Opinion ID: 776312
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: the constitutionality question

Text: 37 We likewise decline to certify the question of the constitutionality of our interpretation of § 82.004 in Sanchez. Absent genuinely unsettled matters of state law, we are reluctant to certify because we do not lightly abdicate our mandate to decide issues of state law when sitting in diversity. Jefferson, 106 F.3d at 1247-48. The ability to certify questions is a valuable tool, but we are cautious to avoid its overuse lest we wear out our welcome. Transcontinental Gas Pipeline Corp. v. Transportation Ins. Co., 958 F.2d 622, 623 (5th Cir.1992). The tests for determining the constitutionality of a statute are developed enough in Texas for us to apply these tests with confidence. Thus, certification is inappropriate.