The big picture
Senate Bill 2878, which was sent to Gov. Greg Abbott for signature June 3, would add two additional district courts to Fort Bend County, bringing the total to 10. The county’s last district court was added in 2015.
The request was initially filed by Sen. Joan Huffman, R-Houston, in Senate Bill 328, although the county was added to a larger bill to increase its chances of being passed before the end of the session, officials said.
By the numbers
Data from the Office of Court Administration shows the number of criminal, civil and family cases have increased 30.18% since the last district court was added in 2015.
Officials said this can be attributed to the county’s growing population, which increased more than 41% between the American Community Survey’s 2013 and 2023 five-year estimates and is expected to break 1 million soon.
Zooming out
The bill would also add five district courts to Harris County and one court to Brazoria County. Both counties are also experiencing growth in their total caseloads, according to data from the Office of Court Administration. The bill would also add a fifth Harris County civil court.
What else?
Fort Bend County commissioners will also determine the number of associate court judges during its fiscal year 2025-26 budget process. The county currently has eight associate court judges, according to the county’s website.
The court will need to determine funds for both the new district courts space build-out and staffing as well as existing associate judges salaries before budget approval in September, Director of Finance and Investments Pamela Gubbels said at a May Commissioners Court meeting.
The item is set to be brought back during future budget meetings, officials said.
Looking ahead
Following signature by Abbott, the courts will be created Sept. 1, according to bill documents.
