authorized by law.
(b)  Each justice shall hold the regular term of court at the justice's office at times prescribed by the commissioners court.  The commissioners court shall set the time and place for holding justice court.
(c)  A justice may hold court from day to day until all business is disposed of or may adjourn the court or trial of a case to a particular day.
(d)  If the regular term does not begin on the day set by law, the court is considered adjourned until its next regular term.
(e)  If the justice precinct in which the courthouse is located has more than 75,000 inhabitants, the commissioners court shall provide and furnish a suitable place in the courthouse for the justice of that precinct to hold court.
(f)  A justice of the peace of a precinct in a county with a population of less than 30,000 may hold court in the county courthouse or another facility provided under Section 292.002(a), Local Government Code, for that purpose.  If requested by the justice, the commissioners court of the county may provide and furnish a suitable place in the courthouse or another facility provided under Section 292.002(a), Local Government Code, for the justice to hold court.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.  Amended by Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 1223, Sec. 1, eff. June 16, 1989;  Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 825, Sec. 2, eff. Sept. 1, 1993.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 2 - Judicial Branch › Subtitle A - Courts › Chapter 27 - Justice Courts › Subchapter C. Conducting Court and Inquests › Section 27.0515. Location for Court Proceedings and Terms and Sessions of Court Following Certain Disasters

Sec. 27.0515.  LOCATION FOR COURT PROCEEDINGS AND TERMS AND SESSIONS OF COURT FOLLOWING CERTAIN DISASTERS.  (a)  Notwithstanding any other law, if a disaster, as defined by Section 418.004, precludes a justice court from conducting its proceedings at a location in the court's precinct or in the county seat of that county, the presiding judge of the administrative judicial region in which the county is located, with the approval of the justice of the affected justice court, may designate for the proceedings an alternate location:
(1)  in the county; or
(2)  outside the county at the location the presiding judge determines is closest in proximity to the court's precinct that allows the court to safely and practicably conduct its proceedings, provided the presiding judge of the administrative judicial region for the designated location approves if that presiding judge is not the presiding judge making the designation.
(b)  Notwithstanding any other law, if a disaster, as defined by Section 418.004, precludes a justice court from holding its terms in accordance with the times prescribed by the commissioners court, the presiding judge of the administrative judicial region, with the approval of the justice of the affected justice court, may designate the terms and sessions of court.
Added by Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 507 (S.B. 40), Sec. 12, eff. June 7, 2019.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 2 - Judicial Branch › Subtitle A - Courts › Chapter 27 - Justice Courts › Subchapter C. Conducting Court and Inquests › Section 27.052. Vacancy or Absence

Sec. 27.052.  VACANCY OR ABSENCE.  If the office of justice of the peace is vacant in a precinct or if the justice is absent or unable or unwilling to perform his duties, the nearest justice in the county may temporarily perform the duties of the office.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 2 - Judicial Branch › Subtitle A - Courts › Chapter 27 - Justice Courts › Subchapter C. Conducting Court and Inquests › Section 27.054. Exchange of Benches

Sec. 27.054.  EXCHANGE OF BENCHES.  (a)  A justice of the peace may hold court for any other justice in any county at the request of that justice.
(b)  The justices of any county may exchange benches for a period not to exceed five days if they consider it expedient.
(c)  A justice who exchanges benches with another justice is not entitled to receive compensation from the commissioners court of the county in which the regular justice serves.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.
Amended by:
Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 1164 (H.B. 3441), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2005.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 2 - Judicial Branch › Subtitle A - Courts › Chapter 27 - Justice Courts › Subchapter C. Conducting Court and Inquests › Section 27.0545. Exchange of Benches: Inquests

Sec. 27.0545.  EXCHANGE OF BENCHES: INQUESTS.  (a)  If a justice of the peace or the county judge of a county to which Subchapter A, Chapter 49, Code of Criminal Procedure, applies is not available to conduct an inquest into a person's death occurring in the county, the justice of the peace of the precinct in which the death occurred or the county judge may request a justice of the peace of another county to which that subchapter applies to conduct the inquest.
(b)  A justice of the peace who on request conducts an inquest under this section shall, not later than the fifth day after the date the inquest is initiated, transfer all information related to the inquest to the justice of the peace of the precinct in which the death occurred for final disposition of the matter.
(c)  A justice of the peace who conducts an inquest under this section is not entitled to receive from the commissioners court of the county in which the death occurred any compensation, other than mileage, for conducting the inquest.
Added by Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 84 (H.B. 799), Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2017.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 2 - Judicial Branch › Subtitle A - Courts › Chapter 27 - Justice Courts › Subchapter C. Conducting Court and Inquests › Section 27.056. Clerk

Sec. 27.056.  CLERK.  (a)  Each justice of the peace may designate one or more persons to serve as clerk of the justice court.
(b)  The clerk may administer oaths and affidavits and make certificates and affix the court's seal to those certificates.
(c)  The clerk shall:
(1)  maintain central docket records for all cases filed in the justice court;
(2)  maintain an index of all court judgments for cases arising in the justice court;  and
(3)  perform the other duties required by law and assist the judge in handling matters before the court.
Added by Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 802, Sec. 2, eff. Sept. 1, 1989.  Amended by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 96, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 2 - Judicial Branch › Subtitle A - Courts › Chapter 27 - Justice Courts › Subchapter C. Conducting Court and Inquests › Section 27.057. Citation

Sec. 27.057.  CITATION.  A clerk of a justice court may issue citation in the manner provided for justices of the peace by the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure.
Added by Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 802, Sec. 3, eff. Sept. 1, 1989.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 2 - Judicial Branch › Subtitle A - Courts › Chapter 27 - Justice Courts › Subchapter C. Conducting Court and Inquests › Section 27.058. Civil Docket

Sec. 27.058.  CIVIL DOCKET.  Information in the civil docket of a justice of the peace may be processed and stored by the use of electronic data processing equipment, at the discretion of the justice.
Added by Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. 776, Sec. 3, eff. Sept. 1, 1991.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 2 - Judicial Branch › Subtitle A - Courts › Chapter 27 - Justice Courts › Subchapter C. Conducting Court and Inquests › Section 27.059. Justice of the Peace Seal

Sec. 27.059.  JUSTICE OF THE PEACE SEAL.  (a)  The commissioners court shall furnish to each justice of the peace a seal that has a star with five points in the center.  The seal must also have "Justice Court, __________ County, Texas" and any applicable precinct number on it.
(b)  The seal may be attached to all process other than subpoenas issued out of the justice court and may be used to authenticate the official acts of the justice clerk and the justice of the peace.
(c)  The seal may be affixed by a seal press or stamp that embosses or prints the seal.
Added by Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. 747, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1991.  Renumbered from Sec. 27.058 by Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., 1st C.S., ch. 14, Sec. 8.01(12), eff. Nov. 12, 1991.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 2 - Judicial Branch › Subtitle A - Courts › Chapter 27 - Justice Courts › Subchapter C. Conducting Court and Inquests › Section 27.060. Small Claims

Sec. 27.060.  SMALL CLAIMS.  (a)  A justice court shall conduct proceedings in a small claims case, as that term is defined by the supreme court, in accordance with rules of civil procedure promulgated by the supreme court to ensure the fair, expeditious, and inexpensive resolution of small claims cases.
(b)  Except as provided by Subsection (c), rules of the supreme court must provide that:
(1)  if both parties appear, the judge shall proceed to hear the case;
(2)  formal pleadings other than the statement are not required;
(3)  the judge shall hear the testimony of the parties and the witnesses that the parties produce and shall consider the other evidence offered;
(4)  the hearing is informal, with the sole objective being to dispense speedy justice between the parties;
(5)  discovery is limited to that considered appropriate and permitted by the judge; and
(6)  the judge shall develop the facts of the case, and for that purpose may question a witness or party and may summon any party to appear as a witness as the judge considers necessary to a correct judgment and speedy disposition of the case.
(c)  The rules of the supreme court must provide specific procedures for an action by:
(1)  an assignee of a claim or other person seeking to bring an action on an assigned claim;
(2)  a person primarily engaged in the business of lending money at interest; or
(3)  a collection agency or collection agent.
(d)  The rules adopted by the supreme court may not:
(1)  require that a party in a case be represented by an attorney;
(2)  be so complex that a reasonable person without legal training would have difficulty understanding or applying the rules; or
(3)  require that discovery rules adopted under the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure or the Texas Rules of Evidence be applied except to the extent the justice of the peace hearing the case determines that the rules must be followed to ensure that the proceeding is fair to all parties.
(e)  A committee established by the supreme court to recommend rules to be adopted under this section must include justices of the peace.
Added by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., 1st C.S., Ch. 3 (H.B. 79), Sec. 5.02, eff. August 31, 2013.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 2 - Judicial Branch › Subtitle A - Courts › Chapter 27 - Justice Courts › Subchapter C. Conducting Court and Inquests › Section 27.061. Rules of Administration

Sec. 27.061.  RULES OF ADMINISTRATION.  The justices of the peace in each county shall, by majority vote, adopt local rules of administration.
Added by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., 1st C.S., Ch. 3 (H.B. 79), Sec. 5.03, eff. January 1, 2012.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 2 - Judicial Branch › Subtitle A - Courts › Chapter 29 - Municipal Courts › Subchapter A. General Provisions › Section 29.001. Definition

Sec. 29.001.  DEFINITION.  In this chapter, "municipality" means an incorporated city, town, or village.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 2 - Judicial Branch › Subtitle A - Courts › Chapter 29 - Municipal Courts › Subchapter A. General Provisions › Section 29.002. Creation

Sec. 29.002.  CREATION.  A municipal court is created in each municipality.  A reference in state law to a "corporation court" means a "municipal court."
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 2 - Judicial Branch › Subtitle A - Courts › Chapter 29 - Municipal Courts › Subchapter A. General Provisions › Section 29.004. Judge

Sec. 29.004.  JUDGE.  (a)  The judge and alternate judges of the municipal court in a home-rule city are selected under the municipality's charter provisions relating to the election or appointment of judges.  The judge shall be known as the "judge of the municipal court" unless the municipality by charter provides for another title.
(b)  In a general-law city, the mayor is ex officio judge of the municipal court unless the municipality by ordinance authorizes the election of the judge or provides for the appointment and qualifications of the judge.  If the municipality authorizes an election, the judge shall be elected in the manner and for the same term as the mayor.  If the municipality authorizes the appointment, the mayor ceases to be judge on the enactment of the ordinance.  The first elected or appointed judge serves until the expiration of the mayor's term.
(c)  If a general-law municipality changes the method of judicial selection from election to appointment, the first appointee takes office on the expiration of the term of the previously elected judge.
(d)  A reference in the laws of this state to a "recorder" means a "judge of the municipal court."
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 2 - Judicial Branch › Subtitle A - Courts › Chapter 29 - Municipal Courts › Subchapter A. General Provisions › Section 29.005. Term of Office

Sec. 29.005.  TERM OF OFFICE.  The judge of a municipal court serves for a term of office of two years unless the municipality provides for a longer term pursuant to Article XI, Section 11, of the Texas Constitution.  A municipal court judge who is not reappointed by the 91st day following the expiration of a term of office shall, absent action by the appointing authority, continue to serve for another term of office beginning on the date the previous term of office expired.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.  Amended by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 764, Sec. 1, eff. Jan. 1, 1994.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 2 - Judicial Branch › Subtitle A - Courts › Chapter 29 - Municipal Courts › Subchapter A. General Provisions › Section 29.006. Temporary Replacement in General-Law Municipalities

Sec. 29.006.  TEMPORARY REPLACEMENT IN GENERAL-LAW MUNICIPALITIES.  If a municipal judge of a municipality incorporated under the general laws of this state is temporarily unable to act, the governing body may appoint one or more persons meeting the qualifications for the position to sit for the regular municipal judge.  The appointee has all powers and duties of the office and is entitled to compensation as set by the governing body.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 2 - Judicial Branch › Subtitle A - Courts › Chapter 29 - Municipal Courts › Subchapter A. General Provisions › Section 29.007. Municipal Court Panels or Divisions; Temporary Judges

Sec. 29.007.  MUNICIPAL COURT PANELS OR DIVISIONS;  TEMPORARY JUDGES.  (a)  A home-rule city by charter or by ordinance may divide the municipal court into two or more panels or divisions, one of which shall be presided over by a presiding judge.  Each additional panel or division shall be presided over by an associate judge, who is a magistrate with the same powers as the presiding judge.
(b)  The panels or divisions may hold concurrent or continuous sessions either day or night.
(c)  Each panel or division may exercise municipal court jurisdiction and has concurrent jurisdiction with the other panels or divisions.
(d)  Except as otherwise provided by the charter, the municipality by ordinance may establish:
(1)  the qualifications for appointment as a judge;
(2)  the ability of a judge to transfer cases, exchange benches, and preside over any of the panels or divisions;
(3)  the office of the municipal court clerk, who shall serve as clerk of all the panels or divisions with the assistance of deputy clerks as needed;  and
(4)  a system for the filing of complaints with the municipal court clerk so that the case load is equally distributed among the panels or divisions.
(e)  Except as modified by this section, procedure before a panel or division and appeal from the decision of a panel or division is governed by general law applicable to municipal courts.
(f)  If the municipality has established the office of municipal court clerk, the clerk shall keep minutes of the proceedings of the municipal court and its panels or divisions, administer oaths, issue process, and generally perform the duties for the municipal court that a county clerk performs for a county court.
(g)  The municipality may provide by charter or by ordinance for the appointment of one or more temporary judges to serve if the regular judge, the presiding judge, or an associate judge is temporarily unable to act.  A temporary judge must have the same qualifications as the judge he replaces and has the same powers and duties as that judge.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 2 - Judicial Branch › Subtitle A - Courts › Chapter 29 - Municipal Courts › Subchapter A. General Provisions › Section 29.010. Clerk

Sec. 29.010.  CLERK.  (a)  In a municipality that provides for the election of a municipal judge, the municipal court clerk is elected in the same manner unless by ordinance the city secretary serves as clerk.  A city secretary who serves as clerk may be authorized to appoint a deputy clerk.
(b)  The clerk serves a two-year term of office unless the municipality provides for a longer term pursuant to Article XI, Section 11, of the Texas Constitution.  If the city secretary serves as clerk, that person serves as clerk during the term as city secretary.
(c)  The clerk shall keep minutes of the proceedings of the court, issue process, and generally perform the duties for the municipal court that a county clerk performs for a county court.
(d)  Subsection (a) does not apply to a home-rule municipality that provides by charter for the appointment of the clerk.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.  Amended by Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. 774, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1991.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 2 - Judicial Branch › Subtitle A - Courts › Chapter 29 - Municipal Courts › Subchapter A. General Provisions › Section 29.011. Vacancy

Sec. 29.011.  VACANCY.  The governing body of the municipality shall by appointment fill a vacancy in the office of municipal judge or clerk for the remainder of the unexpired term of office only.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 2 - Judicial Branch › Subtitle A - Courts › Chapter 29 - Municipal Courts › Subchapter A. General Provisions › Section 29.013. Report to Texas Judicial Council

Sec. 29.013.  REPORT TO TEXAS JUDICIAL COUNCIL.  (a)  The secretary of the municipality in a municipality with a municipal court, including a municipal court of record, or the employee responsible for maintaining the records of the municipality's governing body shall notify the Texas Judicial Council of the name of:
(1)  each person who is elected or appointed as mayor, municipal court judge, or clerk of a municipal court; and
(2)  each person who vacates an office described by Subdivision (1).
(b)  The secretary or employee shall notify the judicial council not later than the 30th day after the date of the person's election or appointment to office or vacancy from office.
Added by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1184 (H.B. 3475), Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2011.
Added by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1324 (S.B. 480), Sec. 3, eff. June 17, 2011.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 2 - Judicial Branch › Subtitle A - Courts › Chapter 29 - Municipal Courts › Subchapter A. General Provisions › Section 29.014. Court Security Committee

Sec. 29.014.  COURT SECURITY COMMITTEE.  (a)  The presiding or municipal judge, as applicable, shall establish a court security committee composed of:
(1)  the presiding or municipal judge, or the judge's designee;
(2)  a representative of the law enforcement agency or other entity that provides the primary security for the court;
(3)  a representative of the municipality; and
(4)  any other person the committee determines necessary to assist the committee.
(b)  The person described by Subsection (a)(1) serves as presiding officer of the committee.
(c)  The committee shall establish the policies and procedures necessary to provide adequate security to the municipal courts served by the presiding or municipal judge, as applicable.
(d)  A committee may recommend to the municipality the uses of resources and expenditures of money for courthouse security, but may not direct the assignment of those resources or the expenditure of those funds.
Added by Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 190 (S.B. 42), Sec. 3, eff. September 1, 2017.