The Texas Constitution
Article 5 - JUDICIAL DEPARTMENT
Section 31 - COURT ADMINISTRATION; RULE-MAKING AUTHORITY; ACTION ON MOTION FOR REHEARING
(a) The Supreme Court is responsible for the efficient administration of the judicial branch and shall
promulgate rules of administration not inconsistent with the laws of the state as may be necessary for the
efficient and uniform administration of justice in the various courts.
(b) The Supreme Court shall promulgate rules of civil procedure for all courts not inconsistent with the
laws of the state as may be necessary for the efficient and uniform administration of justice in the various
courts.
(c) The legislature may delegate to the Supreme Court or Court of Criminal Appeals the power to
promulgate such other rules as may be prescribed by law or this Constitution, subject to such limitations
and procedures as may be provided by law.
(d) Notwithstanding Section 1, Article II, of this constitution and any other provision of this constitution, if
the supreme court does not act on a motion for rehearing before the 180th day after the date on which the
motion is filed, the motion is denied. (Added Nov. 5, 1985; Subsec. (d) added Nov. 4, 1997.)
link to the entire Texas Constitution