reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 1 - General Provisions › Chapter 2 - Firearm Suppressor Regulation › Subchapter C. Enforcement of Certain Federal Firearms Laws Prohibited › Section 2.101. Applicability

Sec. 2.101.  APPLICABILITY.  This subchapter applies to:
(1)  the State of Texas, including an agency, department, commission, bureau, board, office, council, court, or other entity that is in any branch of state government and that is created by the constitution or a statute of this state, including a university system or a system of higher education;
(2)  the governing body of a municipality, county, or special district or authority;
(3)  an officer, employee, or other body that is part of a municipality, county, or special district or authority, including a sheriff, municipal police department, municipal attorney, or county attorney; and
(4)  a district attorney or criminal district attorney.
Added by Acts 2021, 87th Leg., R.S., Ch. 642 (H.B. 957), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2021.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 1 - General Provisions › Chapter 2 - Firearm Suppressor Regulation › Subchapter C. Enforcement of Certain Federal Firearms Laws Prohibited › Section 2.102. State and Local Government Policy Regarding Enforcement of Federal Firearm Laws

Sec. 2.102.  STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT POLICY REGARDING ENFORCEMENT OF FEDERAL FIREARM LAWS.  (a)  An entity described by Section 2.101 may not adopt a rule, order, ordinance, or policy under which the entity enforces, or by consistent action allows the enforcement of, a federal statute, order, rule, or regulation that purports to regulate a firearm suppressor if the statute, order, rule, or regulation imposes a prohibition, restriction, or other regulation that does not exist under the laws of this state.
(b)  No entity described by Section 2.101 and no person employed by or otherwise under the direction or control of the entity may enforce or attempt to enforce any federal statute, order, rule, or regulation described by Subsection (a).
Added by Acts 2021, 87th Leg., R.S., Ch. 642 (H.B. 957), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2021.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 1 - General Provisions › Chapter 2 - Firearm Suppressor Regulation › Subchapter C. Enforcement of Certain Federal Firearms Laws Prohibited › Section 2.103. State Grant Funds

Sec. 2.103.  STATE GRANT FUNDS.  (a)  An entity described by Section 2.101 may not receive state grant funds if the entity adopts a rule, order, ordinance, or policy under which the entity enforces a federal law described by Section 2.102(a) or, by consistent action, allows the enforcement of a federal law described by Section 2.102(a).
(b)  State grant funds for the entity shall be denied for the fiscal year following the year in which a final judicial determination in an action brought under this subchapter is made that the entity has violated Section 2.102(a).
Added by Acts 2021, 87th Leg., R.S., Ch. 642 (H.B. 957), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2021.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 1 - General Provisions › Chapter 2 - Firearm Suppressor Regulation › Subchapter C. Enforcement of Certain Federal Firearms Laws Prohibited › Section 2.104. Enforcement

Sec. 2.104.  ENFORCEMENT.  (a)  Any citizen residing in the jurisdiction of an entity described by Section 2.101 may file a complaint with the attorney general if the citizen offers evidence to support an allegation that the entity has adopted a rule, order, ordinance, or policy under which the entity enforces a federal law described by Section 2.102(a) or that the entity, by consistent action, allows the enforcement of a federal law described by Section 2.102(a).  The citizen must include with the complaint any evidence the citizen has in support of the complaint.
(b)  If the attorney general determines that a complaint filed under Subsection (a) against an entity described by Section 2.101 is valid, to compel the entity's compliance with this subchapter the attorney general may file a petition for a writ of mandamus or apply for other appropriate equitable relief in a district court in Travis County or in a county in which the principal office of the entity is located.  The attorney general may recover reasonable expenses incurred obtaining relief under this subsection, including court costs, reasonable attorney's fees, investigative costs, witness fees, and deposition costs.
(c)  An appeal of a suit brought under Subsection (b) is governed by the procedures for accelerated appeals in civil cases under the Texas Rules of Appellate Procedure.  The  appellate court shall render its final order or judgment with the least possible delay.
Added by Acts 2021, 87th Leg., R.S., Ch. 642 (H.B. 957), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2021.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 2 - Judicial Branch › Subtitle A - Courts › Chapter 21 - General Provisions › Section 21.001. Inherent Power and Duty of Courts

Sec. 21.001.  INHERENT POWER AND DUTY OF COURTS.  (a)  A court has all powers necessary for the exercise of its jurisdiction and the enforcement of its lawful orders, including authority to issue the writs and orders necessary or proper in aid of its jurisdiction.
(b)  A court shall require that proceedings be conducted with dignity and in an orderly and expeditious manner and control the proceedings so that justice is done.
(c)  During a court proceeding a judge may not request that a person remove an item of religious apparel unless:
(1)  a party in the proceeding objects to the wearing of the apparel;  and
(2)  the judge concludes that the wearing of the apparel will interfere with:
(A)  the objecting party's right to a fair hearing;  or
(B)  the proper administration of justice;  and
(3)  no reasonable alternative exists under which the judge may:
(A)  assure a fair hearing;  and
(B)  protect the fair administration of justice.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.  Amended by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 54, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 2 - Judicial Branch › Subtitle A - Courts › Chapter 21 - General Provisions › Section 21.002. Contempt of Court

Sec. 21.002.  CONTEMPT OF COURT.  (a)  Except as provided by Subsection (g), a court may punish for contempt.
(b)  The punishment for contempt of a court other than a justice court or municipal court is a fine of not more than $500 or confinement in the county jail for not more than six months, or both such a fine and confinement in jail.
(c)  The punishment for contempt of a justice court or municipal court is a fine of not more than $100 or confinement in the county or city jail for not more than three days, or both such a fine and confinement in jail.
(d)  An officer of a court who is held in contempt by a trial court shall, on proper motion filed in the offended court, be released on his own personal recognizance pending a determination of his guilt or innocence.  The presiding judge of the administrative judicial region in which the alleged contempt occurred shall assign a judge who is subject to assignment by the presiding judge other than the judge of the offended court to determine the guilt or innocence of the officer of the court.
(e)  Except as provided by Subsection (h), this section does not affect a court's power to confine a contemner to compel the contemner to obey a court order.
(f)  Article 42.033, Code of Criminal Procedure, and Chapter 157, Family Code, apply when a person is punished by confinement for contempt of court for disobedience of a court order to make periodic payments for the support of a child.  Subsection (h) does not apply to that person.
(g)  A court may not punish by contempt an employee or an agency or institution of this state for failure to initiate any program or to perform a statutory duty related to that program:
(1)  if the legislature has not specifically and adequately funded the program;  or
(2)  until a reasonable time has passed to allow implementation of a program specifically and adequately funded by the legislature.
(h)  Notwithstanding any other law, a person may not be confined for contempt of court longer than:
(1)  18 months, including three or more periods of confinement for contempt arising out of the same matter that equal a cumulative total of 18 months, if the confinement is for criminal contempt;  or
(2)  the lesser of 18 months or the period from the date of confinement to the date the person complies with the court order that was the basis of the finding of contempt, if the confinement is for civil contempt.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.  Amended by Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 2, Sec. 8.44(1), eff. Aug. 28, 1989;  Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 560, Sec. 1, eff. June 14, 1989;  Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 646, Sec. 1, eff. Aug. 28, 1989;  Acts 1989, 71st Leg., 1st C.S., ch. 25, Sec. 34, eff. Nov. 1, 1989;  Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 262, Sec. 87, eff. Jan. 1, 1996;  Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 7.24, eff. Sept. 1, 1997;  Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1297, Sec. 71(4), eff. Sept. 1, 2001;  Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 425 Sec. 1, eff. June 20, 2003.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 2 - Judicial Branch › Subtitle A - Courts › Chapter 21 - General Provisions › Section 21.004. State of Judiciary Message

Sec. 21.004.  STATE OF JUDICIARY MESSAGE.  (a)  At a convenient time at the commencement of each regular session of the legislature, the chief justice of the supreme court shall deliver a written or oral state of the judiciary message evaluating the accessibility of the courts to the citizens of the state and the future directions and needs of the courts of the state.
(b)  It is the intent of the legislature that the state of the judiciary message promote better understanding between the legislative and judicial branches of government and promote more efficient administration of justice in Texas.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.  Amended by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 129, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1993.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 2 - Judicial Branch › Subtitle A - Courts › Chapter 21 - General Provisions › Section 21.005. Disqualification

Sec. 21.005.  DISQUALIFICATION.  A judge or a justice of the peace may not sit in a case if either of the parties is related to him by affinity or consanguinity within the third degree, as determined under Chapter 573.
Added by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 148, Sec. 2.01(a), eff. Sept. 1, 1987.  Amended by Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. 561, Sec. 21, eff. Aug. 26, 1991;  Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 76, Sec. 5.95(28), eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 2 - Judicial Branch › Subtitle A - Courts › Chapter 21 - General Provisions › Section 21.006. Judicial Fund

Sec. 21.006.  JUDICIAL FUND.  The judicial fund is created in a separate fund in the state treasury to be administered by the comptroller.  The fund shall be used only for court-related purposes for the support of the judicial branch of this state.
Added by Acts 1986, 69th Leg., 2nd C.S., ch. 11, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 22, 1986.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 2 - Judicial Branch › Subtitle A - Courts › Chapter 21 - General Provisions › Section 21.008. District Court Support Account

Sec. 21.008.  DISTRICT COURT SUPPORT ACCOUNT.  (a)  The district court support account of the judicial fund is created to be administered by the office of court administration as directed by the supreme court.
(b)  The comptroller shall allocate to the district court support account such amounts from the judicial fund as may be designated in the General Appropriations Act.
(c)  The district court support account may be used only for court-related purposes for the support of the district courts of this state to defray the salaries of support personnel and other expenses incurred in the operations of the courts, the necessary expenses of the administrative judicial regions, and for the administration of this section.
(d)  The State Board of Regional Judges is created to administer the funds appropriated to this account.  The board shall be composed of the nine regional administrative judges of the state, who shall have the authority to organize, elect officers, and make such rules as may be necessary for the proper administration of these accounts.
(e)  Repealed by Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1312, Sec. 99(12), eff. September 1, 2013.
(f)  Funds allocated for personnel may be used to pay in full or in part the salary of an employee, to supplement the salary of an existing employee, or to hire additional personnel.
(g)  It is the purpose of this section to increase the funds available for the administration of justice in each county in this state and to provide funding to be used for court-related purposes for the support of the judicial branch of this state.  Funds available from the judicial fund and its special account may be supplemented by local or federal funds and private or public grants.  A county commissioners court may not reduce the amount of funds provided for these purposes because of the availability of funds from the judicial fund or the special account.
Added by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 674, Sec. 3.01, eff. Aug. 31, 1987.  Amended by Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 646, Sec. 2, eff. Aug. 28, 1989.
Amended by:
Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1312 (S.B. 59), Sec. 99(12), eff. September 1, 2013.
Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1352 (S.B. 346), Sec. 4.07, eff. January 1, 2020.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 2 - Judicial Branch › Subtitle A - Courts › Chapter 21 - General Provisions › Section 21.009. Definitions

Sec. 21.009.  DEFINITIONS.  In this title:
(1)  "County court" means the court created in each county by Article V, Section 15, of the Texas Constitution.
(2)  "Statutory county court" means a county court created by the legislature under Article V, Section 1, of the Texas Constitution, including county courts at law, county criminal courts, county criminal courts of appeals, and county civil courts at law, but does not include statutory probate courts as defined by Chapter 22, Estates Code.
(3)  "County judge" means the judge of the county court.
(4)  "Statutory probate court" has the meaning assigned by Chapter 22, Estates Code.
Added by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 148, Sec. 2.02, eff. Sept. 1, 1987.  Renumbered from Sec. 21.008 by Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 2, Sec. 16.01(18), eff. Aug. 28,1989.  Amended by Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. 394, Sec. 1, eff. Aug. 26, 1991;  Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. 746, Sec. 1, eff. Oct. 1, 1991;  Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 431, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.
Amended by:
Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 324 (S.B. 1488), Sec. 22.021, eff. September 1, 2017.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 2 - Judicial Branch › Subtitle A - Courts › Chapter 21 - General Provisions › Section 21.010. Financial Interest in Private Correctional and Rehabilitation Facilities Prohibited

Sec. 21.010.  FINANCIAL INTEREST IN PRIVATE CORRECTIONAL AND REHABILITATION FACILITIES PROHIBITED.  (a)  A justice or judge, as applicable, of the supreme court, the court of criminal appeals, a court of appeals, a district court, a county court, a county court at law, or a statutory probate court may not, on the date the person takes office as a justice or judge or while serving as a justice or judge, have a significant interest in a business entity that owns, manages, or operates:
(1)  a community residential facility described by Section 508.119;
(2)  a correctional or rehabilitation facility subject to Chapter 244, Local Government Code; or
(3)  any other facility intended to accomplish a purpose or provide a service described by Section 508.119(a) to a person convicted of a misdemeanor or felony or found to have engaged in delinquent conduct who is housed in the facility:
(A)  while serving a sentence of confinement following conviction of an offense or an adjudication of delinquent conduct; or
(B)  as a condition of community supervision, probation, parole, or mandatory supervision.
(b)  A justice or judge is considered to have a significant interest in a business entity described by Subsection (a) for purposes of this section if:
(1)  the justice or judge owns any voting stock or share or has a direct investment in the business entity; or
(2)  the justice or judge receives money from the business entity.
(c)  A violation of this section by a justice or judge is considered a violation of Canon 4D(1), Code of Judicial Conduct.  A justice or judge who has an interest in a business entity that is prohibited by this section must report the interest to the State Commission on Judicial Conduct.
Added by Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 221 (H.B. 62), Sec. 1, eff. January 1, 2015.
Amended by:
Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 678 (H.B. 257), Sec. 1, eff. January 1, 2017.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 2 - Judicial Branch › Subtitle A - Courts › Chapter 21 - General Provisions › Section 21.011. Electronic or Digital Signature

Sec. 21.011.  ELECTRONIC OR DIGITAL SIGNATURE.  A judge or justice presiding over a court in this state may sign an electronic or digital court document, including an order, judgment, ruling, notice, commission, or precept, electronically, digitally, or through another secure method. The document signed in that manner is the official document issued by the court.
Added by Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1290 (H.B. 2302), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2013.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 2 - Judicial Branch › Subtitle A - Courts › Chapter 21 - General Provisions › Section 21.012. Presence of Qualified Facility Dog or Qualified Therapy Dog in Court Proceeding

Sec. 21.012.  PRESENCE OF QUALIFIED FACILITY DOG OR QUALIFIED THERAPY DOG IN COURT PROCEEDING.  (a)  In this section:
(1)  "Qualified facility dog" means a dog that:
(A)  is a graduate of a program operated by an assistance dog organization that is a member of a nationally recognized assistance dog association; or
(B)  before January 1, 2021, on the approval of the court, served in a court proceeding by accompanying a witness who was testifying.
(2)  "Qualified therapy dog" means a dog that successfully completes a program operated by an organization that registers, insures, or certifies a therapy dog and the dog's handler as meeting or exceeding the standards of practice in animal-assisted interventions.
(b)  Any party to an action filed in a court in this state in which a proceeding related to the action will be held may petition the court for an order authorizing a qualified facility dog or qualified therapy dog to be present with a witness who is testifying before the court through:
(1)  in-person testimony; or
(2)  closed-circuit video teleconferencing testimony.
(c)  The court may enter an order authorizing a qualified facility dog or qualified therapy dog to accompany a witness testifying at the court proceeding if:
(1)  the presence of the dog will assist the witness in providing testimony; and
(2)  the party petitioning for the order provides proof of liability insurance coverage in effect for the dog.
(d)  A handler who is trained to manage the qualified facility dog or qualified therapy dog must accompany the dog provided for a witness at a court proceeding.
(e)  A party to the action must petition the court for an order under Subsection (b) not later than the 14th day before the date of the court proceeding.
(f)  A court may:
(1)  impose restrictions on the presence of the qualified facility dog or qualified therapy dog during the court proceeding; and
(2)  issue instructions to the jury, as applicable, regarding the presence of the dog.
Added by Acts 2021, 87th Leg., R.S., Ch. 204 (H.B. 1071), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2021.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 2 - Judicial Branch › Subtitle A - Courts › Chapter 21 - General Provisions › Section 21.013. Confidentiality of Judicial Work Product; Criminal Offense

Sec. 21.013.  CONFIDENTIALITY OF JUDICIAL WORK PRODUCT; CRIMINAL OFFENSE.  (a)  In this section:
(1)  "Judicial work product" means written, electronic, or oral material prepared or communications made in the course of an adjudicatory proceeding before a court determining legal rights, powers, duties, or privileges.  The term includes all drafts of opinions or orders and memoranda of law.
(2)  "Non-public judicial work product" means:
(A)  any written or electronic judicial work product other than documents filed with the clerk of a court for release to the public; or
(B)  any oral statement relating to judicial work product made in a closed session of a court or in judicial chambers.
(b)  This section applies to:
(1)  a court established under Section 1, Article V, Texas Constitution, other than a commissioners court; and
(2)  a court subject to this subtitle.
(c)  A justice or judge of a court shall comply with supreme court rules governing the confidentiality of non-public judicial work product.
(d)  A person, other than a justice or judge, who is involved in crafting an opinion or decision for an adjudicatory proceeding, including a court staff attorney, court clerk, or law clerk, shall maintain the confidentiality of all non-public judicial work product in accordance with supreme court rules.
(e)  A person, other than a justice or judge, with access to non-public judicial work product commits an offense if the person knowingly discloses, wholly or partly, the contents of any non-public judicial work product to a person who is not a justice, judge, court staff attorney, court clerk, law clerk, employee of an agency established under Chapter 71 or 72, or other court staff routinely involved in crafting an opinion or decision for an adjudicatory proceeding.
(f)  An offense under this section is a Class A misdemeanor.
(g)  It is a defense to prosecution under this section that the disclosure of the non-public judicial work product is authorized:
(1)  in writing by the justice or judge for whom the work product is prepared; or
(2)  under supreme court rules.
Added by Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1054 (S.B. 372), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2023.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 2 - Judicial Branch › Subtitle A - Courts › Chapter 22 - Appellate Courts › Subchapter A. Supreme Court › Section 22.001. Jurisdiction

Sec. 22.001.  JURISDICTION.
(a)  The supreme court has appellate jurisdiction, except in criminal law matters, of an appealable order or judgment of the trial courts if the court determines that the appeal presents a question of law that is important to the jurisprudence of the state.  The supreme court's jurisdiction does not include cases in which the jurisdiction of the court of appeals is made final by statute.
(b)  A case over which the court has jurisdiction under Subsection (a) may be carried to the supreme court by petition for review.
(c)  Except as provided by this subsection or other law, an appeal may be taken to the supreme court only if the appeal was first brought to the court of appeals.  An appeal may be taken directly to the supreme court from an order of a trial court granting or denying an interlocutory or permanent injunction on the ground of the constitutionality of a statute of this state.
(d)  The supreme court has the power, on affidavit or otherwise, as the court may determine, to ascertain the matters of fact that are necessary to the proper exercise of its jurisdiction.
(e)  Repealed by Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 150 (H.B. 1761), Sec. 4(1), eff. September 1, 2017.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.  Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 1106, Sec. 1, eff. June 20, 1987;  Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 204, Sec. 1.04, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
Amended by:
Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 150 (H.B. 1761), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2017.
Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 150 (H.B. 1761), Sec. 4(1), eff. September 1, 2017.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 2 - Judicial Branch › Subtitle A - Courts › Chapter 22 - Appellate Courts › Subchapter A. Supreme Court › Section 22.002. Writ Power

Sec. 22.002.  WRIT POWER.  (a)  The supreme court or a justice of the supreme court may issue writs of procedendo and certiorari and all writs of quo warranto and mandamus agreeable to the principles of law regulating those writs, against a statutory county court judge, a statutory probate court judge, a district judge, a court of appeals or a justice of a court of appeals, or any officer of state government except the governor, the court of criminal appeals, or a judge of the court of criminal appeals.
(b)  The supreme court or, in vacation, a justice of the supreme court may issue a writ of mandamus to compel a statutory county court judge, a statutory probate court judge, or a district judge to proceed to trial and judgment in a case.
(c)  Only the supreme court has the authority to issue a writ of mandamus or injunction, or any other mandatory or compulsory writ or process, against any of the officers of the executive departments of the government of this state to order or compel the performance of a judicial, ministerial, or discretionary act or duty that, by state law, the officer or officers are authorized to perform.
(d)  Repealed by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 148, Sec. 2.03, eff. Sept. 1, 1987.
(e)  The supreme court or a justice of the supreme court, either in termtime or vacation, may issue a writ of habeas corpus when a person is restrained in his liberty by virtue of an order, process, or commitment issued by a court or judge on account of the violation of an order, judgment, or decree previously made, rendered, or entered by the court or judge in a civil case.  Pending the hearing of an application for a writ of habeas corpus, the supreme court or a justice of the supreme court may admit to bail a person to whom the writ of habeas corpus may be so granted.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.  Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 148, Sec. 2.03, eff. Sept. 1, 1987;  Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 355, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
Amended by:
Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., 1st C.S., Ch. 3 (H.B. 79), Sec. 2.01, eff. January 1, 2012.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 2 - Judicial Branch › Subtitle A - Courts › Chapter 22 - Appellate Courts › Subchapter A. Supreme Court › Section 22.003. Procedure of the Court

Sec. 22.003.  PROCEDURE OF THE COURT.  (a)  The supreme court from time to time shall promulgate suitable rules, forms, and regulations for carrying into effect the provisions of this chapter relating to the jurisdiction and practice of the supreme court.
(b)  The supreme court may make and enforce all necessary rules of practice and procedure, not inconsistent with the law, for the government of the supreme court and all other courts of the state to expedite the dispatch of business in those 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 22 - Appellate Courts › Subchapter A. Supreme Court › Section 22.0035. Modification or Suspension of Certain Provisions Relating to Court Proceedings Affected by Disaster

Sec. 22.0035.  MODIFICATION OR SUSPENSION OF CERTAIN PROVISIONS RELATING TO COURT PROCEEDINGS AFFECTED BY DISASTER.  (a)  In this section, "disaster" has the meaning assigned by Section 418.004.
(b)  Notwithstanding any other statute, the supreme court may modify or suspend procedures for the conduct of any court proceeding affected by a disaster during the pendency of a disaster declared by the governor.  An order under this section may not extend for more than 90 days from the date the order was signed unless renewed by the chief justice of the supreme court.
(c)  If a disaster prevents the supreme court from acting under Subsection (b), the chief justice of the supreme court may act on behalf of the supreme court under that subsection.
(d)  If a disaster prevents the chief justice from acting under Subsection (c), the court of criminal appeals may act on behalf of the supreme court under Subsection (b).
(e)  If a disaster prevents the court of criminal appeals from acting under Subsection (d), the presiding judge of the court of criminal appeals may act on behalf of the supreme court under Subsection (b).
Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 1280 (H.B. 1831), Sec. 5.01, eff. June 19, 2009.
Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 1281 (H.B. 1861), Sec. 1, eff. June 19, 2009.
Amended by:
Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 507 (S.B. 40), Sec. 1, eff. June 7, 2019.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 2 - Judicial Branch › Subtitle A - Courts › Chapter 22 - Appellate Courts › Subchapter A. Supreme Court › Section 22.0042. Rules Regarding Exemptions From Seizure of Property; Form

Sec. 22.0042.  RULES REGARDING EXEMPTIONS FROM SEIZURE OF PROPERTY; FORM.  (a)  The supreme court shall adopt rules that:
(1)  establish a simple and expedited procedure for a judgment debtor to assert an exemption to the seizure of personal property by a judgment creditor or a receiver appointed under Section 31.002, Civil Practice and Remedies Code;
(2)  require a court to stay a proceeding, for a reasonable period, to allow for the assertion of an exemption under Subdivision (1); and
(3)  require a court to promptly set a hearing and stay proceedings until a hearing is held, if a judgment debtor timely asserts an exemption under Subdivision (1).
(b)  Rules adopted under this section shall require the provision of a notice in plain language to a judgment debtor regarding the right of the judgment debtor to assert one or more exemptions under Subsection (a)(1).  The notice must:
(1)  be in English with an integrated Spanish translation that can be readily understood by the public and the court;
(2)  include the form promulgated under Subsection (c);
(3)  list all exemptions under state and federal law to the seizure of personal property; and
(4)  provide information for accessing free or low-cost legal assistance.
(c)  Rules adopted under this section shall include the promulgation of a form in plain language for asserting an exemption under Subsection (a)(1).  A form promulgated under this subsection must:
(1)  be in English with an integrated Spanish translation that can be readily understood by the public and the court; and
(2)  include instructions for the use of the form.
(d)  A court shall accept a form promulgated under Subsection (c) unless the form has been completed in a manner that causes a substantive defect that cannot be cured.
Added by Acts 2021, 87th Leg., R.S., Ch. 934 (H.B. 3774), Sec. 15.01, eff. September 1, 2021.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 2 - Judicial Branch › Subtitle A - Courts › Chapter 22 - Appellate Courts › Subchapter A. Supreme Court › Section 22.005. Disqualification of Justices

Sec. 22.005.  DISQUALIFICATION OF JUSTICES.  (a)  The chief justice may certify to the governor when one or more justices of the supreme court have recused themselves under the Texas Rules of Appellate Procedure or are disqualified under the constitution and laws of this state to hear and determine a case in the court.
(b)  The governor immediately shall commission the requisite number of persons who are active appellate or district court justices or judges and who possess the qualifications prescribed for justices of the supreme court to try and determine the case.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.  Amended by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 428, Sec. 1, eff. June 9, 1995.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 2 - Judicial Branch › Subtitle A - Courts › Chapter 22 - Appellate Courts › Subchapter A. Supreme Court › Section 22.006. Adjournment

Sec. 22.006.  ADJOURNMENT.  (a)  The supreme court may adjourn from day to day or for the periods that it deems necessary to the ends of justice and the determination of the business before the court.
(b)  A suit, process, or matter returned to or pending in the supreme court may not be discontinued because a quorum of the court is not present at the commencement or on any other day of the term.  If a quorum of the court is not present on any day of the term, a justice of the court or the bailiff attending the court may adjourn the court from time to time.
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 22 - Appellate Courts › Subchapter A. Supreme Court › Section 22.007. Petition for Review

Sec. 22.007.  PETITION FOR REVIEW.  (a)  The supreme court may act on petitions for review  when the court deems it expedient.
(b)  Repealed by Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 150 (H.B. 1761), Sec. 4(2), eff. September 1, 2017.
(c)  Repealed by Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 150 (H.B. 1761), Sec. 4(2), eff. September 1, 2017.
(d)  Repealed by Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 150 (H.B. 1761), Sec. 4(2), eff. September 1, 2017.
(e)  The granting of a petition for review admits the case into the supreme court, and the supreme court shall proceed with the case as provided by law.  The denial or dismissal of a petition for review has the effect of denying the admission of the case into the supreme court, except that a motion for rehearing may be made in the same manner that a motion for rehearing to the supreme court is made in a case in which the court granted review.  The denial or dismissal of a petition for review may not be regarded as a precedent or authority.
(f)  Repealed by Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 150 (H.B. 1761), Sec. 4(2), eff. September 1, 2017.
(g)  Repealed by Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 150 (H.B. 1761), Sec. 4(2), eff. September 1, 2017.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.
Amended by:
Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 150 (H.B. 1761), Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2017.
Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 150 (H.B. 1761), Sec. 3, eff. September 1, 2017.
Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 150 (H.B. 1761), Sec. 4(2), eff. September 1, 2017.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 2 - Judicial Branch › Subtitle A - Courts › Chapter 22 - Appellate Courts › Subchapter A. Supreme Court › Section 22.008. Publication of Decisions

Sec. 22.008.  PUBLICATION OF DECISIONS.  (a)  The supreme court shall appoint one or more licensed attorneys to serve at the will of the court and to report the decisions of the supreme court.
(b)  The supreme court shall designate the cases to be reported and the reporter may report and publish only the designated cases.  As soon as the cases are finally disposed of and the opinions are recorded, the reporter shall obtain from the proper clerk the records of the cases to be reported, with the briefs and opinions.
(c)  Under the direction of the supreme court, the reporter shall promptly prepare the decisions for publication with appropriate syllabuses and statements, proper index, and table of cited cases and reported cases.  Each report shall incorporate only the main propositions made in the briefs and considered by the court in the opinion, with the authorities cited in support of the propositions.
(d)  The reporter shall return the record, with briefs and opinions, to the clerk when the report is completed and from time to time shall deliver the reports to the comptroller for publication.  Each volume shall be copyrighted in the name of the reporter, who immediately on delivery of the edition shall transfer and assign it to the state.  The edition shall be electrotyped.  The state owns the plates, and the comptroller shall preserve them.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.
Amended by:
Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 937 (H.B. 3560), Sec. 1.43, eff. September 1, 2007.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 2 - Judicial Branch › Subtitle A - Courts › Chapter 22 - Appellate Courts › Subchapter A. Supreme Court › Section 22.009. Stenographers; Bailiff

Sec. 22.009.  STENOGRAPHERS;  BAILIFF.  The supreme court may appoint not more than three stenographers and may appoint a bailiff to attend the court when it is sitting.
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 22 - Appellate Courts › Subchapter A. Supreme Court › Section 22.010. Sealing of Court Records

Sec. 22.010.  SEALING OF COURT RECORDS.  The supreme court shall adopt rules establishing guidelines for the courts of this state to use in determining whether in the interest of justice the records in a civil case, including settlements, should be sealed.
Added by Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 426, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1989.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 2 - Judicial Branch › Subtitle A - Courts › Chapter 22 - Appellate Courts › Subchapter A. Supreme Court › Section 22.011. Judicial Instruction Related to Family Violence, Sexual Assault, Trafficking of Persons, and Child Abuse

Sec. 22.011.  JUDICIAL INSTRUCTION RELATED TO FAMILY VIOLENCE, SEXUAL ASSAULT, TRAFFICKING OF PERSONS, AND CHILD ABUSE.  (a)  The supreme court shall provide judicial training related to the problems of family violence, sexual assault, trafficking of persons, and child abuse and to issues concerning sex offender characteristics.
(d)  The instruction must include information about:
(1)  statutory and case law relating to videotaping a child's testimony and relating to competency of children to testify;
(2)  methods for eliminating the trauma to the child caused by the court process;
(3)  case law, statutory law, and procedural rules relating to family violence, sexual assault, trafficking of persons, and child abuse;
(4)  methods for providing protection for victims of family violence, sexual assault, trafficking of persons, or child abuse;
(5)  available community and state resources for counseling and other aid to victims and to offenders;
(6)  gender bias in the judicial process;
(7)  dynamics and effects of being a victim of family violence, sexual assault, trafficking of persons, or child abuse; and
(8)  issues concerning sex offender characteristics.
Added by Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. 795, Sec. 27, eff. Sept. 1, 1991.  Amended by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 282, Sec. 1, eff. Aug. 30, 1993;  Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 254, Sec. 1, eff. May 29, 1995.
Amended by:
Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 332 (H.B. 10), Sec. 7, eff. September 1, 2015.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 2 - Judicial Branch › Subtitle A - Courts › Chapter 22 - Appellate Courts › Subchapter A. Supreme Court › Section 22.012. Training Related to Diversions

Sec. 22.012.  TRAINING RELATED TO DIVERSIONS.  (a)  Each attorney representing the state in the prosecution of felonies and each district court judge shall, as an official duty, each year complete a course of instruction related to the diversion of offenders from confinement in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.
(b)  The supreme court shall adopt rules to provide for the training required by Subsection (a).  In adopting the rules, the court shall consult with the Texas Department of Criminal Justice to obtain the department's recommendations for instruction content.
(c)  The instruction must include information relating to:
(1)  case law, statutory law, and procedural rules relating to felony diversions;  and
(2)  available community and state resources for diversions.
Added by Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., 2nd C.S., ch. 10, Sec. 11.09(a), eff. Aug. 29, 1991.
Amended by:
Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 87 (S.B. 1969), Sec. 25.063, eff. September 1, 2009.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 2 - Judicial Branch › Subtitle A - Courts › Chapter 22 - Appellate Courts › Subchapter A. Supreme Court › Section 22.013. Judicial Instruction Related to Guardianship Issues

Sec. 22.013.  JUDICIAL INSTRUCTION RELATED TO GUARDIANSHIP ISSUES.  (a)  The supreme court shall provide a course of instruction that relates to issues that arise in guardianship cases for judges involved in those cases.
(b)  The supreme court shall adopt the rules necessary to accomplish the purposes of this section.
(c)  The instruction must include information about:
(1)  statutory and case law relating to guardianships;
(2)  the aging process and the nature of disabilities;
(3)  the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (42 U.S.C. Section 12101 et seq.) and related case and statutory law, rules, and compliance methods;
(4)  the principles of equal access and accommodation;
(5)  the use of community resources for the disabled;  and
(6)  avoidance of stereotypes through a focus on people's individual abilities, support needs, and inherent individual value.
(d)  The instruction may include information about:
(1)  substantive areas of law concerning the needs of elderly persons and persons with disabilities;
(2)  barriers to physical access and methods to overcome those barriers;
(3)  communication needs of elderly persons and persons with disabilities and the technology available to provide access to communication;
(4)  duties and responsibilities of guardians, guardians ad litem, attorneys, and court personnel in guardianship proceedings;
(5)  standard definitions and procedures for determining incapacity;
(6)  standards for surrogate decision making;
(7)  the doctrine of the least-restrictive alternative;
(8)  the dispute resolution process, especially its application to elderly persons and persons with disabilities;  and
(9)  successful programs and funding efforts for addressing the court-related needs of elderly persons and persons with disabilities.
Added by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 905, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1993.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 2 - Judicial Branch › Subtitle A - Courts › Chapter 22 - Appellate Courts › Subchapter A. Supreme Court › Section 22.0133. Judicial, Court Investigator, and Court Visitor Training Related to Guardianships

Sec. 22.0133.  JUDICIAL, COURT INVESTIGATOR, AND COURT VISITOR TRAINING RELATED TO GUARDIANSHIPS.  The supreme court, in consultation with the Judicial Branch Certification Commission, shall ensure that at least one hour of training related to alternatives to guardianships and supports and services that are available to a proposed ward is provided to each judge with jurisdiction to hear a guardianship proceeding, each court investigator appointed under Section 1054.156, Estates Code, and each court visitor appointed under Section 1054.103, Estates Code, at least once every two years.
Added by Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 939 (S.B. 1624), Sec. 17, eff. September 1, 2023.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 2 - Judicial Branch › Subtitle A - Courts › Chapter 22 - Appellate Courts › Subchapter A. Supreme Court › Section 22.0135. Judicial Guidance Related to Child Protective Services Cases and Juvenile Cases

Sec. 22.0135.  JUDICIAL GUIDANCE RELATED TO CHILD PROTECTIVE SERVICES CASES AND JUVENILE CASES.  (a)  The supreme court, in conjunction with the Supreme Court of Texas Permanent Judicial Commission for Children, Youth and Families, annually shall provide guidance to judges who preside over child protective services cases or juvenile cases to establish greater uniformity across the state for:
(1)  in child protective services cases, issues related to:
(A)  placement of children with severe mental health issues;
(B)  changes in placement; and
(C)  final termination of parental rights; and
(2)  in juvenile cases, issues related to:
(A)  placement of children with severe mental health issues;
(B)  the release of children detained in juvenile detention facilities;
(C)  certification of juveniles to stand trial as adults;
(D)  a child's appearance before a court in a judicial proceeding, including the use of a restraint on the child and the clothing worn by the child during the proceeding; and
(E)  commitment of children to the Texas Juvenile Justice Department.
(b)  The supreme court shall adopt the rules necessary to accomplish the purposes of this section.
Added by Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 844 (H.B. 2737), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2019.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 2 - Judicial Branch › Subtitle A - Courts › Chapter 22 - Appellate Courts › Subchapter A. Supreme Court › Section 22.014. Senior Justice Acting for Chief Justice

Sec. 22.014.  SENIOR JUSTICE ACTING FOR CHIEF JUSTICE.  In the chief justice's absence, the justice with the most seniority on the supreme court may sign a court document for the chief justice if the chief justice has given that justice written authorization.
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 356, Sec. 1, eff. Aug. 28, 1995.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 2 - Judicial Branch › Subtitle A - Courts › Chapter 22 - Appellate Courts › Subchapter A. Supreme Court › Section 22.015. Permanent Place Designations

Sec. 22.015.  PERMANENT PLACE DESIGNATIONS.  (a)  The supreme court is composed of a chief justice and of eight justices holding places numbered consecutively beginning with Place 2.
(b)  The designation of offices and places under this section identifies the offices and places for all purposes, including identification on official ballots for primary and general elections.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 693, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 2 - Judicial Branch › Subtitle A - Courts › Chapter 22 - Appellate Courts › Subchapter A. Supreme Court › Section 22.018. Promulgation of Forms for Certain Expedited Foreclosure Proceedings

Sec. 22.018.  PROMULGATION OF FORMS FOR CERTAIN EXPEDITED FORECLOSURE PROCEEDINGS.  The supreme court shall promulgate the following forms for use in expedited foreclosure proceedings described by Section 50(r), Article XVI, Texas Constitution:
(1)  a form for application for an expedited foreclosure proceeding;
(2)  a form for a supporting affidavit; and
(3)  a form for any court-required citation.
Added by Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1044 (H.B. 2978), Sec. 3, eff. June 14, 2013.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 2 - Judicial Branch › Subtitle A - Courts › Chapter 22 - Appellate Courts › Subchapter A. Supreme Court › Section 22.019. Promulgation of Certain Landlord-Tenant Forms

Sec. 22.019.  PROMULGATION OF CERTAIN LANDLORD-TENANT FORMS.  (a)  The supreme court shall, as the court finds appropriate, promulgate forms for use by individuals representing themselves in residential landlord-tenant matters and instructions for the proper use of each form or set of forms.
(b)  The forms and instructions must:
(1)  be written in plain language that is easy to understand by the general public;
(2)  clearly and conspicuously state that the form is not a substitute for the advice of an attorney;
(3)  be made readily available to the general public in the manner prescribed by the supreme court; and
(4)  be translated into the Spanish language, and the Spanish language translation of the form must either:
(A)  state that the Spanish language-translated form is to be used solely for the purpose of assisting in understanding the form and may not be submitted to the court, and that the English version of the form must be submitted to the court; or
(B)  be incorporated into the English language form in a manner that is understandable to both the court and members of the public.
(c)  The clerk of a court shall inform members of the public of the availability of the form as appropriate and make the form available free of charge.
(d)  A court shall accept a form promulgated by the supreme court under this section unless the form has been completed in a manner that causes a substantive defect that cannot be cured.
Added by Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 600 (S.B. 478), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2015.