Regular Session
Government Affairs & Regulatory Compliance Analysis
SB251 authorizes Bell County to appoint Criminal Law Magistrates to accelerate criminal case processing, specifically regarding jail intake and bail settings. This creates a new judicial venue with full contempt and warrant powers, requiring immediate operational adjustments for legal defense firms, bail bond sureties, and corporate security teams operating in Central Texas.
Sen. Peter Flores·Senate Bill·Regular Session
Bell County Commissioners Court • Bell County Courts (Referring Courts) • Bell County Criminal Magistrates
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Key implementation requirements and action items for compliance with this legislation
The statute leaves the specific operational scope to the Bell County Commissioners Court. Businesses must watch for:
JD Key Consulting specializes in Texas regulatory compliance strategy. Work directly with James Dickey—former Chairman of the Republican Party of Texas—to understand this bill's impact on your operations and develop an actionable compliance plan.
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This bill's path through the Texas Legislature
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Common questions about SB251
SB251 authorizes Bell County to appoint Criminal Law Magistrates to accelerate criminal case processing, specifically regarding jail intake and bail settings. This creates a new judicial venue with full contempt and warrant powers, requiring immediate operational adjustments for legal defense firms, bail bond sureties, and corporate security teams operating in Central Texas.
SB251 was authored by Texas Senator Peter Flores during the Regular Session.
SB251 was signed into law by Governor Greg Abbott on June 20, 2025.
SB251 is enforced by Bell County Commissioners Court, Bell County Courts (Referring Courts) and Bell County Criminal Magistrates.
The regulatory priority for SB251 is rated as "low". Businesses and organizations should review the legislation to understand potential impacts.
The cost impact of SB251 is estimated as "low". This may vary based on industry and implementation requirements.
SB251 addresses topics including bell county, courts, courts--county & statutory, courts--personnel and witnesses.
Key dates for SB251: Effective date is 2025-09-01. Rulemaking: Establish minimum qualifications, salary, benefits, compensation, and specific powers/duties of the magistrate positions. (Prior to appointment of magistrates). Consult with legal counsel regarding applicability.
SB251 establishes the following penalties: criminal penalty of Statutory penalties for Perjury/Aggravated Perjury for Lying under oath before the new Bell County Magistrate.; criminal/civil penalty of Fine or Imprisonment (Contempt of Court) for Failure to appear, refusal to answer questions, or acts of direct contempt before the magistrate.. Consult with legal counsel for specific applicability to your situation.
JD Key Consulting is an Austin, Texas-based government affairs firm led by James Dickey, former Chairman of the Republican Party of Texas. We specialize in Texas regulatory compliance and legislative strategy for data centers, energy, banking, and manufacturing.
