Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB997

Voted on by Senate
 
Out of House Committee
 
Voted on by House
 
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

Relating to the duties of the district attorney for the 1st Judicial District and the creation of the office of district attorney for the 273rd Judicial District.

Impact

The creation of the 273rd Judicial District seeks to streamline legal processes in Sabine County, allowing for more focused legal representation and resources. By electing a district attorney specifically for this area, the bill is seen as an effort to improve efficiency and effectiveness in handling legal cases that arise within this jurisdiction. The bill's establishment of an independent office for this judicial district is expected to assist in alleviating the caseload from neighboring districts and provide more accessible legal services to the community.

Summary

SB997 aims to amend the Government Code regarding the responsibilities of district attorneys within Texas. Specifically, the bill provides for the creation of the office of the district attorney for the 273rd Judicial District, which is composed of voters from Sabine County. This legislative move marks a significant reorganization within the state's legal provisions, as it expands the structure of government to include an additional judicial district with its own appointed prosecutor, thereby enhancing local legal representation.

Contention

One potential point of contention surrounding SB997 is the allocation of state resources to support the new district attorney’s office. Critics may raise concerns regarding the budgetary implications of adding another prosecutorial office, as creating and maintaining this position could require additional state funding. Additionally, there may be discussions regarding the implications for legal coherence and the necessity of such a new district in a region that may already have administrative structures in place. Stakeholders on both sides are likely to debate the benefits of local representation versus potential bureaucratic expansion.

Companion Bills

TX HB3409

Identical Relating to the duties of the district attorney for the 1st Judicial District and the creation of the office of district attorney for the 273rd Judicial District.

Previously Filed As

TX HB3409

Relating to the duties of the district attorney for the 1st Judicial District and the creation of the office of district attorney for the 273rd Judicial District.

TX SB44

Relating to the duties of the district attorney for the 1st Judicial District and the creation of the office of district attorney for the 273rd Judicial District.

TX SB2384

Relating to the creation of the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th Regional Administrative Judicial Districts, the creation of the office of regional district attorney for each district, and the powers and duties of regional district attorneys.

TX HB4645

Relating to the creation of the office of district attorney for the 365th Judicial District and the duties of the district attorney for the 293rd Judicial District.

TX HB1707

Relating to the duties of the district attorney for the 70th Judicial District.

TX HB641

Provides with respect to the salaries of assistant district attorneys and the operating budget of the district attorney in the Twenty-Second Judicial District

TX HB4803

Relating to the creation of offices of District Attorney for the Northeast Texas, Central Texas, Southeast Texas, and South Texas Regions and the powers and duties of and related to such officers.

TX SB491

Cobb Judicial Circuit; assistant district attorneys; change the salaries

TX HB353

Courts, compensation of certain judicial officials and district attorneys further provided for

TX SB227

Courts, compensation of certain judicial officials and district attorneys further provided for

Similar Bills

LA SB454

Provides for a population based allocation of assistant district attorney positions in the state. (7/1/26) (OR +$397,950 GF EX See Note)

LA HB719

Provides relative to the number of assistant district attorneys in each judicial district (RE +$2,274,000 GF EX See Note)

TX HB4803

Relating to the creation of offices of District Attorney for the Northeast Texas, Central Texas, Southeast Texas, and South Texas Regions and the powers and duties of and related to such officers.

TX SB2384

Relating to the creation of the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th Regional Administrative Judicial Districts, the creation of the office of regional district attorney for each district, and the powers and duties of regional district attorneys.

LA HB243

Provides relative to the appointment of a substitute for a recused district attorney

TX SB1124

Relating to discovery in a criminal case.

LA HB641

Provides with respect to the salaries of assistant district attorneys and the operating budget of the district attorney in the Twenty-Second Judicial District

TX HB4006

Relating to the suspension and removal from office of a district attorney, criminal district attorney, or county attorney of a political subdivision of this state.