The Court directed county budget and administrative offices to assess the financial and operational impacts of state law SB-9 on Harris County's legal system and report back with funding and staffing recommendations.

What it means for you

County budget, administrative, and court staffing offices must evaluate how SB-9 affects operations and costs, distribute or recommend centrally held funds, and return to the Court by April 16 with recommendations that could include creating up to two new positions.

Outcome

A motion was made by Commissioner Briones, seconded by Commissioner Ellis, to direct the Office of Management and Budget and the Office of County Administration to work with SB 9-impacted departments to evaluate and distribute centrally held funds for inclusion in the FY2027 CLS/S process, including recommendations on whether such funding should be one time or incorporated into departments’ ongoing baseline budgets; and to direct the District Courts Administration, in coordination with Human Resources and Talent, OMB, and OCA, to assess SB 9-related operational needs and return to Commissioners Court by April 16 with recommendations including any request for the creation of up to two new PCNs. The motion carried by the following vote: (4-0)

How each member voted

4–0, per the official record.