Bill > HB32

This bill modifies Texas law regarding eviction procedures, making several significant changes to how eviction suits are handled in justice courts. The bill introduces new provisions for filing eviction petitions, including a summary disposition process that allows landlords to potentially obtain a judgment without a full trial if no genuinely disputed facts exist. It establishes specific timelines for eviction proceedings, such as requiring trials to be held between 10 and 21 days after a petition is filed. The bill also clarifies notice requirements for tenants, including how and when notices must be delivered, and creates more detailed rules for tenant appeals, including how and when rent must be paid into court registries during an appeal. Additionally, the bill standardizes procedures for serving eviction citations, allows for electronic court proceedings with party agreement, and provides more explicit guidelines for how courts can handle eviction cases. The changes aim to streamline the eviction process while maintaining certain protections for tenants, such as requiring specific notice periods and allowing tenants to respond to claims. These modifications will take effect for eviction suits filed on or after January 1, 2026, providing a clear transition period for courts and legal practitioners to adapt to the new requirements.

Justice

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB32