The Texas Senate has overwhelmingly approved a judicial pay raise, but with new accountability measures aimed at strengthening oversight of the state’s courts. Senate Bill 293 (SB 293), authored by Sen. Joan Huffman (R-Houston), passed in a 30-1 vote Thursday, linking increased salaries to stricter judicial oversight.
Judicial Pay Increase with Strings Attached
The bill grants Texas judges their first salary boost in over a decade, increasing the base pay for district court judges from $140,000 to $161,000 per year. County-funded salary supplements will also rise from $18,000 to $22,000 annually. While this represents a 15% increase, it falls short of the 30% raise requested by Texas Supreme Court Chief Justice Jimmy Blacklock.
However, the raise comes with conditions. Judges will be required to report their hours spent on judicial duties to regional administrative court judges each quarter. Additionally, annual reports will be submitted to state leaders, including the governor, lieutenant governor, and the Texas House speaker.
Cracking Down on Judicial Misconduct
Huffman’s bill also expands the definition of judicial misconduct. Judges who “persistently or willfully” violate state bail laws or fail to meet court deadlines could now face disciplinary action. The legislation aims to address growing concerns over judicial leniency, particularly in bail decisions involving violent offenders.
“I share the growing concern of many in our state about the current condition of our judiciary,” Huffman stated. “It’s troubling to see instances where judges appear to stray from upholding the law as it’s written, undermining the trust we place in our legal system.”
The bill also seeks to improve efficiency in Texas courts. With tens of thousands of felony cases pending in Harris County alone, SB 293 mandates quicker processing of judicial misconduct complaints. It also introduces a seven-year statute of limitations for such complaints and allows the State Commission on Judicial Conduct (SCJC) to investigate judges suspected of substance abuse or mental incapacity.
Judicial Discipline Gets Tougher
SB 293 eliminates the SCJC’s ability to issue private reprimands, making all disciplinary actions public. Judges who file false complaints could face fines of up to $10,000. To handle the increased caseload, the SCJC will receive five additional full-time staff members.
The bill follows high-profile cases of alleged judicial misconduct, including the suspension of Judge Franklin Bynum, who faced multiple accusations, and an ongoing complaint against Judge Natalia Cornelio for allegedly issuing a false bench warrant for a death row inmate.
Bipartisan Support, But Some Concerns
Despite broad bipartisan support, Sen. Sarah Eckhardt (D-Austin) cast the lone dissenting vote. While she backed the pay raise, she argued that the new oversight measures were excessive.
“I believe that the transparency propositions in this bill have tipped over into the punitive,” Eckhardt said. “And they’ve tipped over into an oversight by the legislative branch on the judicial branch that I think… would become inappropriate.”
Opponents of the bill, including the Texas Civil Rights Project and Equity Action, voiced concerns that increased oversight could be used politically against judges. However, law enforcement groups, including the Houston Police Officers Union and the Texas Municipal Police Association, praised the reforms as necessary for maintaining judicial integrity.
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick defended the bill, stating, “Texans strongly believe in the rule of law and expect their judges and district attorneys to do the same. SB 293 will strengthen judicial accountability, transparency, and adherence to the law.”
What’s Next?
The Texas House will now consider companion legislation in the Committee on Criminal Jurisprudence. The vote follows a broader push for criminal justice reform in the state, including proposed constitutional amendments on bail policies.
