Ellis County's newest district court hanging in the balance as legislative session nears its end
A different version of courtroom drama is ongoing at the state Capitol in Austin, where lawmakers have one last-chance opportunity to ensure Ellis County gets its fourth judicial district court.
Recently appointed Ellis County Judge John Wray, R-Waxahachie, has been highly involved these past few days in getting the 504th to the finish line. A former state representative for Ellis County (House District 10), Wray noted in a Facebook post on Wednesday, May 28, that it’s typically a routine process.
“[T]he last time the Texas Legislature created a new court for Ellis County was during the 86th Legislature in 2019,” Wray wrote. “I represented Ellis County in the Texas House in 2019 when the Ellis County County Court at Law No. 3 (CCL3) was created. Coincidentally, in 2019 (as now) Rep. Jeff Leach served as chairman of the Texas House Committee on the Judiciary and Civil Jurisprudence (JCJ).
“In 2019, I presented the required information for a new court to Chairman Leach and the JCJ Committee, and Ellis County’s CCL3 was eagerly included in HB 2120, the ‘omnibus courts’ bill for the 86th Legislature,” Wray wrote. “The entire process was smooth, open, and honest, and the handling by Chairman Leach and the JCJ Committee was respectful and fair in all respects.”
For the 504th Judicial District Court, however, it’s been anything but a routine matter. It was initially in legislation but then was removed and, as of Friday, May 30, was back in via a conference committee report for Senate Bill 2878.
Wray expressed his appreciation to Leach, R-Plano, and state Sen. Brian Birdwell, R-Granbury, for their efforts to see that the 504th wasn’t left behind. Birdwell's Senate District 22 includes roughly the western half of Ellis County.
“I have known both of these men for more than 10 years, and it was my honor to serve with them in the Texas Legislature,” Wray wrote. “I have had many opportunities to communicate with Rep. Leach and Sen. Birdwell regarding the 504th court. Both have been kind, gracious, and extremely responsive. I commend them for their professional and respectful handling of this important piece of legislation.”
The conference committee report was affirmed by the Senate late Saturday afternoon in a 31-0 vote. The House has an absolute deadline of Sunday, June 1, to do so. The House resumes its business at 1 p.m. Sunday.
The legislative session ends Monday, June 2.
If it makes it over the finish line, the 504th would join Ellis County’s other district courts: the 40th, the 378th, and the 443rd. Ellis County has three county courts at law: Nos. 1, 2, and 3.
Written by Jo Ann Livingston/In The Know Ellis.
