According to the Legislative Budget Board (LBB), SB 987 is not expected to have a significant fiscal impact on the state or local government. The bill primarily amends the Government Code to clarify that criminal trial courts do not require the exhaustion of civil or administrative remedies before assuming subject matter jurisdiction over a criminal case. This procedural change is not anticipated to create substantial additional costs for state agencies, courts, or local governments.

The Texas Ethics Commission and the Office of Court Administration both reviewed the bill and found that it would not introduce notable financial burdens or require additional resources or staffing to implement. Since the legislation does not create new offenses, increase penalties, or expand law enforcement responsibilities, it is unlikely to generate increased costs related to incarceration, prosecution, or judicial administration.

In summary, SB 987 is fiscally neutral, with no significant budgetary implications for the state or local entities. However, while direct costs are negligible, efficiency improvements in court proceedings may result in minor administrative savings by reducing delays in case processing.

SB 987 clarifies that criminal trial courts in Texas do not need to wait for administrative or civil remedies to be exhausted before assuming jurisdiction over a criminal case. The bill was introduced in response to a 2018 Washington County case, where a campaign law violation indictment was delayed due to a ruling that the Texas Ethics Commission had sole jurisdiction over the matter. By eliminating such procedural roadblocks, SB 987 ensures that criminal prosecutions proceed without unnecessary delays.

This bill promotes judicial efficiency by preventing administrative bodies from unintentionally stalling criminal cases. It also reinforces personal responsibility, ensuring that those accused of crimes are held accountable in a timely manner. Additionally, SB 987 carries no significant fiscal impact, as confirmed by the Legislative Budget Board.

However, to strengthen fairness and maintain due process protections, several amendments should be considered. The bill should clarify which types of criminal cases are affected, ensuring that bypassing administrative remedies is appropriate. Additionally, defendants should still have the opportunity to present administrative findings if relevant to their case. Lastly, the bill’s retroactive application should be carefully defined to avoid unintended legal consequences.

With these amendments, SB 987 would strike a better balance between judicial efficiency and due process protections. Texas Policy Research recommends that lawmakers vote YES on SB 987 while also considering the above-mentioned amendment suggestions to further strengthen the bill to ensure clear and fair implementation.

• SB 873 (Same As)