BY MELISSA ENAJE & KEVIN VU
Bill to establish 5 new district courts vetoed Gov. Greg Abbott vetoed a legislative bill that would have added five district courts in Harris County to help address what judicial officials are calling a significant uptick in civil case filings. The timeline Senate Bill 2878 was passed by the legislature during the 89th Legislative session. However, Abbott ultimately vetoed the bill on June 22. If passed, the SB 2878 would have: • Added three civil district courts in 2025 • Added two civil district courts in 2026 At least $3 million in costs associated with the new courts were included in the county’s fiscal year 2025-26 budget.
New public defender chosen for Harris County Harris County commissioners unanimously approved the appointment of Harris County’s next chief public defender, Judge Genesis Draper, a veteran public defender and criminal court judge, at the June 12 court meeting. The overview Draper began this role on July 7, replacing for- mer Chief Alex Bunin, who will retire in December after serving 15 years as the county’s first chief public defender. Draper thanked Bunin for the work he has done and said she’s honored to build upon his legacy. “I will be stepping into this role after 13 years as a public defender and now six years as a judge,” Draper said. “We are living through a defining moment where principles of due process and equal protection are being tested, and so I am so honored and privileged to be able to join this fight.”
“All my years have deepened my belief that justice depends on not just the law, but people being willing to defend it, and I appreciate
the opportunity to do so.” GENESIS DRAPER, JUDGE
Draper earned her Bachelor of Arts in English from Spelman College and received her Doctor of Jurisprudence from the University of Texas at Austin School of Law. Zooming out The public defender’s office is responsible for providing legal representation, including mental health services and appellate representation, to indigent defendants. At least $57.6 million is being budgeted in the county’s fiscal year 2025-26 budget for cost increases related to, and the expansion of, the HCPD’s office, according to the county’s budget office.
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HEIGHTS - RIVER OAKS - MONTROSE EDITION
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