Government
BY MELISSA ENAJE
Harris County seeks 5 additional district courts Harris County moved forward with a request to Texas lawmakers to create five additional civil district courts by 2027 to address the county’s longstanding court case backlog. Commissioners voted 3-1 in favor of the res- olution during a Feb. 27 Commissioners Court meeting. Precinct 1 Commissioner Rodney Ellis dissented while Judge Lina Hidalgo abstained from the vote. State Rep. Mano DeAyala, R-Houston, filed House Bill 3600 on March 3, which would create three new judicial districts in Harris County on Oct. 1 and two additional judicial districts on Oct. 1, 2026. These courts would all focus on civil matters, according to the legislation. How it works Should the additional courts receive legislative approval, county officials said they would plan to
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“We can’t continue to advertise that Harris County is an economic beacon without investing in a robust justice system where disputes are resolved timely and thoughtfully.” LAUREN REEDER, HARRIS COUNTY DISTRICT COURT JUDGE, 234TH CIVIL COURT
1 County raises minimum wage Harris County voted 3-1 on March 27 to raise its minimum wage to at least $20 an hour for employees and contractors starting in May and July, respectively. Texas Labor Union President Elsa Flores said she’s proud of the county for raising worker wages from $15 an hour. 2 Downtown building renamed after Sylvester Turner Commissioners voted March 27 to rename Lamar Plaza in honor of the late former Houston mayor and U.S. Rep. Sylvester Turner. They also approved a resolution honoring the legacy of Turner, who died March 5. 3 County to appoint new attorney Commissioners will appoint a new county attorney after Christian Menefee resigned March 17 with his announcement to run for the District 18 U.S. House position, formerly held by Turner.
keep the courts located in the judicial complex in Downtown Houston. Additional courts are estimated to cost the county at least $2.5 million-$3.5 million for each court, Engineering Department Executive Director Milton Rahman said. Looking back Precinct 4 Commissioner Lesley Briones said county officials worked with state legislators in 2023 to secure six additional criminal district courts and a probate court to address the court backlog. While the 2025 motion called for nine additional courts, only five were approved.
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