The big picture
Gov. Greg Abbott appointed Richard “Rick” Bell of Richmond and Mark Hanna of Sugar Land for the 501st and 502nd Judicial District Courts, respectively, the governor’s office announced in a Nov. 24 news release.
The appointment comes after Abbott signed House Bill 16 to add the two new courts Sept. 17, following the second special session, Community Impact reported. The courts will bring the county’s total number of district courts to 10.
The background
Bell previously served as the associate judge for Richmond’s 387th District Court, while Hanna served as the associate judge for the county’s 458th Judicial District Court.
Why it matters
Fort Bend County officials previously said the new courts will help the county move caseloads faster. Data from the Office of Court Administration shows the number of criminal, civil and family cases has increased by 30.19% since 2015, when the last district court was added.
Looking ahead
The terms will begin Dec. 1 and expire Dec. 31, 2026, per the release.
