Legislation creating Hays County Court Passes

Representative Zwiener (D-Driftwood) announces that a District Court will soon be created in Hays County, thanks to the passing of House Bill 3774, the Office of Court Administration Omnibus Bill, by Representative Jeff Leach (R-Plano). HB 3774 now awaits the Governor’s signature.

“This new court will help ensure that caseloads are reasonable, the backlog of current cases is resolved, and help mitigate overcrowding of the county jail,” said Rep. Zwiener. “Thank you to Senator Zaffirini, Hays County, and my colleagues for getting this over the finish line.”

An additional court in Hays County will reduce the population pending trial in the county jail, which became particularly important during the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, this court will reduce caseloads for existing prosecutors and judges and will help prevent long wait times for trial.

House Bill 3774 establishes new courts in an effort to reduce the strain on the court system in Texas. This bill creates a new judicial district and court for Hays County. Several factors were analyzed in the evaluation process, including increased caseloads, case backlogs, substantial population growth, and county support. Per the Hays County Commissioner’s Court request, the implementation of this court is delayed until September 1, 2022.