TX SB1574

Texas Judicial Council must develop by rule a "centers of excellence" program to identify, support, and recognize outstanding justices and judges who excel in serving their communities and representing the judiciary

Recognition criteria include governance, access, fairness, case flow management, court operations, and compliance with statutory requirements for judicial reporting, court security, fee collection, indigent defense, and guardianship fraud prevention

Eligible applicants include justices and judges from appellate courts, district courts, statutory county courts, statutory probate courts, county courts, justice courts, and municipal courts

Passed the Senate 28-3 on April 28, 2025; passed the House with amendment 96-30 on May 23, 2025; Senate concurred in House amendment 28-3 on May 26, 2025

Takes effect September 1, 2025