TX HB2086

Allows courts to conduct hearings on their own motion to determine whether a plaintiff is a vexatious litigant, rather than only upon a defendant's motion

Prohibits courts from initiating vexatious litigant hearings on their own motion in family law cases filed under Title 5 of the Family Code

Defendants must file motions requesting vexatious litigant determination and security within 90 days of filing their original answer or special appearance

Removes the requirement that defendants must affirmatively "show" the plaintiff is vexatious, allowing courts to make the finding if there is no reasonable probability the plaintiff will prevail and the plaintiff meets specified criteria (e.g., five adverse litigation outcomes in seven years as a pro se litigant)

Applies to actions commencing on or after September 1, 2025, as well as actions pending on that date