Texas Law Changes Court Systems and Mental Health Services

House Bill 16 is a major Texas law that reorganizes how courts work across the state. Passed in 2025, the law makes changes to court systems that will help our communities access justice more smoothly. Different parts of the law take effect on September 1, 2026, and January 1, 2027, giving counties time to prepare.

The law creates three new judicial districts. The 490th Judicial District will serve Brazoria County starting September 1, 2026. The 492nd Judicial District will serve Colorado and Lavaca counties, also starting September 1, 2026. The 501st and 502nd Judicial Districts will serve Fort Bend County with a focus on family law matters. These new districts help distribute court cases more fairly across regions.

House Bill 16 also changes how county clerks and district clerks handle paperwork. The law clarifies which clerk handles which types of cases, including misdemeanor cases, juvenile matters, and probate matters. This organization helps ensure cases move through courts faster and with fewer mistakes. The law also addresses court security, document delivery, and how courts handle youth diversion programs that keep young people out of the criminal justice system.

Additionally, the law expands rules about court-ordered mental health services. This means courts can now order treatment and support for people who need it, helping our communities heal. The law also updates how the Texas Supreme Court operates and what powers it has. These changes affect judges, court workers, and people who need to use Texas courts for their cases.

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