Overview
Jarod Stewart and Patrick Fields co-authored an article that appeared in Texas Lawyer, "A New Era for Summary Judgment Practice in Texas Courts."
Effective September 1, 2025, Texas courts (including district courts, statutory county courts, and the newly established Business Court) are subject to strict new deadlines for hearing and ruling on motions for summary judgment. These changes, enacted through Senate Bill 293 and House Bill 16, aim to streamline judicial processes and enhance transparency, but they also introduce new strategic considerations for attorneys. The legislation imposes fixed timelines for oral arguments and written rulings, mandates public reporting of judicial compliance, and distinguishes between motions filed before and after December 4, 2025.
Practitioners must now navigate a more rigid procedural landscape, balancing efficiency with precision. The article outlines key strategies for adapting to the new framework, including filing early, breaking motions into discrete issues, and leveraging proposed orders to assist courts in meeting deadlines.
