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SB 997

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.

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by Robert Nichols

SB 997 restructures prosecutorial duties in Texas's 1st Judicial District and establishes a new district attorney office for the 273rd Judicial District to redistribute caseload responsibilities.

Referred to Jurisprudence
#courts--county&statutory(i0115) #courts--district(i0120) #sabinecounty(ga4ry) #sanaugustine #countyof(g260e)
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Bill Summary · SB 997

Legislative bill overview

SB 997 modifies the duties and structure of prosecutorial offices in Texas by adjusting responsibilities for the district attorney of the 1st Judicial District and creating a new district attorney position for the 273rd Judicial District. The bill appears to be a reorganization measure affecting how prosecutorial authority and caseloads are distributed across these judicial regions.

Why is this important

This restructuring directly affects how criminal cases are prosecuted and managed in these Texas districts. The creation of a new DA position and reallocation of duties could impact case handling timelines, resource allocation, and access to justice for residents in affected areas. It also reflects decisions about whether existing prosecutorial offices are sufficiently resourced or geographically configured.

Potential points of contention

  • Resource allocation: Whether adequate funding and staffing are provided to the new 273rd Judicial District office versus reallocating existing resources from the 1st District
  • Geographic jurisdiction: Unclear how district boundaries are being redrawn and whether the split makes practical sense for case continuity and witness/defendant accessibility
  • Prosecutorial independence: Changes to DA duties may affect decision-making authority and whether prosecutors can prioritize cases effectively in their respective districts

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

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