The creation of additional judicial districts composed of Harris County

Texas House Bill 3600 proposes the creation of five new judicial districts in Harris County to handle civil cases. The 512th, 513th, and 514th Judicial Districts are set to be established on October 1, 2025, while the 515th and 516th Judicial Districts are scheduled for October 1, 2026. This initiative aims to address the increasing caseload in Harris County by adding more courts dedicated to civil matters.

Supporters of HB3600 argue that the addition of five new civil courts in Harris County will alleviate the burden on the existing judicial system, leading to more efficient case processing and reduced wait times for civil litigants. They believe this expansion is a necessary response to the county's growing population and corresponding increase in civil disputes.

Critics of HB3600 express concerns about the financial implications of establishing new judicial districts, including the costs associated with staffing and maintaining additional courts. They also question whether the creation of new courts is the most effective solution to caseload management, suggesting that alternative measures such as procedural reforms or increased use of alternative dispute resolution methods might be more cost-effective.