Kendall County is getting a second state district court, replacing a county court-at-law that just two weeks ago was postponed until 2029.
The now-abolished county court was created during the 2021 legislative session, causing a stir among courthouse staffers over where to house the new judiciary and over what cases would be heard in its venue.
The shift in focus kicked off with a special-called meeting April 21, when the Commissioners Court voted to adjourn the county court’s construction, allowing more time to work out the details.
However, the game plan changed again shortly afterwards when state Rep. Ellen Troxclair, R-Austin, filed legislation creating the 498th state District Court in Kendall County.
That court, set to debut Oct. 1, 2025, will join the current and only state district court, the 451st overseen by Judge Kirsten B. Cohoon.
“The conversion of our county court-at-law to the 498th Judicial District Court is a win for our citizens. The creation of a new district bench in October 2025 will save our taxpayers millions of dollars over time,” County Judge Shane Stolarczyk said. “While a conversion of a county court to a district court usually takes years, we were able to expedite this process through the quick actions of Rep. Troxclair and our new General Counsel Matthew Grove to advocate our position and fight to provide our taxpayers a significant tax savings.”
The state picks up much of the cost of a district court, including the judge’s salary, as opposed to the county’s funding of a court-at-law.
Troxclair said she spearheaded the effort after realizing the caseload handled by the Kendall County criminal court system had reached an unsustainable level.
The first-term lawmaker said while Cohoon ably handled a docket double that of any neighboring court, another tribunal was warranted.
“I knew that delaying the court for potentially up to five years, we weren’t going to be able to handle the number of cases coming through,” Troxclair said. “I think it’s really a win-win, and I’m really excited. It’s something that normally takes up to six years to get through.”
When Troxclair realized part of the commissioners’ delay of the county court revolved around funding concerns, she pushed for a new state district court.
Echoing the county judge, Troxclair said the move will save county taxpayers millions of dollars.
Because House Bill 3474 sets the new court’s debut two years from now, Republican Gov. Greg Abbott will appoint the first judge to the bench before an election in 2026.
The 498th state District Court judge will be able to hear the same criminal and civil cases heard by the 451st, including all levels of felony and misdemeanor charges.
“Our county is growing, and the 451st District Court docket is no exception. Our docket continues to grow and by the end of 2025, this new court will not only be welcome but needed,” Cohoon said. “The 451st Judicial District Court welcomes this new development and stands willing to assist the new court.”
Envisioning a collaborative future, Cohoon added, “Our two state district courts will work together to ensure that, in Kendall County, justice is neither delayed or denied. I appreciate our leaders, particularly our state Rep. Ellen Troxclair, for recognizing the growth of our docket and the needs of our county.”
Currently, the county’s single district court hears felony trials exclusively one week of every month. Officials said a second tribunal could lead to speedier adjudications.
“When I was contacted by Rep. Ellen Troxclair, I had no objections to the creation of a second district court because we will always welcome anything that helps assist in the efficient and speedy administration of justice,” Criminal District Attorney Nicole Bishop said. “Obviously, we will have to staff both courts as necessary to represent the state of Texas in criminal matters.”
Manpower needs may have to be addressed in the future, however, the county’s top prosecutor added.
“Luckily, nothing has to be decided right now, and we have over two years to make plans and get ready,” Bishop added.
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