The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of the Austin Bar Association membership or the Austin Bar Association board of directors.
The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of the Austin Bar Association membership or the Austin Bar Association board of directors.
In its 88th Legislative Session, the Texas Legislature transferred jurisdiction over important litigation involving state agencies and state legislation from the Third Court of Appeals and the other 13 courts of appeals to a newly created court. The change applies to appeals perfected on or after Sept. 1, 2024, and to all cases pending in other courts of appeals on that date that were filed on or after Sept. 1, 2023.
SB 1045 amends Sections 22.201 and 22.220 of the Texas Government Code to create a new statewide Fifteenth Court of Appeals with exclusive intermediate appellate jurisdiction over:
- matters brought by or against the state or a board, commission, department, office, or other agency in the executive branch of the state government, including a university system or institution of higher education as defined by Section 61.003, Education Code, or by or against an officer or employee of the state or a board, commission, department, office, or other agency in the executive branch of the state government arising out of that officer’s or employee’s official conduct.
- matters in which a party to the proceeding files a petition, motion, or other pleading challenging the constitutionality or validity of a state statute or rule and the attorney general is a party to the case; and
- any other matter as provided by law.