February 17, 2023

Honorable Sen. Bryan Hughes and Rep. Andy Murr
Texas Senate/Texas House of Representatives
Texas State Capitol
Austin, Texas 78701


RE: Please Support SB 27/HB 19

Dear Legislator Name:

As an attorney who [practices commercial litigation/works for a Texas business, etc.], I am writing in support of House Bill __, creating a specialized business trial court in Texas.

OPTIONAL: INSERT ANECDOTE HERE ABOUT CASE THAT TOOK EXCESSIVE TIME TO RESOLVE/ SEEKING TO AVOID LITIGATION IN TEXAS/ OTHER COMPELLING REAL-WORLD EVIDENCE WHY THIS COURT IS NECESSARY

From what I have seen and heard from business associates, our district courts in Texas are overwhelmed. Most of them have general jurisdiction, meaning they hear business, personal injury and felony criminal cases, all civil matters with at least $200 in controversy, and many others. In Texas Government Code Sections 23.101, 102 and 103, the Legislature has identified a broad range of cases that are given priority over business litigation.

To help our large judicial system operate more efficiently, Texas has created over 200 specialty trial courts handling probate, family law, juvenile, and veterans’ issues, among others. Our high courts also recognize the greater efficiency offered by specialization: the Supreme Court hears civil cases and the Court of Criminal Appeals hears criminal cases.

The one specialty court Texas does not have is a business court, lagging behind 29 other states. Evidence from these states indicates business courts are able to resolve cases much more efficiently. In Georgia’s business court, for example, it takes about 600 days to resolve complex contract cases, compared to nearly 1,750 days on the general docket—nearly three times as long. Long delays in civil litigation cost Texas businesses millions of dollars in additional legal fees and delayed recoveries of their obligations.

The Texas economy leads the nation, with many vibrant business hubs. We are well-positioned to create a world-class court to resolve business disputes. SB 27/HB 19will make the state an even more attractive destination for job-creators and families. I urge you to support this important bill.