WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HB 1317

Relating to authorizing the attorney general to petition the chief justice of the supreme court to convene a special three-judge district court in certain circumstances.

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by Alan Schoolcraft

Texas HB 1317 grants the Attorney General power to request the Chief Justice convene special three-judge courts in unspecified circumstances, blurring judicial-executive separation.

Left pending in committee
#attorneygeneral(v2811) #courts--district(i0120) #education--primary&secondary--accountability(i0007) #education--primary&secondary--finance(i0250) #supremecourt(v0311)
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 1317

Legislative bill overview

HB 1317 authorizes Texas's Attorney General to petition the Chief Justice of the Texas Supreme Court to convene a special three-judge district court under unspecified circumstances. The bill creates a new procedural mechanism allowing executive branch influence over judicial convening decisions without detailing the triggering conditions or legal standards for such petitions.

Why is this important

This bill affects the separation of powers between executive and judicial branches by giving the Attorney General direct access to the state's highest court to request special judicial panels. The vague scope of "certain circumstances" means the actual reach and application of this authority remains undefined, potentially impacting how certain categories of cases are handled or which judges hear them.

Potential points of contention

  • Separation of powers concerns: Allowing the executive branch (Attorney General) to petition for specially-convened courts could blur traditional judicial independence and raise questions about forum shopping or strategic case assignment
  • Lack of specificity: The bill doesn't define what "certain circumstances" justify such petitions, leaving implementation standards ambiguous and potentially subject to inconsistent application
  • Transparency and accountability: No apparent public notice or reporting requirements for when petitions are filed or granted, limiting public oversight of this new authority

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.