89R15762 AMF-D     By: Zaffirini S.B. No. 1996       A BILL TO BE ENTITLED   AN ACT   relating to the amount in controversy in the jurisdiction of   statutory county courts.          BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:          SECTION 1.  Section 22.004(h-1), Government Code, is amended   to read as follows:          (h-1)  In addition to the rules adopted under Subsection (h),   the supreme court shall adopt rules to promote the prompt,   efficient, and cost-effective resolution of civil actions filed in   county courts at law in which the amount in controversy does not   exceed $325,000 [$250,000]. The rules shall balance the need for   lowering discovery costs in these actions against the complexity of   and discovery needs in these actions. The supreme court may not   adopt rules under this subsection that conflict with other   statutory law.          SECTION 2.  Section 25.0003(c), Government Code, is amended   to read as follows:          (c)  In addition to other jurisdiction provided by law, a   statutory county court exercising civil jurisdiction concurrent   with the constitutional jurisdiction of the county court has   concurrent jurisdiction with the district court in:                (1)  civil cases in which the matter in controversy   exceeds $500 but does not exceed $325,000 [$250,000], excluding   interest, statutory or punitive damages and penalties, and   attorney's fees and costs, as alleged on the face of the petition;   and                (2)  appeals of final rulings and decisions of the   division of workers' compensation of the Texas Department of   Insurance regarding workers' compensation claims, regardless of   the amount in controversy.          SECTION 3.  Section 25.0007(c), Government Code, is amended   to read as follows:          (c)  In a civil case pending in a statutory county court in   which the matter in controversy exceeds $325,000 [$250,000], the   jury shall be composed of 12 members unless all of the parties agree   to a jury composed of a lesser number of jurors.          SECTION 4.  Section 25.0062(b), Government Code, is amended   to read as follows:          (b)  The district clerk serves as clerk of a county court at   law in felony cases, in family law cases and proceedings, and in   civil cases in which the matter in controversy exceeds $325,000   [$250,000]. The county clerk serves as clerk of a county court at   law in all other cases. The district clerk shall establish a   separate docket for a county court at law. The commissioners court   shall provide the deputy clerks, bailiffs, and other personnel   necessary to operate a county court at law.          SECTION 5.  Sections 25.0003(c), 25.0007(c), and   25.0062(b), Government Code, as amended by this Act, apply only to a   civil case filed in a statutory county court on or after the   effective date of this Act.  A civil case filed in a statutory   county court before the effective date of this Act is governed by   the law in effect immediately before the effective date of this Act,   and the former law is continued in effect for that purpose.          SECTION 6.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.