Mark Goodner

HB 1950 Creates a New Consolidated Fund for Cities Under 100,000

On May 29, 2025, Governor Abbott signed House Bill 1950, introducing a new funding structure for municipal courts in cities under 100,000 in population. The bill went into effect immediately and creates the Municipal Court Building Security and Technology Fund, a consolidated account that simplifies how two key portions of the $14 Local Consolidated FeeContinue reading “HB 1950 Creates a New Consolidated Fund for Cities Under 100,000 “

TMCEC Welcomes Madison Mondragon as Program Attorney & Deputy Counsel!

Mark Goodner sat down with Madison Mondragon to discuss her recent arrival at TMCEC. MG: Madison, welcome to the TMCEC team! You’ve now been with us for three weeks or so. What’s it been like getting started, and what have you been focusing on during your first days here? MM: It has been a greatContinue reading “TMCEC Welcomes Madison Mondragon as Program Attorney & Deputy Counsel! “

Protections Regarding Fines and Fees in Chapter 45A: Safeguarding Justice for All

Municipal courts in Texas are tasked with ensuring fair and equitable treatment for all defendants, particularly those unable to pay fines and court costs due to indigence. With the implementation of Chapter 45A of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, the procedural safeguards for indigent defendants have been reorganized. This blog highlights some key protectionsContinue reading “Protections Regarding Fines and Fees in Chapter 45A: Safeguarding Justice for All”

Youth Diversion Plans: Elements to Consider

January 1, 2025 will be here before we know it. By that date, a youth diversion plan must be adopted by each municipal court in Texas. It must be a written plan that describes the types of strategies that will be used to implement youth diversion, and it must be maintained on file for publicContinue reading “Youth Diversion Plans: Elements to Consider”

Celebrating Excellence: The Inaugural Class of TMCEC’s Prosecutor Professionalism Program

The Texas Municipal Courts Education Center (TMCEC) is proud to celebrate a major milestone in our continued effort to support and elevate the standard of municipal prosecution across Texas. In 2024, we recognize 17 members of the inaugural class of the TMCEC Prosecutor Professionalism Program—a group of dedicated professionals who have demonstrated a commitment toContinue reading “Celebrating Excellence: The Inaugural Class of TMCEC’s Prosecutor Professionalism Program”

The Silver Tsunami and Its Impact on Driving Safety: A Challenge for Texas Municipal Courts

A dozen years ago, TMCEC presented a class on the “Silver Tsunami,” a term describing the growing wave of older adults in our population. The wave continues to grow and the implications for public safety, especially driving safety, are becoming more evident. This demographic shift is raising important questions for municipal courts across the state.Continue reading “The Silver Tsunami and Its Impact on Driving Safety: A Challenge for Texas Municipal Courts”

Webinar Tutorial

TMCEC recently changed our Learning Management System for our Online Learning Center (OLC). Our new provider, Top Class, communicates directly with our database, so users will see credits on their transcripts quickly and reliably. If you haven’t attended a webinar yet on the new system, it may be a little different than you’re used to.Continue reading “Webinar Tutorial”

The Lone Star State’s Response to Fake Temporary Tags and “Ghost Cars”

By Ned Minevitz Before reading on, take five minutes to watch CBS Texas’s 2023 news story, The Ongoing Fight Against Ghost Cars in Texas, embedded below. A valid registration and license plate shows that a motor vehicle is in compliance: it has undergone any required safety inspections and is covered by automobile insurance. This helpsContinue reading “The Lone Star State’s Response to Fake Temporary Tags and “Ghost Cars””

New Statewide MOEP Form Required Starting June 1, 2024

by Ned Minevitz After an arrest involving family violence or for trafficking of persons, sexual assault, indecent assault, aggravated sexual assault, or stalking, Texas magistrates may enter a Magistrate’s Order of Emergency Protection (MOEP) under Article 17.292 of the Code of Criminal Procedure. MOEPs are designed to protect the victims of such crimes. Beginning withContinue reading “New Statewide MOEP Form Required Starting June 1, 2024 “

Time is Running Out! Confidentiality Policy Required by May 1, 2024

New Texas Rule of Judicial Administration Rule 7.1 requires all courts to adopt a policy governing court confidentiality no later than May 1, 2024. The Supreme Court order, including the text of the rule, as well as the Supreme Court’s Confidentiality Policy and agreement is provided below. The Basic Requirements The policy must: (1) defineContinue reading “Time is Running Out! Confidentiality Policy Required by May 1, 2024”