CHAPTER 24. DISTRICT COURTS

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GOVERNMENT CODE

TITLE 2. JUDICIAL BRANCH

SUBTITLE A. COURTS

CHAPTER 24. DISTRICT COURTS

SUBCHAPTER A. GENERAL PROVISIONS

Sec. 24.001. AGE QUALIFICATION OF JUDGES. A district judge must

be at least 25 years old.

Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.

Sec. 24.002. SUBSTITUTE JUDGES. A change of venue is not

necessary because of the disqualification of a district judge in

a case or proceeding pending in his court, but the judge shall

immediately certify his disqualification to the governor. The

governor shall designate a district judge of another district to

exchange benches with the disqualified judge to try the case. The

governor shall notify both judges of his designation, and the

judges shall exchange benches. If the judges are prevented from

exchanging benches, the parties or their counsels may agree on an

attorney of the court for the trial of the case. The district

judge or special judge shall certify to the governor the fact of

a failure of the parties or their counsels to agree on an

attorney, and the governor shall appoint a person legally

qualified to act as judge in the trial of the case.

Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.

Sec. 24.003. SUBSTITUTE JUDGES IN CERTAIN COUNTIES. (a) This

section applies only to civil cases in counties with five or more

district courts.

(b) If a district judge is disqualified in a case pending in his

court and his disqualification is certified to the governor, the

governor may require any other district judge in the county to

exchange benches with the disqualified judge.

the district judges in the county may hold court for him or may

transfer a pending case to the court of any other district judge

in the county.

(d) Repealed by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 90, Sec. 1, eff. Aug.

30, 1993.

Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.

Amended by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 90, Sec. 1, eff. Aug. 30,

1993.

Sec. 24.004. SPECIAL JUDGE BY AGREEMENT OF PARTIES. If the

parties agree on a special judge for the trial of a particular

case, the clerk shall enter in the minutes of the court, as a

part of the proceedings in the case, a record showing:

(1) that the judge of the court is disqualified to try the case;

(2) the name of the special judge and that the parties agreed on

the selection of that judge for the trial of the case; and

(3) that the oath prescribed by law was administered to the

special judge.

Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.

Sec. 24.006. SALARY OF SPECIAL JUDGE. (a) This section applies

to payment of salary to:

(1) a special judge commissioned by the governor as provided by

Article V, Section 11, of the Texas Constitution; and

(2) a special judge agreed on by the parties as provided by

Section 24.004.

(b) Each special judge is entitled to receive for each day

served as a special judge the same daily salary that a district

judge receives.

entitled to receive the same daily salary that a district judge

receives for each day necessary for the special judge to travel

to and from the court.

(d) The daily salary is determined by dividing the annual salary

of a district judge by 365.

(e) In order to obtain his salary, a special judge commissioned

by the governor must present his sworn account to the comptroller

showing the number of travel days that were necessary. The judge

must also give the comptroller evidence that the judge was duly

commissioned. The account must be certified as correct by the

judge of the district or by the court clerk of the court in which

he served.

(f) A special judge agreed on by the parties or elected by the

practicing lawyers shall be paid on presenting to the comptroller

the certificate of the clerk of the court in which he served and

the judge's sworn account. The clerk's certificate must show the

record of the judge's election or appointment and must show that

the judge performed services in the court. The judge's sworn

account must show the number of days that he served as the

special judge.

Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.

Amended by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 90, Sec. 4, eff. Aug. 30,

1993.

Sec. 24.007. JURISDICTION. The district court has the

jurisdiction provided by Article V, Section 8, of the Texas

Constitution.

Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.

Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 148, Sec. 1.36, eff. Sept.

1, 1987.

Sec. 24.008. OTHER JURISDICTION. The district court may hear

and determine any cause that is cognizable by courts of law or

equity and may grant any relief that could be granted by either

courts of law or equity.

Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.

Sec. 24.009. JURISDICTIONAL AMOUNT IF PARTIES PROPERLY JOIN IN

ONE SUIT. If two or more persons originally and properly join in

one suit, the suit for jurisdictional purposes is treated as if

one party is suing for the aggregate amount of all their claims

added together, excluding interest and costs. This section does

not prevent jurisdiction from attaching on any other ground.

Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.

Sec. 24.010. JURISDICTION OF FAILURE TO PAY OVER CERTAIN MONEY.

The district court may hear and determine:

(1) motions against sheriffs and other officers of the court for

failure to pay over money collected under the process of the

court or other defalcation of duty in connection with the

process; and

(2) motions against attorneys for money collected by them and

not paid over.

Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.

Sec. 24.011. WRIT POWER. A judge of a district court may,

either in termtime or vacation, grant writs of mandamus,

injunction, sequestration, attachment, garnishment, certiorari,

and supersedeas and all other writs necessary to the enforcement

of the court's jurisdiction.

Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.

Sec. 24.012. TERMS AND SESSIONS OF COURT. (a) Each district

and criminal district court holds at least two terms of court

each year in each county in the district.

(b) Except as otherwise provided by this chapter, the terms of

each district, family district, and criminal district court are

continuous. Each term begins on a day fixed by law and continues

until the day fixed by law for the beginning of the next

succeeding term.

fact that the first day of the term falls on a legal holiday or

the judge is absent from the county on the first day of the term.

(d) A district judge may hold as many sessions of court in a

county as he considers proper and expedient for the dispatch of

business and may adopt rules for that purpose as authorized by

the statutes of this state and the Texas Rules of Civil

Procedure.

(e) A district judge may hear a nonjury matter relating to a

civil or criminal case at a correctional facility in the county

in which the case is filed or prosecuted if a party to the case

or the criminal defendant is confined in the correctional

facility. For purposes of this subsection, "correctional

facility" has the meaning assigned by Section 1.07, Penal Code.

Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.

Amended by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1494, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1,

2001.

Sec. 24.013. JUDGE'S POWERS IN VACATION. (a) A judge may, in

vacation with the consent of the parties to a case:

(1) exercise powers, issue orders, and perform acts as fully as

in termtime; and

(2) try any civil case without a jury and enter final judgment.

(b) The right of appeal, writ of error, and rules of procedure

apply to actions taken under this section as if done in termtime.

Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.

Amended by Acts 1989, 71st Leg., 1st C.S., ch. 25, Sec. 35, eff.

Nov. 1, 1989.

Sec. 24.014. SPECIAL TERMS. (a) A district judge may set a

time for and hold a special term in any county in his district.

(b) The judge may appoint jury commissioners who select and draw

grand and petit jurors as provided by law. The jurors may be

summoned to appear before the court at the time designated by the

judge.

grand jury.

(d) A new civil case may not be brought to a special term of the

court.

Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.

Sec. 24.015. PROCEDURE AT SPECIAL TERM. (a) Juries for special

terms authorized by Section 24.014 shall be summoned in the

manner provided by law for regular terms.

(b) Any proceeding in a case that may be held at a regular term

may also be held at a special term.

the same and have the same force and effect when done at a

special term as though done at a regular term:

(1) the issuance of process, whether to a regular term or a

special term;

(2) the conduct of proceedings;

(3) the issuance of an order, judgment, or decree; and

(4) an appeal.

(d) A proceeding held at a special term may be appealed as if it

were held at a regular term.

Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.

Sec. 24.016. APPOINTED COUNSEL. A district judge may appoint

counsel to attend to the cause of a party who makes an affidavit

that he is too poor to employ counsel to attend to the cause.

Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.

Sec. 24.017. PROCEEDINGS IN MULTICOUNTY DISTRICTS. (a) This

section applies in judicial districts that are composed of more

than one county.

(b) Except as provided by this section, the judge of a district

court may, in any county in his judicial district:

(1) hear and determine all preliminary and interlocutory matters

in which a jury may not be demanded;

(2) hear and determine uncontested or agreed cases and contests

of elections pending in his district, unless a party to the suit

objects; and

(3) sign all necessary orders and judgments in those matters.

for trial or on trial before him in any county in his district at

a place that is convenient to the judge and forward the order or

decree to the clerk for filing and entry.

(d) A district judge who is assigned to preside in a court of

another judicial district or is presiding in exchange or at the

request of the regular judge of the court may, in the manner

provided by this section for the regular judge, hear, determine,

and enter the orders, judgments, and decrees in a case that is

pending for trial or has been tried before the visiting judge.

(e) All contested divorce cases, all default judgments, and all

cases in which any of the parties are cited by publication must

be tried in the county in which the case is filed unless other

law authorizes the case to be tried in another county.

Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.

Sec. 24.018. CERTAIN EFFECT OF DISTRICT REORGANIZATION. If the

counties that compose a judicial district or the time or place

for holding terms of a district court are changed by law:

(1) the process and writs issued from the district court and

made returnable to a term of court fixed by the law at the time

of the issuance are returnable to the next term of the court as

fixed by the amended law and are as legal and valid as if they

were made returnable to the term of the court as fixed by the

amended law;

(2) the grand and petit jurors selected or drawn under the prior

law in any county in the judicial district are lawfully selected

or drawn for the next term of the district court of the county as

fixed by the amended law; and

(3) the obligees in all appearance bonds and recognizances taken

in and for the district court and the witnesses summoned to

appear before the district court under the prior law are required

to appear at the next term of the court as fixed by the amended

law.

Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.

Sec. 24.019. EXPENSES OF DISTRICT JUDGE. (a) A district judge

engaged in the discharge of official duties in a county other

than the judge's county of residence is entitled to traveling and

other necessary expenses, as provided by Chapter 660.

(b) A district judge is entitled to receive from the state the

actual and necessary postage, telegraph, and telephone expenses

incurred in the discharge of official duties.

account showing the expenses.

Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.

Amended by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 76, Sec. 5.95(105), eff.

Sept. 1, 1995.

Sec. 24.020. JURISDICTION OVER COMMISSIONERS COURT. The

district court has appellate jurisdiction and general supervisory

control over the commissioners court, with the exceptions and

regulations prescribed by law.

Added by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 148, Sec. 1.37, eff. Sept. 1,

1987.

Sec. 24.021. INCOMPETENCY. For purposes of Article XV, Section

6, of the Texas Constitution, "incompetency" means:

(1) gross ignorance of official duties;

(2) gross carelessness in the discharge of official duties; or

(3) inability or unfitness to promptly and properly discharge

official duties because of a serious mental or physical defect

that did not exist at the time of the judge's election.

Added by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 149, Sec. 18, eff. Sept. 1,

1987.

Sec. 24.022. EFFECT OF TRANSFER OF CERTAIN CASES FOLLOWING

CREATION OF ADDITIONAL COURT. (a) On the creation of an

additional district court in a county, an existing district court

in the county may transfer to the new court a case regarding a

child who is subject to the continuing exclusive jurisdiction of

the existing court under Title 5, Family Code, regardless of

whether the case is pending in the existing court or the existing

court rendered a final order in the case.

(b) The district court to which the case is transferred under

this section acquires continuing exclusive jurisdiction under

Title 5, Family Code, over the child.

Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1148, Sec. 1, eff. June 15,

2001.

Sec. 24.033. LOCATION OF PROCEEDINGS FOLLOWING CERTAIN

DISASTERS. (a) In this section, "first tier coastal county" and

"second tier coastal county" have the meanings assigned by

Section 2210.003, Insurance Code.

(b) Notwithstanding any other law, if a disaster, as defined by

Section 418.004, occurs in a first tier coastal county or a

second tier coastal county that precludes a district court from

conducting its proceedings at the county seat of that county, the

presiding judge of the administrative judicial region, with the

approval of the judge of the affected district court, may

designate an alternate location in the judicial district at which

the court may conduct its proceedings.

Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch.

1076, Sec. 1, eff. June 15, 2007.

Sec. 24.034. ASSIGNMENT OF CASES IN DISTRICT COURTS IN HIDALGO

COUNTY. (a) All civil and criminal cases in the district courts

in Hidalgo County shall be assigned and docketed at random by the

district clerk using an automated system.

(b) In assigning a case to a district court, the district clerk

shall take into consideration any requirement in Subchapter B

that a district court in Hidalgo County give preference to

specific matters.

Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch.

541, Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2009.

SUBCHAPTER B. CERTAIN JUDICIAL DISTRICTS

Sec. 24.101. 1ST JUDICIAL DISTRICT (JASPER, NEWTON, SABINE, AND

SAN AUGUSTINE COUNTIES). (a) The 1st Judicial District is

composed of Jasper, Newton, Sabine, and San Augustine counties.

(b) In addition to other jurisdiction provided by law, the 1st

District Court in Sabine and San Augustine counties has the civil

jurisdiction of a county court.

(1) in Jasper County on the first Monday in January and the 22nd

Monday after the first Monday in January;

(2) in Newton County on the 5th and 34th Mondays after the first

Monday in January;

(3) in San Augustine County on the 11th and 40th Mondays after

the first Monday in January; and

(4) in Sabine County on the 17th and 45th Mondays after the

first Monday in January.

Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.

Sec. 24.102. 2ND JUDICIAL DISTRICT (CHEROKEE COUNTY). (a) The

2nd Judicial District is composed of Cherokee County.

(b) The terms of the 2nd District Court begin on the first

Mondays in March and September.

weeks in each year.

Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.

Sec. 24.103. 3RD JUDICIAL DISTRICT (ANDERSON, HENDERSON, AND

HOUSTON COUNTIES). (a) The 3rd Judicial District is composed of

Anderson, Henderson, and Houston counties.

(b) The terms of the 3rd District Court begin:

(1) in Anderson County on the first Mondays in April, July, and

December;

(2) in Henderson County on the first Mondays in February, June,

and September; and

(3) in Houston County on the first Mondays in March, August, and

October.

Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.

Sec. 24.104. 4TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT (RUSK COUNTY). (a) The 4th

Judicial District is composed of Rusk County.

(b) The terms of the 4th District Court begin on the first

Mondays in January, March, May, July, September, and November.

Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.

Sec. 24.105. 5TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT (BOWIE AND CASS COUNTIES).

(a) The 5th Judicial District is composed of Bowie and Cass

counties.

(b) In addition to other jurisdiction provided by law, each

district court in Bowie and Cass counties has the civil and

criminal jurisdiction of a county court.

jurisdiction with the 102nd Judicial District. Either court, in

term or in vacation, may transfer a pending civil or criminal

case to the other court by an order entered on the minutes of the

transferring court.

(d) The terms of the 5th District Court begin:

(1) in Bowie County on the first Mondays in January and July;

and

(2) in Cass County on the first Mondays in February, May,

August, and November.

(e) The 5th and 102nd district courts may sit in Bowie County in

Texarkana, in addition to Boston, to try, hear, and determine

nonjury civil or criminal cases, motions, arguments, and other

nonjury matters.

(f) When the courts sit in Texarkana, the Bowie County district

clerk or the clerk's deputy shall serve as clerk of the courts

and may transfer all necessary books, minutes, and records to

Texarkana or Boston when necessary. The Bowie County sheriff or

the sheriff's deputy shall attend the courts in Texarkana and

perform all duties required by law or by the court.

(g) The Commissioners Court of Bowie County may provide suitable

quarters for the 5th and 102nd district courts in Texarkana or

may make an agreement with the City of Texarkana to provide

quarters.

Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.

Amended by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 1012, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1,

1997.

Sec. 24.106. 6TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT ( LAMAR AND RED RIVER

COUNTIES). (a) The 6th Judicial District is composed of Lamar

and Red River counties.

(b) In addition to other jurisdiction provided by law, each

district court in Red River County has the civil and criminal

jurisdiction of a county court.

concurrent jurisdiction with the 102nd Judicial District. In

Lamar County, the 6th Judicial District has concurrent

jurisdiction with the 62nd Judicial District.

(d) In any county in the district in which there are two or more

district courts, the judges of those courts may, in their

discretion, either in termtime or in vacation, on motion of any

party, on agreement of the parties, or on their own motion,

transfer any civil or criminal case or proceeding on their

dockets to the docket of one of the other district courts. In

Lamar County, the judges may transfer a case by an order entered

in the minutes of the transferring court. The judges of the

courts may, in their discretion, exchange benches or districts

from time to time. Any of the judges may in his own courtroom try

and determine any case or proceeding pending in any of the other

courts without having the case transferred or may sit in any of

the other courts and hear and determine any case or proceeding

pending in one of those courts. Two or more judges may try

different cases in the same court at the same time and each may

occupy his own courtroom or the room of any other court. In case

of absence, sickness, or disqualification of any of the judges,

any other of the judges may hold court for him. Any of the judges

may hear and determine any part or question of any case or

proceeding pending in any of the courts, and any other of the

judges may complete the hearing and render judgment in the

proceeding. Any of the judges may hear and determine motions,

petitions for injunction, applications for appointment of

receivers, interventions, motions to transfer venue, pleas in

abatement and all dilatory pleas, motions for new trials, and all

preliminary matters, questions, and proceedings, and may enter

judgment or order on them in the court in which the case or

proceeding is pending without having the matter transferred to

the court of the acting judge. The judge in whose court the

matter is pending may proceed to hear, complete, and determine

the matter or all or any part of any other matter and may render

final judgment on it. Any of the judges of the courts may issue

restraining orders and injunctions returnable to any of the other

courts. This subsection does not limit the powers of the judges

when acting for any other judge by exchange of benches or

otherwise.

(e) The terms of the 6th District Court in each county in the

district begin on the first Mondays in January and July.

Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.

Amended by:

Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch.

1342, Sec. 1(c), eff. January 1, 2010.

Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch.

1342, Sec. 1(d), eff. January 1, 2010.

Sec. 24.107. 7TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT (SMITH COUNTY). (a) The 7th

Judicial District is composed of Smith County.

(b) The terms of the 7th District Court begin on the first

Mondays in January and July.

Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.

Sec. 24.108. 8TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT (DELTA, FRANKLIN, HOPKINS,

AND RAINS COUNTIES). (a) The 8th Judicial District is composed

of Delta, Franklin, Hopkins, and Rains counties.

(b) In any county in the district in which there are two or more

district courts, those district courts have concurrent

jurisdiction in that county.

district courts, the judges of those courts may, in their

discretion, either in termtime or in vacation, on motion of any

party, on agreement of the parties, or on their own motion,

transfer any civil or criminal case or proceeding on their

dockets to the docket of one of the other district courts. The

judges in Delta and Franklin counties may transfer a case by an

order entered on the minutes of the transferring court. The

judges of the courts may, in their discretion, exchange benches

or districts from time to time. If a judge of one of the courts

is disqualified, he may transfer the case or proceeding from his

court to one of the other courts. Any of the judges may in his

own courtroom try and determine any case or proceeding pending in

any of the other courts without having the case transferred or

may sit in any of the other courts and hear and determine any

case or proceeding pending in one of those courts. Two or more

judges may try different cases in the same court at the same time

and each may occupy his own courtroom or the room of any other

court. In case of absence, sickness, or disqualification of any

of the judges, any other of the judges may hold court for him.

Any of the judges may hear and determine any part or question of

any case or proceeding pending in any of the courts, and any

other of the judges may complete the hearing and render judgment

in the proceeding. Any of the judges may hear and determine

motions, petitions for injunction, applications for appointment

of receivers, interventions, motions to transfer venue, pleas in

abatement and all dilatory pleas, motions for new trials, and all

preliminary matters, questions, and proceedings, and may enter

judgment or order on them in the court in which the case or

proceeding is pending without having the matter transferred to

the court of the acting judge. The judge in whose court the

matter is pending may proceed to hear, complete, and determine

the matter or all or any part of any other matter and may render

final judgment on it. Any of the judges of the courts may issue

restraining orders and injunctions returnable to any of the other

courts. This subsection does not limit the powers of the judges

when acting for any other judge by exchange of benches or

otherwise.

(d) The terms of the 8th District Court begin on the first

Mondays in January and July.

Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.

Sec. 24.109. 9TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT (MONTGOMERY COUNTY). (a)

The 9th Judicial District is composed of Montgomery County.

(b) The terms of the 9th District Court begin on the first

Monday in January and the first Monday in July.

Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.

Amended by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 704, Sec. 1, eff. Jan. 1,

1997; Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1308, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.

Amended by:

Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch.

1342, Sec. 9(b), eff. September 1, 2007.

Sec. 24.110. 410TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT (MONTGOMERY COUNTY). (a)

The 410th Judicial District is composed of Montgomery County.

(b) The terms of the 410th District Court begin on the first

Monday in January and the first Monday in July.

Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.

Amended by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 704, Sec. 2, eff. Jan. 1,

1997.

Amended by:

Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch.

657, Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2005.

Sec. 24.111. 10TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT (GALVESTON COUNTY). (a)

The 10th Judicial District is composed of Galveston County.

(b) The terms of the 10th and 56th district courts begin on the

first Mondays in January and July.

in Galveston County, it is sufficient for the address or

designation to be the "District Court of Galveston County."

Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.

Sec. 24.112. 11TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT (HARRIS COUNTY). (a) The

11th Judicial District is composed of Harris County.

(b) Except as provided by Subsection (g), the provisions of this

section apply to the 11th, 55th, 61st, 80th, 113th, 125th, 127th,

129th, 133rd, 151st, 152nd, 157th, 164th, and 165th judicial

districts.

Mondays in January and July. The first term is designated the

January-June term and the second term is designated the

July-December term.

(d) In all suits, actions, or proceedings in the district

courts, it is sufficient for the address or designation to be

"District Court of Harris County."

(e) The judge of each district court shall sign the minutes of

each court term not later than the 30th day after the end of the

term and shall also sign the minutes at the end of each volume of

the minutes. Each judge sitting in the court shall sign the

minutes of the proceedings that were held before him.

(f) The judge of each district court may take the same vacation

as the other district court judges of Harris County at any time

during the year. During the judge's vacation, the court term

remains open, and the judge of any other district court may hold

court during the judge's vacation. The judges of the district

courts shall, by agreement among themselves, take their vacations

alternately so that there are at all times at least six district

court judges in the county.

(g) Subsection (h) applies to the 11th, 55th, 61st, 80th, 113th,

125th, 127th, 129th, 133rd, 151st, 152nd, 157th, 164th, 165th,

189th, 190th, 215th, 234th, 269th, 270th, 280th, 281st, 295th,

333rd, and 334th judicial districts.

(h) The judges of the district courts listed in Subsection (g)

by agreement shall designate one of the listed district courts as

the domestic violence district court for Harris County. In

designating the domestic violence district court, the judges

shall give preference to a district court:

(1) that has a judicial vacancy at the time of the agreement; or

(2) for which the sitting judge of the district court has not at

the time of the agreement announced a candidacy or become a

candidate in the upcoming election for that judicial office.

(i) Subject to any jurisdictional limitations, the district

court designated under Subsection (h) as the domestic violence

district court shall give preference to domestic violence cases,

including cases involving:

(1) dating violence, as defined by Section 71.0021, Family Code;

and

(2) family violence, as defined by Section 71.004, Family Code.

(j) For the purposes of determining the preference the

designated domestic violence district court is required to give

cases under Subsection (i):

(1) a domestic violence case means:

(A) an original application for a protective order under Title

4, Family Code;

(B) an original application for a protective order under Title

4, Family Code, that involves both parties and is filed

concurrently with an original petition under the Family Code; and

is alleged to have caused the death of another parent and there

is a history of domestic violence in the parents' relationship;

and

(2) subject to judicial discretion and resources, the designated

domestic violence district court may also hear divorce and

custody cases in which:

(A) a court has made an affirmative finding of family violence

involving both parties; or

(B) a protective order has been issued under Title 4, Family

Code, involving both parties.

(k) The designated domestic violence district court shall:

(1) provide timely and efficient access to emergency protective

orders and other court remedies for persons the court determines

are victims of domestic violence;

(2) integrate victims' services for persons the court determines

are victims of domestic violence who have a case before the

court; and

(3) promote an informed and consistent court response to

domestic violence cases to lessen the number of misdemeanors,

felonies, and fatalities related to domestic violence in Harris

County.

(l) The Harris County district clerk shall create a form and

establish procedures to transfer a domestic violence case that

qualifies for preference under this section to the domestic

violence district court.

Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.

Amended by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 90, Sec. 5, eff. Aug. 30,

1993.

Amended by:

Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch.

572, Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2009.

Sec. 24.113. 12TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT (GRIMES, LEON, MADISON, AND

WALKER COUNTIES). (a) The 12th Judicial District is composed of

Grimes, Leon, Madison, and Walker counties.

(b) The terms of the 12th District Court in each county of the

district begin on the first Mondays in January and July.

Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.

Sec. 24.114. 13TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT (NAVARRO COUNTY). (a) The

13th Judicial District is composed of Navarro County.

(b) In addition to other jurisdiction provided by law, each

district court in Navarro County has the civil jurisdiction of a

county court.

Mondays in January, April, July, and October.

(d) The judge of the 13th District Court shall impanel grand

juries at the April and October terms and at any other terms as

ordered by the judge.

Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.

Sec. 24.115. 14TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT (DALLAS COUNTY). (a) The

14th Judicial District is composed of Dallas County.

(b) The terms of the 14th District Court begin on the second

Mondays in January, April, July, and October.

District Court, this section applies to the 14th, 44th, 68th,

95th, 101st, 116th, 134th, 160th, and 162nd district courts, the

Criminal Judicial District of Dallas County, and the Criminal

Judicial Districts Nos. 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 of Dallas County.

(d) The district courts and criminal district courts having

jurisdiction in Dallas County have concurrent jurisdiction.

(e) The judges of the district and criminal district courts of

Dallas County shall, by agreement among themselves, take

vacations so that there are at all times at least three judges of

those courts in the county.

(f) Repealed by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 90, Sec. 3, eff. Aug.

30, 1993.

(g) The Dallas County sheriff or the sheriff's deputy shall

attend the courts when required by law or by the judge.

Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.

Amended by Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 2, Sec. 8.44(2), eff. Aug.

28, 1989; Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 90, Sec. 3, eff. Aug. 30,

1993.

Amended by:

Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch.

1352, Sec. 13(a), eff. September 1, 2005.

Sec. 24.116. 15TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT (GRAYSON COUNTY). (a) The

15th Judicial District is composed of Grayson County.

(b) The 15th and 59th judicial districts have concurrent

jurisdiction in Grayson County.

Mondays in January and July.

Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.

Amended by:

Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch.

610, Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2005.

Sec. 24.117. 16TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT (DENTON COUNTY). (a) The

16th Judicial District is composed of Denton County.

(b) The terms of the 16th District Court begin on the first

Mondays in January and July of each year.

Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.

Amended by Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 649, Sec. 1, eff. June 14,

1989.

Sec. 24.118. 17TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT (TARRANT COUNTY). (a) The

17th Judicial District is composed of Tarrant County.

(b) The 17th, 48th, 67th, 96th, and 153rd district courts have

concurrent jurisdiction in Tarrant County.

first Mondays in January, April, July, and October.

(d) The 17th District Court shall give preference to civil

matters.

Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.

Amended by:

Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch.

580, Sec. 1, eff. June 19, 2009.

Sec. 24.119. 18TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT (JOHNSON AND SOMERVELL

COUNTIES). (a) The 18th Judicial District is composed of

Johnson and Somervell counties.

(b) The terms of the 18th District Court in each county in the

district begin on the first Mondays in January and July.

Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.

Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 148, Sec. 2.27(a), eff.

Sept. 1, 1987.

Sec. 24.120. 19TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT (MCLENNAN COUNTY). (a) The

19th Judicial District is composed of McLennan County.

(b) The 19th, 54th, 74th, 170th, and 414th district courts have

concurrent jurisdiction in McLennan County.

(b-1) The 19th District Court has concurrent jurisdiction with

the county court and the statutory county courts of McLennan

County in misdemeanor cases as well as the jurisdiction

prescribed by general law for district courts.

Mondays in January, March, May, July, September, and November.

Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.

Amended by:

Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch.

848, Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2009.

Sec. 24.121. 20TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT (MILAM COUNTY). (a) The

20th Judicial District is composed of Milam County.

(b) The terms of the 20th District Court begin on the third

Mondays in January, May, and September.

Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.

Sec. 24.122. 21ST JUDICIAL DISTRICT (BASTROP, BURLESON, LEE, AND

WASHINGTON COUNTIES). (a) The 21st Judicial District is

composed of Bastrop, Burleson, Lee, and Washington counties.

(b) The terms of the 21st District Court begin:

(1) in Bastrop County on the second Tuesday in January and the

15th Tuesday after the first Tuesday in March;

(2) in Burleson County on the 10th Tuesdays after the first

Tuesdays in March and September;

(3) in Lee County on the sixth Tuesdays after the first Tuesdays

in March and September; and

(4) in Washington County on the first Tuesdays in March and

September.

Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.

Sec. 24.123. 22ND JUDICIAL DISTRICT (CALDWELL, COMAL, AND HAYS

COUNTIES). (a) The 22nd Judicial District is composed of

Caldwell, Comal, and Hays counties.

(b) In addition to other jurisdiction provided by law, each

district court in Comal County has the civil and criminal

jurisdiction of a county court.

(1) in Caldwell County on the first Mondays in March, June,

September, and December;

(2) in Comal County on the first Mondays in April, July,

October, and January; and

(3) in Hays County on the first Mondays in February, May,

August, and November.

Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.

Sec. 24.124. 23RD JUDICIAL DISTRICT (BRAZORIA, MATAGORDA, AND

WHARTON COUNTIES). (a) The 23rd Judicial District is composed

of Brazoria, Matagorda, and Wharton counties.

(b) The terms of the 23rd District Court begin:

(1) in Brazoria County on the first Mondays in April and

October, and the terms are designated the April-September and

October-March terms;

(2) in Matagorda County on the first Mondays in June and

December, and the terms are designated the June-November and

December-May terms; and

(3) in Wharton County on the first Mondays in July and January,

and the terms are designated the July-December and January-June

terms.

courts in Matagorda County. All suits and proceedings within the

jurisdiction of the courts in Matagorda County shall be addressed

to the district court of Matagorda County. All citations,

notices, restraining orders, and other process issued in

Matagorda County by the clerk or judges of the courts are

returnable to the district court of Matagorda County without

reference to the court number. On return of the process the judge

of either court may preside over the hearing or trial. The judges

of the 23rd and 130th district courts in Matagorda County may

hear and dispose of any matter on the courts' general docket

without transferring the matter.

(d) The Matagorda County district clerk shall keep one set of

minutes in which the clerk shall record all judgments and orders

of the 23rd and 130th district courts in Matagorda County. Each

of the judges of the 23rd and 130th district courts in Matagorda

County shall sign the minutes of each term of those courts not

later than the 30th day after the end of each term, shall sign

the minutes at the end of each column of the minutes, and shall

sign the minutes of the proceedings that were held before him.

(e) Each of the judges of the 23rd and 130th district courts may

take a vacation and not attend court for six weeks in each year.

The judges by agreement between themselves shall take their

vacations alternately so that there are at all times at least one

judge in his judicial district.

(f) There is one general docket for the 23rd and 329th district

courts in Wharton County. All suits and proceedings within the

jurisdiction of the courts in Wharton County shall be addressed

to the district court of Wharton County. All citations, notices,

restraining orders, and other process issued in Wharton County by

the clerk or judges of the courts are returnable to the district

court of Wharton County without reference to the court number. On

return of the process the judge of either court may preside over

the hearing or trial. The judges of the 23rd and 329th district

courts in Wharton County may hear and dispose of any matter on

the courts' general docket, both civil and criminal, without

transferring the matter.

(g) The Wharton County district clerk shall keep one set of

minutes in which the clerk shall record all judgments and orders

of the 23rd and 329th district courts in Wharton County. Each of

the judges of the 23rd and 329th district courts in Wharton

County shall sign the minutes of each term of those courts not

later than the 30th day after the end of each term, shall sign

the minutes at the end of each column of the minutes, and shall

sign the minutes of the proceedings that were held before him.

Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.

Amended by Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. 196, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1,

1991.

Sec. 24.125. 24TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT (CALHOUN, DEWITT, GOLIAD,

JACKSON, REFUGIO, AND VICTORIA COUNTIES). (a) The 24th Judicial

District is composed of Calhoun, DeWitt, Goliad, Jackson,

Refugio, and Victoria counties.

(b) The terms of the 24th District Court begin:

(1) in Calhoun County on the fourth Mondays in April and

October;

(2) in DeWitt County on the second Mondays in January and July;

(3) in Goliad County on the first Mondays in February and

August;

(4) in Jackson County on the fourth Mondays in January and July;

(5) in Refugio County on the third Mondays in April and October;

and

(6) in Victoria County on the second Mondays in March and

September.

Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.

Sec. 24.126. 25TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT (COLORADO, GONZALES,

GUADALUPE, AND LAVACA COUNTIES). (a) The 25th Judicial District

is composed of Colorado, Gonzales, Guadalupe, and Lavaca

counties.

(b) The 25th District Court has concurrent jurisdiction with the

Second 25th District Court.

(1) in Colorado County on the first Mondays in February and

September;

(2) in Gonzales County on the first Mondays in January and June;

(3) in Guadalupe County on the first Mondays in March and

October; and

(4) in Lavaca County on the first Mondays in April and November.

(d) The judges of the 25th and Second 25th judicial districts

may hear and dispose of any suit or proceeding on either court's

docket without transferring the suit or proceeding. The judges

may transfer cases from one court to the other by an order

entered on the docket of the court from which the matter was

transferred. A case may not be transferred without the permission

of the judge of the court to which the case is to be transferred.

Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.

Sec. 24.127. SECOND 25TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT (COLORADO, GONZALES,

GUADALUPE, AND LAVACA COUNTIES). (a) The Second 25th Judicial

District is composed of Colorado, Gonzales, Guadalupe, and Lavaca

counties.

(b) The terms of the Second 25th District Court begin:

(1) in Colorado County on the first Mondays in April and

November;

(2) in Gonzales County on the first Mondays in May and December;

(3) in Guadalupe County on the first Mondays in February and

September; and

(4) in Lavaca County on the first Mondays in January and June.

contains provisions applicable to both that court and the Second

25th District Court.

Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.

Sec. 24.128. 26TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT (WILLIAMSON COUNTY). (a)

The 26th Judicial District is composed of Williamson County.

(b) The terms of the 26th District Court begin on the first

Mondays in January and July.

Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.

Amended by Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. 530, Sec. 1, eff. June 15,

1991; Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 363, Sec. 1, eff. Aug. 28, 1995.

Sec. 24.129. 27TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT (BELL AND LAMPASAS

COUNTIES). (a) The 27th Judicial District is composed of Bell

and Lampasas counties.

(b) The 27th, 146th, 169th, 264th, and 426th judicial districts

have concurrent jurisdiction in Bell County.

(1) in Bell County on the first Mondays in January, April, July,

and October; and

(2) in Lampasas County on the first Mondays in March and

September and may continue in session until the Saturday night

before the Monday on which the next session convenes.

(d) A grand jury may not be impaneled in the district courts in

Bell County except by special order of the presiding judge.

(e) By order entered on the minutes of the court, the presiding

judge of the district courts in Bell County may in his

discretion, either in termtime or vacation, transfer any civil or

criminal case to any of the other district courts. The order of

transfer and all other orders made in the case shall be copied

and certified by the clerk and the certified copies of the orders

shall be filed with the papers of the transferred case. The

additional fees caused by the transfer shall be taxed as part of

the costs of the suit. When a cause is transferred, the clerk

shall enter the cause on the docket of the court to which the

transfer is made and the judge of that court shall try and

dispose of the cause as if the cause had been filed in his court.

Any of the judges may in his own courtroom try and determine any

case or proceeding pending in any of the other courts without

having the case transferred or may sit in any of the other courts

and hear and determine any pending case. The judge hearing a

transferred case shall indicate on the docket sheet and orders

that he is sitting for that district. Two or more judges may try

different cases in the same court at the same time, and each may

occupy his own courtroom or the room of any other court. In case

of absence, sickness, or disqualification, any of the other

judges may hold court for him. All bail bonds, recognizances, or

other obligations taken for the appearance of the defendants,

parties, or witnesses in any of the district courts or in any

inferior court in Bell County shall be binding on all the

defendants, parties, and witnesses, and their sureties, in any of

the courts in which the case is pending or to which the case is

transferred. If a case is transferred, all process, bonds,

recognizances, and obligations extant at the time of transfer

shall be returned to and filed in the court to which the case is

transferred and shall be valid and binding as if originally

issued out of that court.

Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.

Amended by:

Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch.

1352, Sec. 8(b), eff. September 1, 2005.

Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch.

1352, Sec. 8(c), eff. January 1, 2007.

Sec. 24.130. 28TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT (NUECES COUNTY). (a) The

28th Judicial District is composed of Nueces County.

(b) The 28th District Court has concurrent jurisdiction with the

94th and 117th district courts in Nueces County.

Mondays in January and July. The terms are designated the

January-July and July-January terms.

(d) In addition to other jurisdiction provided by law, the 28th

District Court has concurrent jurisdiction with the county courts

at law in Nueces County to receive a guilty plea in a misdemeanor

case pending in a county court at law in Nueces County and

dispose of the case, regardless of whether the case is

transferred to the district court. The judgment, order, or

action of the district court is valid and binding as if the case

were pending in the district court.

Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.

Amended by Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 24.

Amended by:

Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch.

72, Sec. 1, eff. May 17, 2005.

Sec. 24.131. 29TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT (PALO PINTO COUNTY). (a)

The 29th Judicial District is composed of Palo Pinto County.

(b) The terms of the 29th District Court begin on the first

Monday in March, the first Monday after the third Saturday in

June, and the first Monday after the fourth Saturday in October.

Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.

Sec. 24.132. 30TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT (WICHITA COUNTY). (a) The

30th Judicial District is composed of Wichita County.

(b) In addition to other jurisdiction prescribed by law, each

district court in Wichita County has the civil jurisdiction of a

county court.

Mondays in January and July.

(d) The 30th, 78th, and 89th district courts in Wichita County

have concurrent jurisdiction.

Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.

Sec. 24.133. 31ST JUDICIAL DISTRICT (GRAY, HEMPHILL, LIPSCOMB,

ROBERTS, AND WHEELER COUNTIES). (a) The 31st Judicial District

is composed of Gray, Hemphill, Lipscomb, Roberts, and Wheeler

counties.

(b) The terms of the 31st District Court begin:

(1) in Gray County on the first Mondays in January and July;

(2) in Hemphill County on the second Monday in April and the

first Monday in November;

(3) in Lipscomb County on the fourth Monday in March and the

second Monday in September;

(4) in Roberts County on the second Monday in March and the

fourth Monday in August; and

(5) in Wheeler County on the fourth Mondays in April and

November.

Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.

Sec. 24.134. 32ND JUDICIAL DISTRICT (FISHER, MITCHELL, AND NOLAN

COUNTIES). (a) The 32nd Judicial District is composed of

Fisher, Mitchell, and Nolan counties.

(b) The terms of the 32nd District Court in each county in the

district begin on the first Mondays in January, May, and

September.

Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.

Amended by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 34, Sec. 1, eff. Jan. 1,

2002.

Sec. 24.135. 33RD JUDICIAL DISTRICT (BLANCO, BURNET, LLANO, AND

SAN SABA COUNTIES). (a) The 33rd Judicial District is composed

of Blanco, Burnet, Llano, and San Saba counties.

(b) The terms of the 33rd District Court begin:

(1) in Blanco County on the first Mondays in February and

September;

(2) in Burnet County on the fourth Mondays in April and

November;

(3) in Llano County on the first Mondays in April and November;

and

(4) in San Saba County on the second Mondays in March and

October.

commissioners and impanel grand juries in each county. The judge

of the 33rd District Court may alternate the drawing of grand

juries with the judge of any other district court in each county

within the 33rd Judicial District and may order grand and petit

juries to be drawn for any term of the court as the judge

determines is necessary, by an order entered in the minutes of

the court. Indictments within each county may be returned to

either court within that county.

(d) The 33rd District Court may hear and determine, in any

county in the district convenient for the court, all preliminary

or interlocutory matters in which a jury may not be demanded, in

any case pending in any county in the district regardless of

whether the case was filed in the county in which the hearing is

held. Unless an objection is filed by a party to the suit, the

33rd District Court may hear, in any county in the district

convenient for the court, any nonjury case pending in any county

in the district, including divorces, adoptions, default

judgments, and matters in which citation was by publication,

regardless of whether the case was filed in the county in which

the hearing is held.

Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.

Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 148, Sec. 2.08(a), eff.

Sept. 1, 1987; Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 623, Sec. 1, eff. Sept.

1, 1999.

Amended by:

Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch.

1352, Sec. 14, eff. September 1, 2005.

Sec. 24.136. 34TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT (EL PASO COUNTY). (a) The

34th Judicial District is composed of El Paso County.

(b) In El Paso County, the 34th, 41st, 65th, 120th, and 171st

district courts have concurrent jurisdiction.

Mondays in April and September and the first Mondays in January,

July, and November.

(d) A grand jury may not be impaneled in any district court in

El Paso County except the 34th District Court unless the judge of

another district court in the county calls for a grand jury by

special order.

Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.

Amended by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 704, Sec. 17, eff. Sept. 1,

1995.

Sec. 24.137. 35TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT (BROWN AND MILLS COUNTIES).

(a) The 35th Judicial District is composed of Brown and Mills

counties.

(b) In addition to other jurisdiction provided by law, each

district court in Mills County has the civil jurisdiction of a

county court.

(1) in Brown County on the first Mondays in February, June, and

November; and

(2) in Mills County on the first Mondays in January, May, and

October.

Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.

Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 148, Sec. 2.09(a), eff.

Sept. 1, 1987.

Sec. 24.138. 36TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT (ARANSAS, BEE, LIVE OAK,

MCMULLEN, AND SAN PATRICIO COUNTIES). (a) The 36th Judicial

District is composed of Aransas, Bee, Live Oak, McMullen, and San

Patricio counties.

(b) The terms of the 36th District Court begin:

(1) in Aransas County on the fourth Mondays in April and

October;

(2) in Bee County on the first Mondays in April and October;

(3) in Live Oak County on the third Mondays in April and

October;

(4) in McMullen County on the second Mondays in January and

July; and

(5) in San Patricio County on the second Mondays in April and

October.

Live Oak, McMullen, and San Patricio counties shall sign the

minutes of each term of his court in each of the counties not

later than the 30th day after the end of the term and shall also

sign the minutes of the other courts covering the proceedings

that were held before him.

Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.

Amended by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 196, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1,

1993.

Sec. 24.139. 37TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT (BEXAR COUNTY). (a) The

37th Judicial District is composed of Bexar County.

(b) This section applies to the 37th, 45th, 57th, 73rd, 131st,

144th, 150th, 166th, 175th, 186th, 187th, 224th, 225th, 226th,

227th, 285th, 288th, 289th, and 290th district courts in Bexar

County.

jurisdiction.

(d) The 144th, 175th, 186th, 187th, 226th, 227th, and 290th

district courts shall give preference to criminal cases. The

terms of those courts begin on the first Mondays in January and

July. Each term continues until the court has disposed of the

business for that term.

(e) The terms of the 37th, 45th, 57th, 73rd, 131st, 150th,

166th, 224th, 225th, 285th, and 288th district courts begin on

the first Mondays in January and July.

(f) The district clerk shall docket successively on the dockets

of the courts that do not give preference to criminal cases all

civil cases and proceedings so that the civil cases and

proceedings are docketed in rotation and equally distributed

among the courts.

(g) The district clerk may consolidate the minutes of the

district courts. If the clerk decides not to consolidate the

minutes, the judge of each district court shall sign the minutes

of each court term not later than the 30th day after the end of

the term and shall also sign at the end of each volume of the

minutes. Each judge sitting in a court shall sign the minutes of

the proceedings held before him. If the clerk decides to

consolidate the minutes, each judge may accept responsibility for

the proceedings held before him by signing at the end of the

minutes or at the end of the volume.

(h) All bonds taken for the appearance of defendants, parties,

or witnesses in any district court or in any inferior court in

Bexar County are binding on all defendants, parties, or

witnesses, and their sureties, in any of the courts in which the

case is pending or to which the case may be transferred. If a

case is transferred, all process, bonds, recognizances, and

obligations extant at the time of transfer shall be returned and

filed in the court to which the case is transferred and are valid

and binding as if originally issued out of that court.

(i) The judge of each district court may take a vacation at any

time during the year. During a judge's vacation, the court term

remains open, and the judge of any other district court may hold

court during the judge's vacation. The judges of the district

courts shall, by agreement among themselves, take their vacations

so that there are district court judges in the county at all

times.

(j) The Bexar County sheriff or the sheriff's deputy shall

attend each court as required by law or by the judge.

(k) The judges of the courts that give preference to criminal

cases may impanel special and general grand juries as needed or

by agreement between the judges.

(l) By a majority vote, the judges of the courts that give

preference to criminal cases may jointly appoint not more than

four grand jury bailiffs. The bailiffs serve at the will of the

judges and may be removed by a majority vote of the judges.

Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.

Amended by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 90, Sec. 6, eff. Aug. 30,

1993; Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 497, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.

Sec. 24.140. 38TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT (MEDINA, REAL, AND UVALDE

COUNTIES). (a) The 38th Judicial District is composed of

Medina, Real, and Uvalde counties.

(b) The terms of the 38th District Court begin:

(1) in Medina County on the first Mondays in January and June;

(2) in Real County on the first Mondays in April and November;

and

(3) in Uvalde County on the first Mondays in February and

September.

Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.

Sec. 24.141. 39TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT (HASKELL, KENT, STONEWALL,

AND THROCKMORTON COUNTIES). (a) The 39th Judicial District is

composed of Haskell, Kent, Stonewall, and Throckmorton counties.

(b) The terms of the 39th District Court begin:

(1) in Haskell County on the first Monday in January, the 15th

Monday after the first Monday in January, and the third Monday

after the first Monday in September;

(2) in Kent County on the ninth Monday after the first Monday in

January and the first Monday in September;

(3) in Stonewall County on the 6th and 20th Mondays after the

first Monday in January and the ninth Monday after the first

Monday

State Codes and Statutes

State Codes and Statutes

State Codes and Statutes

State Codes and Statutes

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