Texas Supreme Court expands writ power through legislative amendment

The Texas Senate took a significant step forward in clarifying the writ power of the Texas Supreme Court during its session on April 10, 2025. A proposed amendment to section 22.002 of the government code aims to enhance the court's authority by allowing it to issue writs consistent with the Texas Constitution.

This amendment addresses ongoing confusion surrounding the scope of the Supreme Court's writ power, which is rooted in article 5, section 3 of the Texas Constitution. Over the years, the statute has been modified to include various courts and bodies, leading to questions about entities that were either excluded or not explicitly mentioned.

The new bill seeks to eliminate the current enumerated list in section 22.002, thereby affirming that the Texas Supreme Court retains its full constitutional writ power. This change is expected to streamline judicial processes and reduce ambiguity regarding the court's authority.

As lawmakers continue to discuss this amendment, its potential impact on the judicial landscape in Texas remains a focal point of interest. The move is seen as a crucial step in ensuring that the Supreme Court can operate effectively within its constitutional framework.