FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 5, 2001
Contact: Dave Nelson
(512) 463-0112

SENATE APPROVES MEASURES TO ASSIST DENTON COUNTY COURTS

AUSTIN - The Texas Senate today approved two bills authored by Senator Jane Nelson, R-Flower Mound, to help the Denton County courts system better serve the growing population of Denton County. The bills were approved on the local & uncontested calendar today and now head to the Texas House for consideration.

"The incredible growth in Denton County is being felt in all facets of our infrastructure, including our courts which are flooded with growing caseloads. This legislation will create a new court to handle the overflow and allow the probate judge to hear cases outside the usual courtroom, providing some flexibility to share courtroom space," Senator Nelson said.

Specifically, the Senate aproved:

• Senate Bill 1093: Creating County Court at Law No. 2 of Denton County with jurisdiction over civil proceedings. This court is needed to accept cases that must be transferred out of probate court under HB 689, which limits the purview of probate courts to family and mental health issues.
• S.B. 1094: Authorizing the Denton County probate court judge to conduct docket matters at a location outside the court itself.

Senator Nelson represents Senate District 12, which includes Dallas, Denton, Ellis and Tarrant counties.