Texas Judicial Council

Charge

Charge 1: Study ways to improve access to courts and recommend any necessary reforms.

Charge 2: Monitor the legislatively mandated study being conducted by the Office of Court Administration of the court personnel workload of the district and statutory county courts and make recommendations regarding any increased need for additional court staff. (Joint Charge with Civil Justice and Criminal Justice Committees)

Charge 3:  Review comprehensive all-hazard emergency management plans for the judiciary and recommend any necessary reforms.

Charge 4: Study judicial profession shortages and recommend methods to increase recruitment and any necessary reforms.

Charge 5: Study whether extending judicial terms from 4 to 6 years for trial courts and from 6 to 8 years for appellate courts would materially improve the courts’ ability to discharge their judicial function, would provide greater stability in the judiciary, and would allow greater participation by voters because of the decrease in the number of judicial positions up for election at any given time. (Joint Charge with the Civil Justice and Criminal Justice Committees)

Charge 6: Continue to monitor public trust and confidence in the Texas Judiciary and recommend any necessary reforms to increase public support and respect.

Charge 7: Study ways to expand, improve, and strengthen the Centers of Excellence.

Charge 8: Study ways to improve transparency, due process, and efficiency of the State Commission on Judicial Conduct.

Members

Hon. Ed Spillane, Chair
Ms. Zina Bash
Hon. Jenn Caughey 
Ms. Sonia Clayton

Hon. Missy Medary
Hon. Valencia Nash
Hon. Kathleen Person
Hon. Maggie Sawyer
Representative Reggie Smith
Hon. Ken Wise
Senator Judith Zaffirini

Meetings

April 17, 2024