Texas is known as a business-friendly state. With every biennial
session, the Texas Legislature passes laws affecting our courts and
commercial disputes. This post discusses changes from the most
recent regular session that are already in play or will be taking
effect soon.
Business Courts
After much discussion over the last several sessions,
specialized business courts will soon become reality. Effective
September 1, 2024, HB 19 created a court system with jurisdiction
to hear specific types of disputes, including those involving
public companies, certain claims over $5 million, and certain
business transactions over $10 million. The Governor will appoint
the judges for two-year terms, subject to reappointment, and
appeals will go to the new Fifteenth Court of Appeals. At first,
business courts will roll out in larger urban counties, with
funding for the rest of the state to follow.
