Bill > SB987

This bill clarifies the subject matter jurisdiction of criminal trial courts in Texas by adding a provision to the Government Code that specifies courts do not need to wait for civil or administrative remedies to be exhausted before taking jurisdiction over a criminal action. Specifically, the bill amends Section 571.171 of the Government Code by adding a subsection that explicitly states that courts are not required to wait until all potential civil or administrative processes are completed before they can proceed with a criminal case. This means that if a trial court would normally have jurisdiction over a criminal action under existing law, the lack of completion of civil or administrative procedures cannot prevent the court from hearing the case. The bill applies to criminal actions commenced before, on, or after its effective date, which is set for September 1, 2025, providing clarity and potentially expediting the legal process by removing potential procedural barriers to criminal prosecution.

Government Affairs

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=SB987