In our October 16, 2025 Top Tip, we told you about changes to court procedures regarding summary judgment practice enacted by the Texas legislature in SB 293 and HB 16 resulting in the addition of Section 23.303 to Chapter 23, Subchapter D of the Texas Government Code.  In response to those statutory changes, on February 27, 2026 the Texas Supreme Court adopted amendments to Texas Rule of Civil Procedure 166a, effective March 1, 2026.  Rule 166a was completely re-written, and the deadlines for briefing have significantly changed.

The important changes and provisions to note are as follows:

Deadlines:

Motion: Unless a deadline is set by court order, the time to file a traditional motion and the time to file a no evidence motion is unchanged. TRCP 166a(b)(3). That said, it is important that movants review the local rules of the county in which…