Hidalgo County officials weigh lawmaker proposals for new courts

State Sen. Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa speaks during a luncheon hosted by the McAllen Chamber of Commerce on Thursday, Aug. 31, 2023. (Dina Arevalo | The Monitor)

Hidalgo County officials are considering whether the new courthouse can accommodate additional courts as proposed by two Valley lawmakers.

Early last month, Sen. Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa introduced Senate Bill 2135, which would create a second probate court and an additional county court in Hidalgo County. Rep. Sergio Munoz Jr. also introduced House Bill 4498, which would create three more county courts-at-law.

The county currently has nine courts-at-law and one probate court to serve its population of 914,820, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

In a Hidalgo County Commissioners’ Court meeting on Tuesday, April 1, the agenda slated the possible opposition of these bills; however, no action was taken on the item.

According to Carlos Sanchez, Hidalgo County public affairs director, this was because the commissioners needed more time to discuss the possible opposition.

The resolution in opposition of HB 4498 stated that space is lacking in the Hidalgo County Courthouse to accommodate additional courts, and stated it would “adversely affect the citizens of Hidalgo County due to the cost of establishing, funding, maintaining and locating” the proposed courts.

It continues to state that the bill would not provide the funding to cover the costs.

The resolution in opposition of SB 2135 cited the same reasons for not wanting the new courts, stating it would “not be in the best interest” of taxpayers.

If HB 4498 and SB 2135 were to pass, they would go into effect in September.

A hallway at the Hidalgo County Courthouse is filled with people Monday, March 31, 2025, in Edinburg. (Delcia Lopez | dlopez@themonitor.com)

On April 1, County Court-at-Law No. 1 Judge Rodolfo “Rudy” Gonzalez addressed a letter to Hinojosa and other state representatives, in which he, along with the county commissioners and County Judge Richard F. Cortez, requested the bill creating new courts be withdrawn.

The letter was unclear on Gonzalez’s stance on the new probate court, stating that he would defer to the commissioners and Cortez for their recommendation.

“We believe this approach reflects the interests and input of all parties involved,” Gonzalez wrote.

The last time a court was created in Hidalgo County was in 2021.

The new Hidalgo County Courthouse opened on March 31 following years of delays due to the pandemic and construction defects that needed to be addressed before it opened.

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