About Texas Courts

*LEGISLATIVE CHANGE*

House Bill 16 was passed in the Second Special Session of the 89th Legislature, which included an update to Chapter 121 which governs specialty courts.  Specifically, the bill changes the requirement for a specialty court to register with OCA from a CSCD strategic plan to a participant handbook or a policy and procedures manual.

Text of subsection effective on December 04, 2025

(c) Notwithstanding any other law, a specialty court program may not operate until the judge, magistrate, or coordinator:

(1) provides to the Office of Court Administration of the Texas Judicial System:

(A) written notice of the program;

(B) any resolution or other official declaration under which the program was established; and

(C) a copy of the program policy manual, participant handbook, or other adopted documentation describing the operational plan of the program; and

(2) receives from the office written verification of the program's compliance with Subdivision (1).

Texas Specialty Courts In Action!

So many of our fantastic specialty courts were represented in Dallas in March as the Texas Association of Specialty Courts held their annual training conference.  Close to 700 professionals gathered to network, fill their toolboxes with new tools, and reinvigorate their passion for this work.  The record number of attendees was reflected in the highest number of submissions for the annual conference contest ever.  23 teams created and submitted entries for the flag contest, which were voted on by attendees.  The flags were submitted with a written description of the meaning of the design and how it reflected their program.  The thoughtfulness displayed was truly impressive.  Take a look at all the entries a well as the award winners that were recognized at the conference!!

 

As always, please email pictures of how you continue to engage your team and your participants to Erin Morgan or Amber Ward!

Overview

Specialty Courts provide specialized direct services (usually substance use or mental health treatment) to participants as an alternative to incarceration in criminal cases or to address child protection issues in civil or family cases. Participants must comply with the terms of the program for typically 12-24 months by remaining clean and sober, not being rearrested, participating in treatment, and attending court review hearings on a regular basis. Specialty Court Programs in Texas must comply with best practice standards approved by the Texas Judicial Council.

There are seven (7) types of Specialty Courts recognized by Statute in Texas:

1. Family Treatment Courts
2. Adult Treatment Courts
3. Veterans Treatment Courts
4. Mental Health Courts
5. Commercially or Sexually Exploited Persons Courts
6. Public Safety Employees Treatment Courts
7. Juvenile Family Treatment Courts

In 2019, the 86th Legislature transferred oversight of Specialty Court programs in Texas from the Office of the Governor to the Office of Court Administration under the Texas Judicial Branch through House Bill 2955. As such, OCA is charged with ensuring adherence to best practice standards and offering support and technical assistance to all specialty court programs.

Registered Specialty Courts

Data Graphics

There are currently 212 registered Specialty Courts in Texas. The graphics below highlight the number of courts by type, the number of courts by county, and the counties with statutory mandates for specialty courts. (updated 4/1/2026).

Number of Courts by Type

Number of Courts per County

Counties with Statutory Mandates for Specialty Courts

 

For questions please contact the Specialty Courts Team!

Program Manager: Erin Morgan or 512-936-0288

Program Specialist: Amber Ward