Harris County is one step closer to receiving five additional district courts from the 89th Texas Legislature, a move that would address what judicial officials are calling a significant uptick in civil case filings. Latosha Lewis Payne, Harris County District Courts administrative judge, said in a June news release that the new courts are a game changer for the judiciary and the community.
“For years, our judges have carried overwhelming caseloads, working to ensure justice is served. These new courts will help balance that workload, reduce delays and allow us to give each case the time and attention it deserves. Most importantly, it means Harris County residents and businesses will see more efficient resolution of their civil disputes, a faster return to normalcy,” Payne said.
The timeline
As of June 17, Senate Bill 2878 is pending a signature from Gov. Greg Abbott to make it law. The bill was sent to the governor’s office June 3, according to the Texas Legislature bill filing. Once Abbott signs the bill, the plan would be a two-year process, according to the Harris County District Courts office, including:
