It’s almost time for TJCTC conference registration!
Registration is opening for JPs and clerks in just a few weeks. Below is some helpful information you need to know to help your registration go as smoothly as possible. Read all the way to the bottom to see when registration opens.
Step 1: Make sure your account is up to date.
Do you remember your password? Did your email change recently? Make sure that you can log in to your account before your registration date to save yourself some time trying to change your password later.
If you have any issues getting into your account or need to change your email address, please contact Jeff Grajek (tjctcoffice@txstate.edu) ahead of registration
Step 2: Review this year’s dates and locations to pick the right conference for you.
Look at the dates and locations ahead of registration so that you know where you want to go when registration opens. You can view the “Education Events” page under each group’s tab to view when and where conferences are happening. You can also click the buttons below to take you to the right page.
Step 3: Look over TJCTC’s registration policies and procedures.
It’s been a while since you last registered for a conference with us, do you remember how to register and what our policies are? It’s always good to refresh so you are set and ready to go when registration opens at 8:00 am. We have a “How To Register” guide and a ton of helpful info on each group’s registration webpage. You can find links to those pages at the bottom of the education events pages linked above.
Justice of the Peace: September 30th @ 8:00 am
Early Clerk Registration: October 7th @ 8:00 am (Closes on October 9th @ 5:00 pm)
Early registration is for clerks who were unable to attend a conference last year (virtual or in-person) and/or who didn’t no-show to a conference. An email with registration links will be sent to those who qualify the morning of the 7th before 8:00 am.
If you are found to have registered early when you were not qualified to, you will be removed from the conference and will have to register again on the 14th with everyone else.
Open Clerk Registration: October 14th @ 8:00 am
There are thousands of justice court clerks in Texas, and many of you will all be trying to register at the same time. Please be patient with the system and be aware that even if you register early in the morning, you may end up on a waitlist depending on the popularity of the location.
If you have any questions about registration or your conference, reach out to your program administrator for assistance. We can’t wait to see you at a conference again soon!
Best regards,
Justice of the Peace Program Administrator: Jasmine Barker
Court Personnel Program Administrator: Darby Swoboda
It’s that time of year again! TJCTC Conference Registration!
Registration is opening for Constables, Deputies, and Constable Clerks soon. We have pulled together the most important information to enable a smooth registration process. Please make sure you read all the information provided below.
Step 1: Make sure your account is up to date.
To get a head start and ensure smooth registration, we suggest checking your student account. Do you remember your account password? When was the last time you updated your pertinent information (Email, Contact Info, PID#, ETC.)?
To save yourself some time on registration day, check all your login information and if you are having trouble logging into your student account, please contact Jeff Grajek (tjctcoffice@txstate.edu) ahead of time.
Step 2: Review this year’s dates and locations to pick the right conference for you.
Look at the dates and locations early so you know where to navigate to on registration day. You can view our conferences through the Education Events webpage. For a step-by-step guide on registering, visit our Registration Guide page. The links for each available conference on our education page will go live on October 21st.
Step 3: Look over TJCTC’s registration policies and procedures.
If it has been a while since you last registered it is always good to have a refresher, so you are all set and ready to go once registration opens. We have a “How To Register” guide and a ton of helpful info for Constables, Deputies, and Constable Clerks on the registration webpage. You can find the link to the registration guide webpage in Step 2 above.
Constables, Deputies, Constable Clerks: October 21st, 8:00 am
Registration links will go live at 8:00 am on October 21st for all Civil Process conferences.
If you have any questions about registration or the various conference opportunities, reach out for assistance. We can’t wait to see you at a conference again soon!
You may have noticed a new slide on our front page reminding constables that SB 1333 took effect this week, but don’t forget, that’s not the only new law already in effect!
For a full list of bills that have taken effect already, please see the TJCTC Legislative Page and review the materials available to you there. This Update is all about important changes from the legislature, including hot topics still being discussed in the special session, benefits now available to judges and court staff, and Rules updates as a result of the new laws.
Why don’t new court fees and costs go into effect until January 1, 2026?
Government Code Sec. 51.607 requires new or amended court costs and fees (not fines) to go into effect January 1, following the legislative session, even if the bill creating or amending them goes into effect prior to that date.
What is an example of this from this legislative session?
HB 2282 – Warrant Fee
A warrant fee assessed as costs (when applicable) to a convicted defendant will now be $75 instead of $50.
If the fee is assessed before 1/1/26, the fee is $50. If it is assessed on or after 1/1/26 AND the offense date is on or after 9/1/25, the fee is $75.See the updated CCP Art. 102.011(a) & Gov’t. Code Sec. 51.607.
New Supreme Court Rule
Texas Rule of Judicial Administration 12.5
Effective September 1, 2025, The Texas Supreme Court amended Rule of Judicial Administration 12.5 to give effect to HB 5129.
What changed?
The amendments added more personal/family information into the Rule that will be exempt from disclosure when Judicial Records are requested (note, this is different from the rules regarding disclosure of Case Records).
To review the difference between Judicial Records and Case Records, please see Chapter 2 of the Recordkeeping and Reporting Deskbook on the TJCTC Deskbook Page. Note, while this change is already in effect, the Supreme Court may make additional amendments as a result of public comment. As usual, we will keep you updated if any changes occur.
Legal Question of the Month
What is a Squatter??
Squatters have been a hot topic over the last few years, and a new bill, SB 1333, was even called the “Squatter Bill” by the media and others.
So, what is the legal definition of a squatter?
A squatter is a person who commits a forcible entry and detainer (FED) by entering the real property of another without legal authority or by force and refuses to surrender possession on demand. Property Code Sec. 24.001.
It does not count as a FED if the person enters with the consent of:
– A person in actual possession of the property;
– A tenant at will or by sufferance; or
– A person who acquired possession by forcible entry (a squatter).
So, if a person has consent when they enter, they aren’t a squatter!
This definition is very important for some of the new updates to evictions and landlord/tenant law that we saw out of this legislative session. Many of these updates don’t go into effect until January and will be discussed in detail at legislative updates and upcoming conferences and workshops. However, we have had several questions about SB 1333 that we answered in an email to constables and deputies earlier this week. You can read it on The Docket – https://docket.wp.txstate.edu/2025/08/29/civil-process-updates-8-29-2025-important/.
Mass Fatalities & Disaster Relief
After the devastating floods this summer, inquests and mass fatality trainings have been not only a hot topic at the legislature, but also a topic of concern among justices of the peace. No one wants to be caught off guard going into such a hard situation.
Some good news is that we have several trainings available to help justices of the peace get prepared and know who to call when disaster strikes.
There are two recordings for credit that are related to this topic on the Recordings for Credit Page – Have you heard of TMORT? and Resources for Mass Fatalities.
There is also a great self-paced module with helpful information called Unidentified Bodies on the Self-Paced Module Page.
As always, if any new laws from the special session pass and require additional training, we will keep judges in the loop. In the meantime, we will have multiple inquest classes at our regular conferences for judges to brush up on their skills in addition to our library of online resources.
Important Legislative Updates Taking Effect September 1, 2025!
There are several legislative updates going into effect on Monday, September 1, 2025, so we wanted to make sure you knew about the new laws and the corresponding forms that we have prepared for your use.
Please read this entire email for all of the details, links to forms and other resources, and helpful information!
This bill has several parts, most of which will impact constable processes. The main new process assigned to constables goes into effect Monday, September1, 2025.
Removal of Unauthorized Occupants (new procedure!)
This is a new procedure described in new Property Code Chapter 24B where property owners (or their agents) can request immediate removal by sheriff/constable of a person unlawfully occupying a dwelling, if:
The property was not open to the public when entered,
The property is not the subject of pending litigation between the parties,
The owner/agent has directed the person to leave, and they have not done so, and
The occupant is not a current/former tenant (under written or oral lease), immediate family, owner, or co-owner.
Who can file?
The complainant must be:
the record owner of the property that is the subject of the complaint or the owner’s agent; and
otherwise entitled to the relief sought in the complaint.
What is the procedure?
The owner/agent must file a complaint that is sworn or has an unsworn declaration that includes everything listed in the statute and provide ID (and agent must give documentation of authority to act on owner’s behalf). In the county where the property is located. (This means, any precinct.)
The Sheriff or Constable must establish the following:
The property was not open to the public when entered,
The owner/agent is actually the owner and has entitlement to make the complaint,
The property is not the subject of pending litigation between the parties,
The owner/agent has directed the person to leave, and they have not done so, and
The occupant is not a current/former tenant (under written or oral lease), immediate family, owner, or co-owner.
If the Sheriff or Constable determines that at least one of the issues exist the owner will be directed to proceed to the proper JP Court for the necessary eviction process.
Then without delay, the Sheriff or Constable must serve notice to immediately vacate (by hand delivery or affixing the notice to the front door or entrance of the dwelling) and restore possession to the owner.
The property owner or owner’s agent may request that the sheriff or constable remain on the property to keep the peace while the owner or owner’s agent:
changes any locks; and
removes any personal property of an occupant from the dwelling and places the personal property at or near the property line of the owner’s property.
Important Notes:
Law enforcement may arrest unauthorized occupants for trespass, outstanding warrants, or other offenses for which there is probable cause.
Sheriffs/constables may charge a fee equivalent to executing a writ of possession, plus an hourly rate if asked to remain on-site during removal.
Sheriffs/constables are shielded from liability for loss/damage during removal.
Owners/agents are generally not liable for property loss/damage from removal, but may be sued for wrongful removal and face damages, court costs, and attorney’s fees.
The return of service should be provided to the person that filed the complaint and copy kept in the file at the constable/sheriff’s office.
This bill has other parts, including the creation of new criminal offenses. You can learn more by reading the Civil Process Legislative Update Materials on the TJCTC Legislative Page – https://www.tjctc.org/legislative.html
New Forms
Click the buttons below or visit the TJCTC Forms Page to access the new forms drafted by TJCTC for this process. Special thank you to Constable Chad Jordan’s Office for collaborating on these forms
Want more information about other legislative changes? Visit the TJCTC Legislative Page to download handouts and other information: https://www.tjctc.org/legislative.html
Registration for Programs is Coming Soon!
Civil Process Conferences will open for registration starting on October 21, 2025. Look for more information soon.
There will also be a special workshop this coming academic year, specifically for constables and deputies where we will do a deep dive into all of the recent changes to evictions and landlord/tenant issues!
Please read this email fully for an important legislative update as well as some great training opportunities (some of them are FREE)!
Important note, if you downloaded Legislative Update Materials prior to 8/21/2025, please re-download the updated version, available today. We apologize, but some new information was provided this week that lead us to change a few slides.
For judges/clerks, changes were made specifically to sections regarding SB 1667, HB 654, and HB 2282. There were no changes made to the 2025 New Fine-Only Offense Chart. For constables/deputies, there were several minor changes made. There were no changes made to the Caselaw Update.
SB 1667 Expunctions
Note: If you attended the 8/19/25 Legislative Update in Corpus Christi, this update includes updated information from our presentation.
This bill applies to expunction petitions filed after 9/1/2025, and made changes to Code of Criminal Procedure Chapter 55A. (Note, this won’t apply to expunctions made other under code provisions, like alcohol offense expunctions.)
It requires district clerks to compile and maintain on their website a list of agencies/entities and their applicable email addresses, so that expunction petitions and orders can be delivered to the appropriate entities electronically.
New Fee: If an agency/entity cannot receive the order electronically, then the court shall charge a $25 fee effective 1/1/2026.
Old Fee: This bill repealed the “Fees in Expunction Proceedings” section. This means that starting 9/1/2025, the $100 fee for CCP Ch. 55A expunctions can no longer be charged. This also means only the new $25 fee discussed above will be charged (after 1/1/2026). Note, this repeal was an error that the legislature is seeking to reverse in the special session. If the new bill passes, the $100 fee will go back into effect 1/1/2026. TJCTC will keep you updated on this situation.
There are also new provisions regarding inspection and disposition of expunction records and retention of mental health records.
A default judgment was granted against the defendant last year. A few months later, there was a Release of Judgment entered in the case. The plaintiff recently realized that the judgment was NOT supposed to be released, they have now submitted a “Motion to Vacate and set aside satisfaction of judgment”. Is this something that is possible, to set aside the release of judgment?
Answer: At this point, it may be best to have a hearing to ensure that there is nothing weird going on or no other mistakes are made, and give notice to both the judgment creditor and judgment debtor.
At the hearing, if the court finds that the release was entered in error, then the court can enter an order withdrawing or striking the release and noting what happened. This will also give the debtor an opportunity to be heard and know what is going on, as they might have no clue any of this happened.
The 8th Annual Judicial Summit on Mental Health will be held October 7-8, 2025, at the Royal Sonesta Houston Galleria in Houston, Texas. Capacity for our in-person meeting is limited; we have fewer than 100 in-person spots left. Those who are not able to attend the meeting in person will have the opportunity to live-stream the event from their home or office.
Book your hotelroom at the Royal Sonesta Houston Galleria by September 12 to get the Summit room block rate.
Various Dates from September 23, 2025 – October 02, 2025 (multi-day)
TAC Risk Management Pool Regional Workshops are scheduled around the state and are designed to be small, intense and topic-specific. These one-day sessions will cover the latest in risk control, human resources and law enforcement.
Who Should Attend?
Elected and appointed officials, decision-makers for the Pool, human resource directors and managers, workers’ compensation managers, and department managers or supervisors.
Registration Fees The workshops are provided at no cost to county officials and staff.
NCSC has launched an initiative designed to help courts play an active role in raising awareness of human trafficking. CDL Drivers & Courts: On the Road to End Human Trafficking offers judges a tool to address this issue from the bench—a specialized e-learning course that can be assigned to CDL drivers who appear before the court.
The free, self-paced e-learning course educates commercial drivers on how to identify and report signs of human trafficking, understand reporting procedures, and comply with the No Human Trafficking on Our Roads Act, which imposes a lifetime CDL disqualification for drivers convicted of human trafficking in a commercial motor vehicle. Participants earn a certificate of completion that can be submitted to the court.
Resources for this initiative, including a judicial bench card, are available at https://www.ncsc.org/cdlhtainfo. Note, if you are a judge or clerk who completes this course and would like TJCTC Credit, please email your certificate to Jessica Foreman atjessforeman@txstate.edu.
Disaster Relief Help
Do members of your community still need disaster relief aid?
You can share the following link to resources from Texas Rio Grande Legal Aid with your community.https://www.trla.org/disaster
As we come to the end of summer, there are some interesting online learning opportunities and of course legislative updates coming up very soon before we get back into the next year of regularly-scheduled training.
We have received several calls about legislative changes. We are hard at work going through the changes to explain them to you and update materials!
Several of the Legislative Update programs still have seats left:
Beaumont (Judges, Court Personnel, & Civil Process) on August 28
Virtual Civil Process on September 10
Lubbock (Judges & Court Personnel) on September 15
Virtual Judges & Court Personnel on September 17
Some other programs have short wait lists, and you may still get a spot, but it is not guaranteed.
After August 15, please email Jay Takach atjay.takach@txstate.edu if you are interested in joining.
For the next few months, we will be highlighting legislative changes each time we send out Updates.
Our first highlight is SB 2371, related to credit card skimmers on electronic terminals.
This bill created a new class c offense among other statutes related to credit card skimmers. It went into effect on May 27, 2025.
Sec. 607A.102.CRIMINAL OFFENSES. (a) A person commits an offense if the person refuses to allow an inspection of an electronic terminal at the merchant ’s place of business in violation of Section 607A.053. An offense under this subsection is a Class C misdemeanor. (b) A person commits an offense if the person negligently or recklessly disposes of a skimmer that was installed on an electronic terminal by another person. An offense under this subsection is a Class B misdemeanor. (c) A person commits an offense if, knowing that an investigation is ongoing or that a criminal proceeding has been commenced and is pending, the person disposes of a skimmer installed on an electronic terminal by another person. An offense under this subsection is a felony of the third degree
Upcoming Training Opportunity
TAC RMP Regional Pool Workshops
Various Dates from September 23, 2025 – October 02, 2025 (multi-day)
TAC Risk Management Pool Regional Workshops are scheduled around the state and are designed to be small, intense and topic-specific. These one-day sessions will cover the latest in risk control, human resources and law enforcement.
Who Should Attend?
Elected and appointed officials, decision-makers for the Pool, human resource directors and managers, workers’ compensation managers, and department managers or supervisors.
Registration Fees
The workshops are provided at no cost to county officials and staff.
Lunch and Learn Webinar (court personnel only): From Lockouts to Light Switches: Understanding Writs of Re-Entry and Restoration in Texas
Tired of evictions? Bring your lunch and join us for a Lunch and Learn covering other common landlord/tenant cases like Writs of Retrieval, Re-Entry, Restoration, and Repair and Remedy. We’ll break down how to process and adjudicate these cases with practical tips and real-world insight.
This webinar is TOMORROW, Thursday, August 14th, from 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm.
AI evidence in jury trials: Authenticity, admissibility, and roles of the court and juries
As artificial intelligence (AI) technologies become more prevalent, state courts are likely to encounter AI-generated evidence, such as deepfakes, reconstructed videos, and synthetic documents.
Join the TRI/NCSC AI Policy Consortium to explore the evidentiary challenges posed by both acknowledged and unacknowledged AI-generated evidence in jury trials. Panelists will examine existing legal frameworks for authentication and admissibility and provide practical guidance for judges and attorneys. Special attention will be paid to the unique responsibilities of courts and juries in evaluating the authenticity and reliability of AI-generated evidence, as well as the potential need for updated jury instructions and judicial guidance.
Did you know that August is National Wellness Month?
Take some time this month to reflect on your wellbeing as well as what you can do at the office and at home to promote wellness for your employees/coworkers and family.
As we head into this first week after the July 4th holiday, our thoughts are will those in the Hill Country and across Texas who were affected by the storms and flooding. At the bottom of this email, we have compiled a list of organizations working on the ground that you may be able to utilize or share with members of your community.
Today’s updates include a few legal announcements, including an emergency order affecting the Hill Country in addition to information about upcoming trainings. Note, we have announced an additional virtual Civil Process Conference for those needing to get their TCOLE requirements this cycle.
We have received several calls about legislative changes. We are hard at work going through the changes to explain them to you and update materials! If you missed it, our legislative update programs are open for registration. Sign up at www.tjctc.org/legislative.
Emergency Order
Today the Texas Supreme Court issued a First Emergency Order on the Hill Country Flood State of Disaster.
Key provisions of the order include:
– Court proceedings throughout Texas should be delayed or modified where reasonably necessary to cope with this disaster.
– Pursuant to section 22.0035(b) of the Texas Government Code,3 any statute of limitations applicable to a civil claim is suspended if the claimant shows that this disaster prevented the timely filing of the claim.
– Pursuant to section 22.0035(b) of the Texas Government Code, all courts in Texas should consider disaster-caused delays as good cause for modifying or suspending any deadline or procedure—whether prescribed by statute, rule, or order—in any case, civil or criminal.
– All attorneys and litigants are strongly encouraged to cooperate with opposing counsel, opposing parties, and court personnel to reach agreement on reasonable extensions of time and any other accommodations made necessary by this disaster.
The order expires on August 6, 2025, unless extended by the Court.
n a ruling last week, the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed the injunction in place against the execution of Senate Bill 4 from the 2023 legislative session (an immigration law that would allow local police to arrest people they suspect crossed the Texas-Mexico border illegally).
What does this mean?
This means that the laws created by Senate Bill 4 are currently not in effect. If/when there is another update, we will update you.
This 8-Hour program will include a range of topics on impaired driving and will include JPs, District Judges, County Judges, and Municipal Judges. Join us from July 30-31 to work with all levels of the judiciary to make Texas roads safer!
This program is sponsored by a generous grant from the Texas Department of Transportation. That means, it is FREE! There is no registration fee and the program comes with 1 free night at the hotel.
This upcoming conference from Texas Health and Human Services and other partners is a great opportunity for justices of the peace, constables, and other county employees who work in the criminal justice system.
Various Dates from September 23, 2025 – October 02, 2025 (multi-day)
TAC Risk Management Pool Regional Workshops are scheduled around the state and are designed to be small, intense and topic-specific. These one-day sessions will cover the latest in risk control, human resources and law enforcement.
Who Should Attend?
Elected and appointed officials, decision-makers for the Pool, human resource directors and managers, workers’ compensation managers, and department managers or supervisors.
Registration Fees
The workshops are provided at no cost to county officials and staff.
Justice for All: Navigating the Legal Landscape of Animal Cases in the Courtroom
July 18th from 1:00 – 3:00 pm
This webinar will address the role of the justice of the peace in animal cruelty cases, as well as other animal-related laws appearing before the court.
In doing so, it will touch upon dangerous dog cases, serious bodily injury cases, civil seizures, appellate process, and thinking outside the box when working with the parties for the greater good of the community.
We wanted to remind you again about some online training opportunities (at the end of this email), an in-person training opportunity in August, and provide a few updates.
We have also received several calls about legislative changes. If you missed it, our legislative update programs are open for registration! Sign up at www.tjctc.org/legislative.
TLSC Eviction Helpline Closing
The TLSC statewide Eviction Helpline, 855-270-7655, is closing on July 31, 2025 due to funding ending. Anyone who calls the Eviction Helpline after July will hear a voicemail stating the Helpline has closed and directing them to website TexasLawHelp.org for information on what limited legal aid remains available and otherwise how to represent themselves.
It has been brought to our attention that many courts have this information as well as old information about the Texas Eviction Diversion Program in their current eviction citations. Please make sure your court is using the most up-to-date forms and no longer includes this information.
This upcoming conference from Texas Health and Human Services and other partners is a great opportunity for justices of the peace, constables, and other county employees who work in the criminal justice system.
This 8-Hour program will include a range of topics on impaired driving and will include JPs, District Judges, County Judges, and Municipal Judges. Join us from July 30-31 to work with all levels of the judiciary to make Texas roads safer!
This program is sponsored by a generous grant from the Texas Department of Transportation. That means, it is FREE! There is no registration fee and the program comes with 1 free night at the hotel.
Justice for All: Navigating the Legal Landscape of Animal Cases in the Courtroom
July 18th from 1:00 – 3:00 pm
This webinar will address the role of the justice of the peace in animal cruelty cases, as well as other animal-related laws appearing before the court.
In doing so, it will touch upon dangerous dog cases, serious bodily injury cases, civil seizures, appellate process, and thinking outside the box when working with the parties for the greater good of the community.
Upcoming Inquest Webinar from Emergency Medical Services and Trauma Registries (EMSTR)
Data Quality Webinar
June 24th from 10:00 – 11:00 am CT
This session from the EMSTR Registry Operations Support Team will focus on the Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) and Submersion (drowning) programs. This training will cover program inclusion criteria and common questions that come up when reporting these case types.
The sessions will end with a brief Q&A component. Questions regarding the Acute Injury (Trauma Program) are also welcome for Registrars who fulfill both functions. Please register to receive an emailed invitation to join the meeting. Don’t hesitate to reach out ahead of time to injury.web@dshs.texas.gov with any questions or concerns!
Note: This is not a TJCTC webinar, but it is from a reputable source and judges can receive judicial education credit for attending and reporting their attendance to TJCTC.
From Crime Scene to Autopsy: An Insider’s Journey into Death Investigations
June 24th from 1:00 – 3:00 pm CT
Join Valor Technical Cleaning for a powerful, one-time-only forensic science webinar featuring two of the most influential voices in death investigations.
Dr. Michael Baden – World-renowned forensic pathologist, known for his work on the John F. Kennedy, Martin Luther King Jr., and Jeffrey Epstein cases.
Joseph J. Kolb, MA – Former death investigator with the New Mexico Office of the Medical Investigator, certified Diplomate of the American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators, Executive Director of the Southwest Gang Information Center, instructor for the New Mexico Law Enforcement Academy and experienced criminal justice instructor.
In this exclusive discussion, these two experts will walk us through the real-life process of death investigations—from the scene to the autopsy room. You’ll gain rare insight into the intersection of field forensics and pathology, directly from the front lines of some of history’s most significant investigations.
Note: This is not a TJCTC webinar, but it is from a reputable source and judges can receive judicial education credit for attending and reporting their attendance to TJCTC.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has recently released their Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) Impaired Driving Data Visualization Dashboards. These are a great way to review, analyze, and compare statistics on impaired driving.
