SB1574 - Relating to a centers of excellence program developed by the Texas Judicial Council for certain justices and judges.

      S.B. No. 1574         AN ACT   relating to a centers of excellence program developed by the Texas   Judicial Council for certain justices and judges.          BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:          SECTION 1.  Subchapter C, Chapter 71, Government Code, is   amended by adding Section 71.040 to read as follows:           Sec.   71.040.     CENTERS OF EXCELLENCE. (a)   The council by   rule shall develop a centers of excellence program to identify,   support, and recognize justices and judges who excel in serving   their communities and in representing the judiciary.   In awarding a   center of excellence recognition to a justice or judge, the council   must consider:                 (1)     a justice's or judge's governance, access,   fairness, case flow management, and court operations; and                 (2)     the compliance of the justice's or judge's court   with statutory or procedural requirements for judicial reporting,   court security, fee collection, indigent defense, and guardianship   fraud and abuse prevention.           (b)     A justice or judge of an appellate court, district   court, statutory county court, statutory probate court, county   court, justice court, or municipal court is eligible for   recognition as a center of excellence and may apply for recognition   on a form and in the manner prescribed by the council.          SECTION 2.  The changes in law made by this Act apply only to   a justice or judge recognized under a centers of excellence program   developed by the Texas Judicial Council on or after the effective   date of this Act.          SECTION 3.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.               ______________________________ ______________________________      President of the Senate Speaker of the House                 I hereby certify that S.B. No. 1574 passed the Senate on   April 28, 2025, by the following vote: Yeas 28, Nays 3; and that   the Senate concurred in House amendment on May 26, 2025, by the   following vote: Yeas 28, Nays 3.       ______________________________   Secretary of the Senate                I hereby certify that S.B. No. 1574 passed the House, with   amendment, on May 23, 2025, by the following vote: Yeas 96,   Nays 30, one present not voting.       ______________________________   Chief Clerk of the House            Approved:     ______________________________                Date       ______________________________              Governor