Bill > SB1220

This bill clarifies the subject matter jurisdiction of criminal trial courts in Texas by establishing that criminal courts do not need to wait for civil or administrative remedies to be exhausted before taking jurisdiction over a criminal action. Specifically, the bill adds a new Section 23.002 to the Government Code stating that unless another law expressly requires otherwise, the exhaustion of civil or administrative remedies is not a prerequisite for a trial court to have subject matter jurisdiction over a criminal case. This means that criminal courts can proceed with a case even if related civil or administrative processes are ongoing or have not been completed. The bill applies to criminal actions commenced before, on, or after its effective date, which will be immediately upon receiving a two-thirds vote of the legislature, or September 1, 2025, if that threshold is not met. The provision aims to streamline the legal process by preventing potential delays in criminal proceedings due to pending civil or administrative matters.