Although similar versions failed twice before, a judicial system overhaul bill meant to unify the “patchwork quilt that is the Texas court system” is advancing through the Texas Legislature this session with good chance of passage, says Carl Reynolds, administrative director of the Office of Court Administration, who worked on a task force several years ago that helped identify reforms.
Senate Bill 1717, authored by Sen. Robert Duncan, R-Lubbock, passed the Senate on April 26. On May 5 it reported out of a House committee with six minor amendments, but the committee has yet to distribute its report. The judicial-overhaul bill could die unless the House races to meet deadlines next week.
