Bill > SB873

This bill modifies Section 571.171 of the Texas Government Code to clarify that criminal trial courts are not required to wait for the completion of civil or administrative procedures before taking jurisdiction over a criminal case. Specifically, the bill adds a new subsection stating that criminal trial courts do not need to exhaust civil remedies (including administrative processes) as a prerequisite to establishing subject matter jurisdiction for a criminal action that they would otherwise be legally authorized to hear. The bill applies retroactively to criminal actions that were commenced before, on, or after its effective date, which is set for September 1, 2025. In practical terms, this means that if a criminal case falls within a court's typical jurisdictional boundaries, the court can proceed with the case even if related civil or administrative proceedings are ongoing, potentially expediting the legal process.

Government Affairs

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=SB873