Tag: civil process proficiency certification

FY2026 Programs Underway

We had our first in-person program for this academic year earlier this week in Galveston. It was a treat to see a packed room full of judges ready to learn, and we can’t wait to welcome the New Judges next week in Bee Cave. While we love the ability to connect with y’all online, connecting in person is the best! In this edition of Updates you will find important updates to the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure, an update about the CPPC exam, a frequently asked legal question, and links to register for upcoming webinars.

Texas in the News for Fatal Truck Crashes

Judges, court staff, and law enforcement often see violations by CDL holders in the courtroom and on Texas roads. A recent article talked  about the importance of safe driving and how truck traffic and crashes are on the rise in Texas. Read the article from the Texas Tribute on their website: https://www.texastribune.org/2025/11/12/texas-leads-in-fatal-truck-crashes-as-safety-enforcement-plummets/

New Texas Rules of Civil Procedure Open for Comment

In late November, the Texas Supreme Court released their updates to the Rules, including to Part V that applies to justice courts. This version of the Rules will go into effect on January 1, 2026, but could change again after the Court reviews the public comments.  TJCTC will be incorporating Rule changes into our materials and classes, but please click the button below to review the changes yourself as well. Comments regarding the amendments should be submitted in writing to rulescomments@txcourts.gov by February 1, 2026.

Civil Process Proficiency Certification Exam 

The Civil Process Proficiency Certification Exam will re-open for registration in the new year. As many legislative changes are going into effect in January, to avoid any confusion, TJCTC has decided to postpone the taking of the exam until 2026.  You can find more information about the exam on the TJCTC website by clicking the button below.

TJCTC Webinars

TAA Lease & Forms Update 2026

December 17 from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m.

Join TJCTC General Counsel Bronson Tucker, TAA Vice President and General Counsel Sandy Hoy, and attorney Howard Bookstaff for a discussion of the Texas Apartment Association’s lease and form updates for 2026 in light of the passage of SB 38.

Click here to register.

Important Considerations for JPs: Dynamics of Family Violence and Updates from the 89th Legislative Session

January 8th from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.

Join the Texas Council on Family Violence for an in-depth look at the dynamics of family violence and an overview of important updates from the 89th legislative session. Presenters will discuss how family violence may appear in the courtroom and offer guidance on how JPs can respond to family violence. The presenters will also provide an overview of new laws that intersect with survivors of family violence and provide insight on supporting implementation of new laws designed to foster safety and stability for survivors.

Click here to register.

Legal Question of the Month

A frequent question regarding Occupational Driver’s Licenses is whether an SR-22 is required for the court to issue an order granting an ODL.

If the applicant is otherwise required to have an SR-22 by DPS, then they will need to provide that to the court as their evidence of financial responsibility. If they are not required to have an SR-22, then it is not a requirement for the ODL and they can just provide the standard proof of insurance. An SR-22 can be required for various reasons, such as when an applicant’s driving privilege has been suspended due to a car crash, they have received a second or subsequent conviction for No Motor Vehicle Liability Insurance, or a civil judgment has been filed against them. A court can usually determine whether an applicant is required to have an SR-22 by looking at the applicant’s driving record or the applicant’s information on the DPS License Eligibility website.  

We are aware that some people have heard from DPS that an SR-22 is always required to get an ODL. It is also listed as always being a requirement on certain forms and websites. There is not, however, any statutory authority for this. TJCTC’s recommendation is to only require an SR-22 before granting an ODL if the person is otherwise required to have the SR-22. If they are not, the court does not have the authority to require it. Instead, it will be between the applicant and DPS if DPS is improperly requiring it before issuing the actual license (though it is fine to let the applicant know that DPS may require this). Also note that some judges have reported that while DPS may say an SR-22 is always required, they have sent many orders to DPS without an SR-22 (when it was not otherwise required) and have never had a problem.