S.B. No. 1210 amends the jurisdictional provisions of the Texas Supreme Court and the Court of Criminal Appeals as outlined in the Code of Criminal Procedure and the Government Code. The bill introduces new language that grants the Texas Supreme Court jurisdiction to resolve conflicts with the Court of Criminal Appeals regarding the interpretation of the Texas Constitution, specifically in cases involving writs of certiorari and certified questions from federal courts. Additionally, it clarifies that the Court of Criminal Appeals has final appellate jurisdiction in criminal cases, with the ability to review decisions from lower courts, except in cases of conflict as defined by the new provisions.

The bill also modifies the list of courts with criminal jurisdiction, removing several magistrate positions and updating the language to reflect the current structure of the judicial system. It emphasizes that the jurisdictional changes apply to any relevant matters pending in Texas courts as of the effective date of the Act. The Act is set to take effect immediately upon receiving a two-thirds vote from both houses of the legislature or on September 1, 2025, if that threshold is not met.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Government Code 22.001 (Government Code 22)
Senate Committee Report: Government Code 22.001 (Government Code 22)
Engrossed: Government Code 22.001 (Government Code 22)