CHAPTER 26. CONSTITUTIONAL COUNTY COURTS
GOVERNMENT CODE
TITLE 2. JUDICIAL BRANCH
SUBTITLE A. COURTS
CHAPTER 26. CONSTITUTIONAL COUNTY COURTS
SUBCHAPTER A. GENERAL PROVISIONS
Sec. 26.001. BOND. (a) Before entering the duties of the
office, the county judge must execute a bond that:
(1) is payable to the treasurer of the county;
(2) is in the amount set by the commissioners court of not less
than $1,000 nor more than $10,000; and
(3) is conditioned that the judge will:
(A) pay all money that comes into his hands as county judge to
the person or officer entitled to it;
(B) pay to the county all money illegally paid to the judge out
of county funds; and
(C) not vote or consent to pay out county funds for other than
lawful purposes.
(b) The bond must be approved by the commissioners court.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.
Sec. 26.002. TERMS. (a) By order entered on its records, the
commissioners court may fix the number of court terms, may set
the times at which the terms shall be held, including the four
terms required by the constitution, and may set the length of
each term.
(b) Notwithstanding Subsection (a), the court must be open at
all times for the transaction of probate business.
(c) All terms of court must be held at the county seat.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.
Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 149, Sec. 20, eff. Sept. 1,
1987.
Sec. 26.003. ADJOURNMENT OF COURT BY SHERIFF OR CONSTABLE. If
the county judge fails to appear at the time appointed for
holding court and a visiting judge is not appointed, the sheriff
shall adjourn the court from day to day for three days. If the
sheriff fails to adjourn the court, a constable shall do so. If
the judge does not appear on the fourth day and no visiting judge
is appointed, the sheriff or constable shall adjourn the court
until the next regular term.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.
Amended by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1388, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1,
1999.
Sec. 26.004. MINUTES OF COURT. (a) Each morning, the minutes
of the proceedings of the preceding day shall be read in open
court. On the last day of the session, the minutes shall be read,
corrected if necessary, and signed in open court by the county
judge.
(b) A visiting judge shall sign the minutes of the proceedings
before the visiting judge.
(c) Repealed by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 602, Sec. 19(1),
eff. June 19, 2009.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.
Amended by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1388, Sec. 2, eff. Sept. 1,
1999.
Amended by:
Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch.
602, Sec. 19(1), eff. June 19, 2009.
Sec. 26.005. SEAL. (a) Each county court shall be provided
with a seal that has a star with five points engraved in the
center. The seal must also have "County Court of ____________
County, Texas" engraved on it.
(b) The impress of the seal shall be attached to all process
other than subpoenas issued out of the court and shall be used to
authenticate the official acts of the county clerk and county
judge.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.
Sec. 26.006. SALARY SUPPLEMENT FROM STATE FOR CERTAIN COUNTY
JUDGES. (a) A county judge is entitled to an annual salary
supplement from the state of $15,000 if at least 40 percent of
the functions that the judge performs are judicial functions.
(b) To receive a supplement under Subsection (a), a county judge
must file with the comptroller's judiciary section an affidavit
stating that at least 40 percent of the functions that the judge
performs are judicial functions.
(c) The commissioners court in a county with a county judge who
is entitled to receive a salary supplement under this section may
not reduce the county funds provided for the salary or office of
the county judge as a result of the salary supplement required by
this section.
Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 1166, Sec. 3, eff. Sept. 1,
1997. Amended by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1467, Sec. 1.08, eff.
June 19, 1999; Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1572, Sec. 4, eff. Oct.
1, 1999.
Amended by:
Acts 2005, 79th Leg., 2nd C.S., Ch.
3, Sec. 2, eff. December 1, 2005.
Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch.
1353, Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2009.
Sec. 26.007. STATE CONTRIBUTION. (a) Beginning on the first
day of the state fiscal year, the state shall annually compensate
each county that collects the additional fees and costs under
Section 51.703 in an amount equal to $5,000 if the county judge
is entitled to an annual salary supplement from the state under
Section 26.006.
(b) The amount shall be paid to the county's salary fund in
equal monthly installments from funds appropriated from the
judicial fund.
Added by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1572, Sec. 5, eff. Oct. 1,
1999; Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1467, Sec. 1.09, eff. June 19,
1999.
Sec. 26.008. EXCESS CONTRIBUTIONS. (a) At the end of each
state fiscal year the comptroller shall determine the amounts
deposited in the judicial fund under Section 51.703 and the
amounts paid to the counties under Section 26.007. If the total
amount paid under Section 51.703 by all counties that collect
fees and costs under that section exceeds the total amount paid
to the counties under Section 26.007, the state shall remit the
excess to the counties that collect fees and costs under Section
51.703 proportionately based on the percentage of the total paid
by each county.
(b) The amounts remitted under Subsection (a) shall be paid to
the county's general fund to be used only for court-related
purposes for the support of the judiciary as provided by Section
21.006.
Added by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1467, Sec. 1.09, eff. June 19,
1999; Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1572, Sec. 5, eff. Oct. 1, 1999.
Sec. 26.009. 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, including Section 26.002(c),
if a disaster, as defined by Section 418.004, occurs in a first
tier coastal county or a second tier coastal county that
precludes the county court from conducting its proceedings at the
county seat, the presiding judge of the administrative judicial
region, with the approval of the judge of the affected county
court, may designate an alternate location in the county at which
the court may conduct its proceedings.
Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch.
1076, Sec. 4, eff. June 15, 2007.
Sec. 26.010. APPOINTMENT OF COUNSEL IN CERTAIN APPEALS. (a) On
a written application of any party to an eviction suit, the
county court or county court at law in which an appeal of the
suit is filed may appoint any qualified attorney who is willing
to provide pro bono services in the matter or counsel from a list
provided by a pro bono legal services program of counsel willing
to be appointed to handle appeals under this section to attend to
the cause of a party who:
(1) was in possession of the residence at the time the eviction
suit was filed in the justice court; and
(2) has perfected the appeal on a pauper's affidavit approved in
accordance with Rule 749a, Texas Rules of Civil Procedure.
(b) The appointed counsel shall represent the individual in the
proceedings of the suit in the county court or county court at
law. At the conclusion of those proceedings, the appointment
terminates.
(c) The court may terminate representation appointed under this
section for cause.
(d) Appointed counsel may not receive attorney's fees unless the
recovery of attorney's fees is provided for by contract, statute,
common law, court rules, or other regulations. The county is not
responsible for payment of attorney's fees to appointed counsel.
(e) The court shall provide for a method of service of written
notice on the parties to an eviction suit of the right to request
an appointment of counsel on perfection of appeal on approval of
a pauper's affidavit.
Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch.
1183, Sec. 7, eff. September 1, 2009.
Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch.
1351, Sec. 5, eff. September 1, 2009.
SUBCHAPTER B. APPOINTMENT OF VISITING JUDGE
Sec. 26.011. ASSIGNMENT OF VISITING JUDGE. If a county judge is
absent, incapacitated, or disqualified in a civil or criminal
case, the presiding judge shall appoint a visiting judge to hear
the case in accordance with Subchapter C, Chapter 74.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.
Amended by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1388, Sec. 4, eff. Sept. 1,
1999.
Sec. 26.012. ASSIGNMENT OF VISITING JUDGE FOR PROBATE,
GUARDIANSHIP, AND MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS. If the county judge is
absent, incapacitated, or disqualified to act in a probate,
guardianship, or mental health matter, a visiting judge shall be
assigned in accordance with Section 25.0022(h).
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.
Amended by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1388, Sec. 5, eff. Sept. 1,
1999; Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 820, Sec. 2, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.
Sec. 26.015. VISITING JUDGE TO TAKE OATH. In addition to any
oath previously taken, a person appointed as a visiting judge of
a constitutional county court, including a person who is a
retired, former, or active judge, shall take the oath of office
required by the constitution.
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 456, Sec. 4, eff. Sept. 1,
1995; Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 782, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
Amended by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1388, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1,
1999.
Sec. 26.016. RECORD. When a visiting judge is appointed, the
clerk shall enter in the minutes as a part of the proceedings in
the cause a record that gives the visiting judge's name and shows
that:
(1) the judge of the court was disqualified, absent, or disabled
to try the cause;
(2) the visiting judge was appointed; and
(3) in addition to any oath previously taken, the oath of office
prescribed by law for the visiting judge, including a person who
is a retired, former, or active judge, was duly administered to
the visiting judge.
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 456, Sec. 4, eff. Sept. 1,
1995; Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 782, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
Amended by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1388, Sec. 7, eff. Sept. 1,
1999.
Sec. 26.017. APPOINTMENT OF ACTING COUNTY JUDGE. (a) Upon the
suspension of a constitutional county judge by the State
Commission on Judicial Conduct under Section 1-a, Article V,
Texas Constitution, the commissioners court may appoint a
resident of the county to fill the office until the next term of
that office or until the suspension ends, whichever event occurs
first.
(b) The commissioners court shall compensate the acting judge by
the day, week, or month in an amount equal to the compensation of
the regular judge. For budget amendment purposes under Chapter
111, Local Government Code, this requirement shall constitute an
emergency.
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 336, Sec. 1, eff. June 8,
1995. Renumbered from Government Code Sec. 26.015 by Acts 1997,
75th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 31.01(31), eff. Sept. 1, 1997.
SUBCHAPTER C. APPOINTMENT OF VISITING JUDGES IN CERTAIN COUNTIES
Sec. 26.021. APPLICATION OF SUBCHAPTER. This subchapter applies
only to a county in which:
(1) there is no statutory county court at law or statutory
probate court; and
(2) all duties of the county court devolve on the county judge.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.
Sec. 26.022. APPOINTMENT FOR PARTICULAR MATTERS. (a) The
county judge for good cause may at any time appoint a visiting
judge with respect to any pending civil or criminal matter.
(b) The visiting judge may be appointed on motion of the court
or on motion of any counsel of record in the matter. Each counsel
of record is entitled to notice and hearing on the matter.
(c) To be appointed a visiting judge, a person must be agreed on
by the counsels of record, if the counsels are able to agree.
(d) The motion for appointment and the order appointing the
visiting judge shall be noted on the docket. A written motion or
order may be filed among the papers of the case.
(e) The visiting judge has the powers of the county judge in
relation to the matter involved.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.
Amended by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 782, Sec. 7, eff. Sept. 1,
1995; Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1388, Sec. 9, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.
Sec. 26.023. APPOINTMENT FOR ABSENCE OF JUDGE. (a) The county
judge may appoint a retired judge or a constitutional county
judge from another county as a visiting judge when the county
judge is absent from the county or absent because of physical
incapacity.
(b) The visiting judge shall sit in all matters that are
docketed on any of the county court's dockets and has the powers
of the county judge in relation to the matter involved.
(c) Without the consent of the commissioners court, visiting
judges appointed under this section may not sit for more than 15
working days during a calendar year.
(d) The order appointing the visiting judge shall be noted in
the docket of the court.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.
Amended by Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. 811, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1,
1991; Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 782, Sec. 8, eff. Sept. 1, 1995;
Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1388, Sec. 10, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.
Sec. 26.024. APPOINTMENT TO SHARE BENCH. (a) The county judge
may appoint a retired judge or a constitutional county judge from
another county as a visiting judge to share the bench if the
county judge finds that the dockets of the county court reflect a
case load that the county judge considers to be in excess of that
which can be disposed of properly in a manner consistent with the
efficient administration of justice.
(b) The visiting judge may share the bench for periods
authorized by the commissioners court.
(c) The visiting judge shall sit in those matters authorized by
the county judge and has the powers of the county judge in
relation to those matters.
(d) The order appointing the visiting judge shall be noted on
the docket of the court.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.
Amended by Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. 811, Sec. 2, eff. Sept. 1,
1991; Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 782, Sec. 9, eff. Sept. 1, 1995;
Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1388, Sec. 11, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.
Sec. 26.026. COMPENSATION OF VISITING JUDGE. A visiting judge
appointed under this subchapter is entitled to compensation from
the commissioners court for each day the judge sits as visiting
judge at the rate according to law.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.
Amended by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1388, Sec. 12, eff. Sept. 1,
1999.
Sec. 26.027. NO ADMINISTRATIVE POWERS. A visiting judge
appointed under this subchapter does not have the powers of the
county judge as a member and presiding officer of the
commissioners court or the powers of the county judge relating to
the general administration of county business.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.
Amended by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1388, Sec. 13, eff. Sept. 1,
1999.
Sec. 26.028. ATTORNEY RECOMMENDATIONS. The county judge shall
consider the recommendations of attorneys of the court as to the
implementation of this subchapter and the accomplishment of its
purposes.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.
SUBCHAPTER D. JURISDICTION AND POWERS
Sec. 26.041. GENERAL JURISDICTION; CHANGES. A county court has
the jurisdiction conferred by this subchapter and other law.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.
Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 148, Sec. 1.38, eff. Sept.
1, 1987.
Sec. 26.042. CIVIL JURISDICTION; JUVENILE JURISDICTION. (a) A
county court has concurrent jurisdiction with the justice courts
in civil cases in which the matter in controversy exceeds $200 in
value but does not exceed $10,000, exclusive of interest.
(b) A county court has juvenile jurisdiction as provided by
Section 23.001.
(c) If under Subchapter E a county court has original concurrent
jurisdiction with the justice courts in all civil matters in
which the justice courts have jurisdiction, an appeal or writ of
error may not be taken to the court of appeals from a final
judgment of the county court in a civil case in which:
(1) the county court has appellate or original concurrent
jurisdiction with the justice courts; and
(2) the judgment or amount in controversy does not exceed $250,
exclusive of interest and costs.
(d) A county court has concurrent jurisdiction with the district
court in civil cases in which the matter in controversy exceeds
$500 but does not exceed $5,000, exclusive of interest.
(e) A county court has appellate jurisdiction in civil cases
over which the justice courts have original jurisdiction in cases
in which the judgment appealed from or the amount in controversy
exceeds $250, exclusive of costs.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.
Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 148, Sec. 1.39, eff. Sept.
1, 1987; Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 745, Sec. 1, eff. June 20,
1987; Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. 776, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1991.
Amended by:
Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch.
383, Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2007.
Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch.
553, Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2007.
Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch.
1351, Sec. 6, eff. September 1, 2009.
Sec. 26.043. CIVIL MATTERS IN WHICH COUNTY COURT IS WITHOUT
JURISDICTION. A county court does not have jurisdiction in:
(1) a suit to recover damages for slander or defamation of
character;
(2) a suit for the enforcement of a lien on land;
(3) a suit in behalf of the state for escheat;
(4) a suit for divorce;
(5) a suit for the forfeiture of a corporate charter;
(6) a suit for the trial of the right to property valued at $500
or more and levied on under a writ of execution, sequestration,
or attachment;
(7) an eminent domain case; or
(8) a suit for the recovery of land.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.
Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 148, Sec. 1.40, eff. Sept.
1, 1987.
Sec. 26.044. CERTIORARI JURISDICTION. A county court has
jurisdiction in cases brought from justice court by certiorari.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.
Sec. 26.045. ORIGINAL CRIMINAL JURISDICTION. (a) Except as
provided by Subsection (c), a county court has exclusive original
jurisdiction of misdemeanors other than misdemeanors involving
official misconduct and cases in which the highest fine that may
be imposed is $500 or less.
(b) Except as provided by Subsection (c), a county court has
jurisdiction in the forfeiture and final judgment of bonds and
recognizances taken in criminal cases within the court's
jurisdiction.
(c) Except as provided by Subsections (d) and (f), a county
court that is in a county with a criminal district court does not
have any criminal jurisdiction.
(d) A county court in a county with a population of two million
or more has original jurisdiction over cases alleging a violation
of Section 25.093 or 25.094, Education Code.
(e) Subsections (c) and (d) do not affect the jurisdiction of a
statutory county court.
(f) A county court has concurrent jurisdiction with a municipal
court in cases that arise in the municipality's extraterritorial
jurisdiction and that arise under an ordinance of the
municipality applicable to the extraterritorial jurisdiction
under Section 216.902, Local Government Code.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.
Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 148, Sec. 1.41, eff. Sept.
1, 1987; Acts 1987, 70th Leg., 2nd C.S., ch. 45, Sec. 1, eff.
Oct. 20, 1987; Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. 108, Sec. 6, eff. Sept.
1, 1991; Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 137, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1,
2003.
Amended by:
Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch.
612, Sec. 11, eff. September 1, 2007.
Sec. 26.046. APPELLATE CRIMINAL JURISDICTION. A county court
has appellate jurisdiction in criminal cases of which justice
courts and other inferior courts have original jurisdiction.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.
Sec. 26.047. HABEAS CORPUS. (a) A county court may issue a
writ of habeas corpus in any case in which the constitution has
not conferred the power on the district courts.
(b) On return of a writ of habeas corpus, the court may remand
to custody, admit to bail, or discharge the person imprisoned or
detained, as the law and nature of the case require.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.
Sec. 26.048. MOTIONS AGAINST COURT OFFICERS. A county court may
hear and determine any motion against the sheriff or another
officer of the court for failure to pay money collected under
process of the court or for other defalcation of duty in
connection with a process of the court.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.
Sec. 26.049. APPOINTMENT OF COUNSEL. The county judge may
appoint counsel to represent a party who makes an affidavit that
he is too poor to employ counsel.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.
Sec. 26.050. POWERS OF LAW AND EQUITY. Subject to the
limitations stated in this chapter and in the constitution, a
county court may hear and determine any cause in law or equity
that a court of law or equity recognizes and may grant any relief
that may be granted by a court of law or equity.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.
Sec. 26.051. WRIT POWER. A county judge, in either term time or
vacation, may grant writs of mandamus, injunction, sequestration,
attachment, garnishment, certiorari, and supersedeas and all
other writs necessary to the enforcement of the court's
jurisdiction.
Added by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 148, Sec. 1.42, eff. Sept. 1,
1987.
Sec. 26.052. PROBATE AND MENTAL HEALTH CODE CASES. (a) In a
county in which the county court and any county court created by
statute have jurisdiction in both probate matters and proceedings
under Subtitle C, Title 7, Health and Safety Code, during each
year for which a statement has been filed as provided by
Subsection (b), those cases and proceedings must be filed in a
county court created by statute with jurisdiction of those cases
and proceedings.
(b) A county judge may file, not later than January 15 of each
year, a statement with the county clerk electing not to hear
probate matters and proceedings under Subtitle C, Title 7, Health
and Safety Code.
Added by Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. 746, Sec. 65, eff. Oct. 1,
1991. Amended by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 107, Sec. 4.01, eff.
Aug. 30, 1993.
SUBCHAPTER E. PROVISIONS RELATING TO PARTICULAR COUNTIES
Sec. 26.103. ANGELINA COUNTY. (a) The terms of the County
Court of Angelina County begin on the second Mondays in January,
April, July, and October and may continue for three weeks.
(b) The commissioners court may change the court terms under
Section 26.002.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.
Sec. 26.104. ARANSAS COUNTY. The County Court of Aransas County
has no probate, juvenile, civil, or criminal jurisdiction.
Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 688, Sec. 2, eff. June 13,
2001.
Sec. 26.106. ARMSTRONG COUNTY. In addition to other
jurisdiction provided by law, the County Court of Armstrong
County has original concurrent jurisdiction with the justice
courts in all civil matters in which the justice courts have
jurisdiction under general law.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.
Sec. 26.107. ATASCOSA COUNTY. In addition to other jurisdiction
provided by law, the County Court of Atascosa County has original
concurrent jurisdiction with the justice courts in all civil
matters in which the justice courts have jurisdiction under
general law.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.
Sec. 26.109. BAILEY COUNTY. In addition to other jurisdiction
provided by law, the County Court of Bailey County has original
concurrent jurisdiction with the justice courts in all civil
matters in which the justice courts have jurisdiction under
general law.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.
Sec. 26.111. BASTROP COUNTY. (a) If the county judge is
licensed to practice law in this state, the County Court of
Bastrop County has jurisdiction concurrent with the County Court
at Law of Bastrop County over all causes and proceedings, civil
and criminal, juvenile and probate, original and appellate, over
which by the constitution and general laws of this state county
courts have jurisdiction.
(b) If the county judge is not licensed to practice law in this
state, the County Court of Bastrop County has concurrent
jurisdiction with the county court at law only in probate
proceedings, administrations of estates, guardianship
proceedings, mental illness proceedings, and juvenile
jurisdiction as provided by Section 26.042(b).
Added by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 148, Sec. 2.22(a), eff. Sept.
1, 1987.
Sec. 26.112. BAYLOR COUNTY. The County Court of Baylor County
has the general jurisdiction of a probate court and the general
criminal jurisdiction of a county court but has no other civil
jurisdiction.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.
Amended by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1146, Sec. 2, eff. Sept. 1,
1999.
Sec. 26.113. BEE COUNTY. In addition to other jurisdiction
provided by law, the County Court of Bee County has original
concurrent jurisdiction with the justice courts in all civil
matters in which the justice courts have jurisdiction under
general law.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.
Sec. 26.115. BEXAR COUNTY. The County Court of Bexar County has
the general jurisdiction of a probate court and of a juvenile
court as provided by Section 26.042(b) but has no other civil or
criminal jurisdiction.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.
Sec. 26.116. BLANCO COUNTY. (a) In addition to other
jurisdiction provided by law, the County Court of Blanco County
has original concurrent jurisdiction with the justice courts in
all civil and criminal matters in which the justice courts have
jurisdiction under general law.
(b) The terms of the county court begin on the first Mondays in
January, May, August, and November and continue for six weeks or
until the court has disposed of its business. The commissioners
court may change the court terms under Section 26.002.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.
Without reference to the 1985 repeal of V.T.C.S. Art. 1970-306,
from which this section was derived, that article was also
amended by Sec. 42, Ch. 159, Acts 69th Leg., 1985.
Sec. 26.119. BOWIE COUNTY. The County Court of Bowie County has
the general jurisdiction of a probate court and juvenile
jurisdiction as provided by Section 26.042(b) but has no other
civil or criminal jurisdiction.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.
Sec. 26.121. BRAZOS COUNTY. The County Court of Brazos County
has the general jurisdiction of a probate court and juvenile
jurisdiction as provided by Section 26.042(b) but has no other
civil or criminal jurisdiction.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.
Sec. 26.122. BREWSTER COUNTY. (a) The terms of the County
Court of Brewster County begin on the third Mondays in February,
May, August, and November and continue until the court has
disposed of its business.
(b) The commissioners court may change the court terms under
Section 26.002.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.
Sec. 26.126. BURLESON COUNTY. In addition to other jurisdiction
provided by law, the County Court of Burleson County has original
concurrent jurisdiction with the justice courts in all civil
matters in which the justice courts have jurisdiction under
general law.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.
Sec. 26.131. CAMERON COUNTY. The County Court of Cameron County
has the general jurisdiction of a probate court but has no other
civil or criminal jurisdiction.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.
Sec. 26.134. CASS COUNTY. The County Court of Cass County has
the general jurisdiction of a probate court but has no other
civil or criminal jurisdiction except juvenile jurisdiction as
provided by Section 26.042(b) and criminal jurisdiction to
receive and enter guilty pleas in misdemeanor cases.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.
Sec. 26.135. CASTRO COUNTY. (a) The terms of the County Court
of Castro County begin on the fourth Mondays in February, May,
August, and November and continue until the court has disposed of
its business.
(b) The commissioners court may change the court terms under
Section 26.002.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.
Sec. 26.140. COCHRAN COUNTY. In addition to other jurisdiction
provided by law, the County Court of Cochran County has original
concurrent jurisdiction with the justice courts in all civil
matters in which the justice courts have jurisdiction under
general law.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.
Sec. 26.143. COLLIN COUNTY. The County Court of Collin County
has the general jurisdiction of a probate court but has no other
civil or criminal jurisdiction.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.
Sec. 26.144. COLLINGSWORTH COUNTY. In addition to other
jurisdiction provided by law, the County Court of Collingsworth
County has original concurrent jurisdiction with the justice
courts in all civil matters in which the justice courts have
jurisdiction under general law.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.
Sec. 26.145. COLORADO COUNTY. In addition to other jurisdiction
provided by law, the County Court of Colorado County has original
concurrent jurisdiction with the justice courts in all civil
matters in which the justice courts have jurisdiction under
general law.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.
Sec. 26.146. COMAL COUNTY. The County Court of Comal County has
the general jurisdiction of a probate court and juvenile
jurisdiction as provided by Section 26.042(b) but has no other
civil or criminal jurisdiction.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.
Sec. 26.149. COOKE COUNTY. (a) The County Court of Cooke
County does not have probate, guardianship, mental health,
juvenile, civil, criminal, or appellate jurisdiction.
(b) The judge of the County Court of Cooke County is exempt from
the judicial training and instruction required under Chapter 22.
Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 535, Sec. 2, eff. Dec. 1,
2001.
Sec. 26.151. COTTLE COUNTY. The County Court of Cottle County
has the general jurisdiction of a probate court and the general
criminal jurisdiction of a county court but has no other civil
jurisdiction.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.
Amended by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1147, Sec. 2, eff. Sept. 1,
1999.
Sec. 26.154. CROSBY COUNTY. In addition to other jurisdiction
provided by law, the County Court of Crosby County has original
concurrent jurisdiction with the justice courts in all civil
matters in which the justice courts have jurisdiction under
general law.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.
Sec. 26.157. DALLAS COUNTY. The County Court of Dallas County
has no appellate criminal jurisdiction.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.
Sec. 26.158. DAWSON COUNTY. In addition to other jurisdiction
provided by law, the County Court of Dawson County has original
concurrent jurisdiction with the justice courts in all civil
matters in which the justice courts have jurisdiction under
general law.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.
Sec. 26.159. DEAF SMITH COUNTY. In addition to other
jurisdiction provided by law, the County Court of Deaf Smith
County has original concurrent jurisdiction with the justice
courts in all civil matters in which the justice courts have
jurisdiction under general law.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.
Sec. 26.161. DENTON COUNTY. The County Court of Denton County
has no probate, juvenile, civil, or criminal jurisdiction.
Added by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 148, Sec. 2.23(a), eff. Sept.
1, 1987. Amended by Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. 746, Sec. 66(a),
eff. Oct. 1, 1991.
Sec. 26.163. DICKENS COUNTY. In addition to other jurisdiction
provided by law, the County Court of Dickens County has original
concurrent jurisdiction with the justice courts in all civil
matters in which the justice courts have jurisdiction under
general law.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.
Sec. 26.164. DIMMIT COUNTY. (a) The terms of the County Court
of Dimmit County begin on the second Mondays in January, April,
July, and October and may continue for three weeks.
(b) The commissioners court may change the court terms under
Section 26.002.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.
Sec. 26.167. EASTLAND COUNTY. The County Court of Eastland
County has the general jurisdiction of a probate court but has no
other civil jurisdiction except juvenile jurisdiction as provided
by Section 26.042(b) and concurrent with the district court the
criminal jurisdiction of a county court.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.
Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 15, Sec. 2, eff. April 14,
1987.
Sec. 26.169. EDWARDS COUNTY. (a) In addition to other
jurisdiction provided by law, the County Court of Edwards County
has original concurrent jurisdiction with the justice courts in
all civil and criminal matters in which the justice courts have
jurisdiction under general law.
(b) The terms of the county court begin on the first Mondays in
January, May, August, and November and continue until the
Saturday before the Monday on which the next term begins. The
commissioners court may change the court terms under Section
26.002.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.
Sec. 26.171. EL PASO COUNTY. The County Court of El Paso County
has the general jurisdiction of a probate court and juvenile
jurisdiction as provided by Section 26.042(b) but has no other
civil or criminal jurisdiction.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.
Sec. 26.173. FALLS COUNTY. The County Court of Falls County
has:
(1) the general jurisdiction of a probate court;
(2) juvenile jurisdiction as provided by Section 26.042(b); and
(3) original and appellate jurisdiction in all matters over
which county courts have jurisdiction under the constitution and
laws of this state.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.
Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 148, Sec. 2.24(a), eff.
Sept. 1, 1987.
Sec. 26.175. FAYETTE COUNTY. In addition to other jurisdiction
provided by law, the County Court of Fayette County has the
following jurisdiction concurrent with the district court if the
county judge is licensed to practice law in this state and
practiced law for at least two years before his appointment or
election:
(1) jurisdiction over cases and proceedings under the Family
Code;
(2) eminent domain jurisdiction; and
(3) civil jurisdiction in cases in which the matter in
controversy exceeds $500 and does not exceed $20,000.
Added by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 523, Sec. 1, eff. June 17,
1987.
Sec. 26.176. FISHER COUNTY. In addition to other jurisdiction
provided by law, the County Court of Fisher County has original
concurrent jurisdiction with the justice courts in all civil
matters in which the justice courts have jurisdiction under
general law.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.
Sec. 26.180. FRANKLIN COUNTY. (a) The terms of the County
Court of Franklin County begin on the second Mondays in January,
April, July, and October and continue until the court has
disposed of its business.
(b) The commissioners court may change the court terms under
Section 26.002.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.
Sec. 26.183. GAINES COUNTY. In addition to other jurisdiction
provided by law, the County Court of Gaines County has original
concurrent jurisdiction with the justice courts in all civil
matters in which the justice courts have jurisdiction under
general law.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.
Sec. 26.185. GARZA COUNTY. In addition to other jurisdiction
provided by law, the County Court of Garza County has original
concurrent jurisdiction with the justice courts in all civil
matters in which the justice courts have jurisdiction under
general law.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.
Sec. 26.186. GILLESPIE COUNTY. (a) In addition to other
jurisdiction provided by law, the County Court of Gillespie
County has original concurrent jurisdiction with the justice
courts in all civil and criminal matters in which the justice
courts have jurisdiction under general law.
(b) The terms of the county court begin on the first Mondays in
January, May, August, and November and continue for six weeks or
until the court has disposed of its business. The commissioners
court may change the court terms under Section 26.002.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.
Without reference to the 1985 repeal of V.T.C.S. Art. 1970-320,
from which this section was derived, that article was also
amended by Sec. 48, Ch. 159, Acts 69th Leg., 1985.
Sec. 26.187. GLASSCOCK COUNTY. The County Court of Glasscock
County has the general jurisdiction of a probate court, general
criminal jurisdiction, and juvenile jurisdiction as provided by
Section 26.042(b) but has no other civil jurisdiction.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.
Sec. 26.188. GOLIAD COUNTY. In addition to other jurisdiction
provided by law, the County Court of Goliad County has original
concurrent jurisdiction with the justice courts in all civil
matters in which the justice courts have jurisdiction under
general law.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.
Sec. 26.189. GONZALES COUNTY. In addition to other jurisdiction
provided by law, the County Court of Gonzales County has original
concurrent jurisdiction with the justice courts in all civil
matters in which the justice courts have jurisdiction under
general law.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.
Sec. 26.191. GRAYSON COUNTY. The County Court of Grayson County
has the general jurisdiction of a probate court and juvenile
jurisdiction as provided by Section 26.042(b) but has no other
civil or criminal jurisdiction.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.
Sec. 26.192. GREGG COUNTY. (a) The terms of the County Court
of Gregg County begin on the second Mondays in January, April,
July, and October and continue until the court has disposed of
its business.
(b) The commissioners court may change the court terms under
Section 26.002.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.
Sec. 26.200. HARDIN COUNTY. (a) The terms of the County Court
of Hardin County continue until the court has disposed of its
business.
(b) The commissioners court may change the court terms under
Section 26.002.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.
Sec. 26.204. HASKELL COUNTY. In addition to other jurisdiction
provided by law, the County Court of Haskell County has original
concurrent jurisdiction with the justice courts in all civil
matters in which the justice courts have jurisdiction under
general law.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.
Sec. 26.206. HEMPHILL COUNTY. In addition to other jurisdiction
provided by law, the County Court of Hemphill County has original
concurrent jurisdiction with the justice courts in all civil
matters in which the justice courts have jurisdiction under
general law.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.
Sec. 26.208. HIDALGO COUNTY. The County Court of Hidalgo County
has the general jurisdiction of a probate court but has no other
civil or criminal jurisdiction.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.
Sec. 26.209. HILL COUNTY. (a) The County Court of Hill County
has the general jurisdiction of a probate court and has
concurrent original and appellate jurisdiction with the 66th
District Court over civil and criminal matters within the
jurisdiction of the county court.
(b) All civil and criminal matters within the jurisdiction of
the county court must be filed with the district clerk in the
district court.
(c) The judge of the 66th District Court shall act as presiding
judge between the district and county courts and may assign to
the county court original or appellate cases that are within the
county court's jurisdiction and assign to a county court at law
cases that are within the jurisdiction of the county court at
law. The assignment shall be made by docket notation.
(d) The district clerk of Hill County shall perform all clerical
functions of the county court as to matters within the concurrent
jurisdiction of the county and district courts. The district
clerk shall charge the fees set by law for county courts in any
case within the courts' concurrent jurisdiction.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.
Amended by:
Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch.
959, Sec. 3, eff. September 1, 2005.
Sec. 26.210. HOCKLEY COUNTY. In addition to other jurisdiction
provided by law, the County Court of Hockley County has original
concurrent jurisdiction with the justice courts in all civil
matters in which the justice courts have jurisdiction under
general law.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.
Sec. 26.218. IRION COUNTY. (a) In addition to other
jurisdiction provided by law, the County Court of Irion County
has original concurrent jurisdiction with the justice courts in
all civil and criminal matters in which the justice courts have
jurisdiction under general law.
(b) The terms of the county court begin on the first Mondays in
January, May, August, and November and continue for six weeks or
until the court has disposed of its business. The commissioners
court may change the court terms under Section 26.002.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.
Sec. 26.223. JEFFERSON COUNTY. (a) The County Court of
Jefferson County has the general jurisdiction of a probate court
and juvenile jurisdiction as provided by Section 26.042(b) but
has no other civil or criminal jurisdiction.
(b) The terms of the county court continue until the court has
disposed of its business. The commissioners court may change the
court terms under Section 26.002.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.
Sec. 26.226. JOHNSON COUNTY. The County Court of Johnson County
has:
(1) the general jurisdiction of a probate court;
(2) juvenile jurisdiction as provided by Section 26.042(b); and
(3) original and appellate jurisdiction over all matters over
which county courts have jurisdiction under the constitution and
laws of this state.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.
Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 148, Sec. 2.26(a), eff.
Sept. 1, 1987.
Sec. 26.227. JONES COUNTY. The County Court of Jones County has
the general jurisdiction of a probate court and juvenile
jurisdiction as provided by Section 26.042(b) but has no other
civil or criminal jurisdiction.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.
Sec. 26.228. KARNES COUNTY. In addition to other jurisdiction
provided by law, the County Court of Karnes County has original
concurrent jurisdiction with the justice courts in all civil
matters in which the justice courts have jurisdiction under
general law.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.
Sec. 26.232. KENT COUNTY. In addition to other jurisdiction
provided by law, the County Court of Kent County has original
concurrent jurisdiction with the justice courts in all civil
matters in which the justice courts have jurisdiction under
general law.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.
Sec. 26.233. KERR COUNTY. (a) The terms of the County Court of
Kerr County continue for three weeks or until the court has
disposed of its business.
(b) The commissioners court may change the court terms under
Section 26.002.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.
Sec. 26.234. KIMBLE COUNTY. In addition to other jurisdiction
provided by law, the County Court of Kimble County has original
concurrent jurisdiction with the justice courts in all civil and
criminal matters in which the justice courts have jurisdiction
under general law.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.
Sec. 26.235. KING COUNTY. The County Court of King County has
the general jurisdiction of a probate court and the general
criminal jurisdiction of a county court but has no other civil
jurisdiction.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.
Amended by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1495, Sec. 2, eff. Sept. 1,
1999.
Sec. 26.238. KNOX COUNTY. The County Court of Knox County has
the general jurisdiction of a probate court and the general
criminal jurisdiction of a county court but has no other civil
jurisdiction.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.
Amended by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1148, Sec. 2, eff. Sept. 1,
1999.
Sec. 26.240. LAMB COUNTY. In addition to other jurisdiction
provided by law, the County Court of Lamb County has original
concurrent jurisdiction with the justice courts in all civil
matters in which the justice courts have jurisdiction under
general law.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.
Sec. 26.241. LAMPASAS COUNTY. (a) The terms of the County
Court of Lampasas County begin on the second Mondays in January,
April, July, and October and continue until the business is
completed.
(b) The commissioners court may change the court terms under
Section 26.002.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.
Sec. 26.244. LEE COUNTY. In addition to other jurisdiction
provided by law, the County Court of Lee County has original
concurrent jurisdiction with the justice courts in all civil
matters in which the justice courts have jurisdiction under
general law.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.
Sec. 26.252. LUBBOCK COUNTY. The County Court of Lubbock County
has the general jurisdiction of a probate court and juvenile
jurisdiction as provided by Section 26.042(b) but has no other
civil or criminal jurisdiction.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.
Sec. 26.253. LYNN COUNTY. In addition to other jurisdiction
provided by law, the County Court of Lynn County has original
concurrent jurisdiction with the justice courts in all civil
matters in which the justice courts have jurisdiction under
general law.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.
Sec. 26.256. MCMULLEN COUNTY. In addition to other jurisdiction
provided by law, the County Court of McMullen County has original
concurrent jurisdiction with the justice courts in all civil
matters in which the justice courts have jurisdiction under
general law.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.
Sec. 26.258. MARION COUNTY. The County Court of Marion County
has the general jurisdiction of a probate court, general criminal
jurisdiction, and juvenile jurisdiction as provided by Section
26.042(b) but has no other civil jurisdiction.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.
Amended by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 187, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1,
2003.
Sec. 26.260. MASON COUNTY. The County Court of Mason County
has:
(1) the general jurisdiction of a probate court;
(2) juvenile jurisdiction as provided by Section 26.042(b); and
(3) original and appellate jurisdiction in all matters over
which county courts have jurisdiction under the constitution and
general laws of this state.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.
Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 148, Sec. 2.28(a), eff.
Sept. 1, 1987.
Sec. 26.261. MATAGORDA COUNTY. (a) The terms of the County
Court of Matagorda County begin on the third Mondays in February,
May, August, and November and continue until the court has
disposed of its business.
(b) The commissioners court may change the court terms under
Section 26.002.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.
Sec. 26.264. MENARD COUNTY. (a) In addition to other
jurisdiction provided by law, the County Court of Menard County
has original concurrent jurisdiction with the justice courts in
all civil and criminal matters in which the justice courts have
jurisdiction under general law.
(b) The terms of the county court begin on the first Mondays in
January, May, August, and November and continue for six weeks or
until the business is completed. The commissioners court may
change the court terms under Section 26.002.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.
Sec. 26.267. MILLS COUNTY. The County Court of Mills County has
the general jurisdiction of a probate court, general criminal
jurisdiction, and juvenile jurisdiction as provided by Section
26.042(b), but has no other civil jurisdiction.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.
Sec. 26.268. MITCHELL COUNTY. In addition to other jurisdiction
provided by law, the County Court of Mitchell County has original
concurrent jurisdiction with the justice courts in all civil
matters in which the justice courts have jurisdiction under
general law.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.
Sec. 26.272. MORRIS COUNTY. The County Court of Morris County
has the general jurisdiction of a probate court, general criminal
jurisdiction, and juvenile jurisdiction as provided by Section
26.042(b) but has no other civil jurisdiction.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.
Sec. 26.274. NACOGDOCHES COUNTY. The County Court of
Nacogdoches County has no probate, criminal, or civil
jurisdiction except juvenile jurisdiction as provided by Section
26.042(b).
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.
Sec. 26.275. NAVARRO COUNTY. The County Court of Navarro County
has the general jurisdiction of a probate court, general criminal
jurisdiction, and juvenile jurisdiction as provided by Section
26.042(b) but has no other civil jurisdiction.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.
Sec. 26.278. NUECES COUNTY. The County Court of Nueces County
has the general jurisdiction of a probate court but has no other
civil or criminal jurisdiction.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.
Sec. 26.280. OLDHAM COUNTY. (a) The terms of the County Court
of Oldham County begin on the fourth Mondays in February, May,
August, and November and continue until the court has disposed of
its business.
(b) The commissioners court may change the court terms under
Section 26.002.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.
Sec. 26.285. PARMER COUNTY. In addition to other jurisdiction
provided by law, the County Court of Parmer County has original
concurrent jurisdiction with the justice courts in all civil
matters in which the justice courts have jurisdiction under
general law.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.
Sec. 26.291. RANDALL COUNTY. In addition to other jurisdiction
provided by law, the County Court of Randall County has original
concurrent jurisdiction with the justice courts in all civil
matters in which the justice courts have jurisdiction under
general law.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.
Sec. 26.292. REAGAN COUNTY. In addition to other jurisdiction
provided by law, the County Court of Reagan County has original
concurrent jurisdiction with the justice courts in all civil
matters in which the justice courts have jurisdiction under
general law.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.
Sec. 26.294. RED RIVER COUNTY. (a) The County Court of Red
River County has:
(1) the general jurisdiction of a probate court;
(2) jurisdiction to enter orders providing for the support of
deserted wives or children, pendente lite, and to punish
violations of those orders;
(3) juvenile jurisdiction as provided by Section 26.042(b); and
(4) original criminal jurisdiction.
(b) The county court has no other civil jurisdiction or
appellate criminal jurisdiction.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.
Sec. 26.295. REEVES COUNTY. The County Court of Reeves County
has juvenile jurisdiction as provided by Section 26.042(b) but
has no other probate, criminal, or civil jurisdiction.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.
Sec. 26.298. ROBERTSON COUNTY. The County Court of Robertson
County has:
(1) the general jurisdiction of a probate court;
(2) juvenile jurisdiction as provided by Section 26.042(b); and
(3) original and appellate jurisdiction in all matters over
which county courts have jurisdiction under the constitution and
general laws of this state.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.
Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 148, Sec. 2.29(a), eff.
Sept. 1, 1987.
Sec. 26.302. SABINE COUNTY. (a) The County Court of Sabine
County has the general jurisdiction of a probate court, general
criminal jurisdiction, and juvenile jurisdiction as provided by
Section 26.042(b) but has no other civil jurisdiction.
(b) The terms of the County Court of Sabine County begin on the
second Mondays in January, April, July, and October and may
continue for three weeks. The commissioners court may change the
court terms under Section 26.002.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.
Sec. 26.303. SAN AUGUSTINE COUNTY. The County Court of San
Augustine County has the general jurisdiction of a probate court,
general criminal jurisdiction, and juvenile jurisdiction as
provided by Section 26.042(b) but has no other civil
jurisdiction.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.
Sec. 26.307. SCHLEICHER COUNTY. In addition to other
jurisdiction provided by law, the County Court of Schleicher
County has original concurrent jurisdiction with the justice
courts in all civil and criminal matters in which the justice
courts have jurisdiction under general law.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.
Sec. 26.308. SCURRY COUNTY. In addition to other jurisdiction
provided by law, the County Court of Scurry County has original
concurrent jurisdiction with the justice courts in all civil
matters in which the justice courts have jurisdiction under
general law.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.
Sec. 26.309. SHACKELFORD COUNTY. The County Court of
Shackelford County has the general jurisdiction of a probate
court and juvenile jurisdiction as provided by Section 26.042(b)
but has no other civil or criminal jurisdiction.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.
Sec. 26.314. STARR COUNTY. In addition to other jurisdiction
provided by law, the County Court of Starr County has original
concurrent jurisdiction with the justice courts in all civil
matters in which the justice courts have jurisdiction under
general law.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.
Sec. 26.315. STEPHENS COUNTY. The County Court of Stephens
County has the general jurisdiction of a probate court and
juvenile jurisdiction as provided by Section 26.042(b) but has no
other criminal or civil jurisdiction.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.
Sec. 26.316. STERLING COUNTY. In addition to other jurisdiction
provided by law, the County Court of Sterling County has original
concurrent jurisdiction with the justice courts in all civil and
criminal matters in which the justice courts have jurisdiction
under general law.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.
Sec. 26.317. STONEWALL COUNTY. (a) In addition to other
jurisdiction provided by law, the County Court of Stonewall
County has original concurrent jurisdiction with the justice
courts in all civil matters in which the justice courts have
jurisdiction under general law.
(b) The terms of the county court continue until the court has
disposed of its business. The commissioners court may change the
court terms under Section 26.002.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.
Sec. 26.320. TARRANT COUNTY. The County Court of Tarrant County
has the general jurisdiction of a probate court and juvenile
jurisdiction as provided by Section 26.042(b) but has no other
criminal or civil jurisdiction.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.
Sec. 26.321. TAYLOR COUNTY. The County Court of Taylor County
has the general jurisdiction of a probate court and juvenile
jurisdiction as provided by Section 26.042(b) but has no other
criminal or civil jurisdiction.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.
Amended by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 71, Sec. 1, eff. May 2,
1993.
Sec. 26.323. TERRY COUNTY. In addition to other jurisdiction
provided by law, the County Court of Terry County has original
concurrent jurisdiction with the justice courts in all civil
matters in which the justice courts have jurisdiction under
general law.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.
Sec. 26.327. TRAVIS COUNTY. The County Court of Travis County
has the general jurisdiction of a probate court but has no other
civil or criminal jurisdiction.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.
Sec. 26.328. TRINITY COUNTY. (a) The terms of the County Court
of Trinity County begin on the first Mondays in January, April,
July, and October and may continue for three weeks.
(b) The commissioners court may change the court terms under
Section 26.002.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.
Sec. 26.330. UPSHUR COUNTY. (a) The County Court of Upshur
County has the general jurisdiction of a probate court and has
concurrent jurisdiction with the district court in all other
matters over which county courts are given jurisdiction by the
constitution and general laws of this state.
(b) All civil and criminal matters within the concurrent
jurisdiction of the county and district courts must be filed with
the county clerk in the county court.
(c) The county judge shall act as presiding judge between the
county and district courts and may assign to the district court
original or appellate cases that are within the concurrent
jurisdiction of the courts. The assignment shall be made by
docket notation.