A federal courthouse is nearing realization in Brazos County following the U.S. House passage of the Local Access to Courts Act. The legislation aims to end the requirement for residents, attorneys, and jurors to travel to Houston for federal court proceedings. The bill now awaits the signature of President Donald Trump, with local officials expecting it to be signed within the next few weeks.
Gaines West, an attorney with West Webb Allbritton & Gentry, has advocated for a local federal court since 1986. He described the passage as the fulfillment of a long-held goal. West noted that federal court boundaries were established over a century ago when Brazos County was significantly smaller.
Since then, the region has remained part of the Houston Division of the Southern District of Texas, which has since expanded into one of the largest divisions in the nation.
Sen. Ted Cruz introduced the legislation in the Senate in 2025, while Rep. Michael McCaul filed a companion bill in the House. In a statement released after the House vote, Cruz expressed pride in the passage of the measure.
He stated that the addition would allow the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas to provide more efficient service to those in and around College Station. Cruz added that he looks forward to seeing the legislation signed into law.
Once the bill is signed, Chief Judge Randy Crane of the Southern District of Texas will begin establishing a temporary courtroom in College Station. West indicated that this temporary location will likely be situated near Texas A&M University. Officials will simultaneously search for a permanent site.
