Local Schedule DC (2nd edition)
Retention Schedule for Records of District Clerks
Effective October 20, 1997
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Preface
This schedule establishes mandatory minimum retention periods
for the records listed. No local government office may dispose of
a record listed in this schedule prior to the expiration of its
retention period. A records control schedule of a local government
may not set a retention period for a record that is less than that
established for the record on this schedule. The originals of records
listed in this schedule may be disposed of prior to the expiration
of the stated minimum retention period if they have been microfilmed
or electronically stored pursuant to the provisions of the Local
Government Code, Chapter 204 or Chapter 205, as applicable, and
rules of the Texas State Library and Archives Commission adopted
under authority of those chapters. Actual disposal of such records
by a local government or an elective county office is subject to
the policies and procedures of its records management program.
Destruction of local government records contrary to the provisions
of the Local Government Records Act of 1989 and administrative rules
adopted under its authority, including this schedule, is a Class
A misdemeanor and, under certain circumstances, a third degree felony
(Penal Code, Section 37.10). Anyone destroying local government
records without legal authorization may also be subject to criminal
penalties and fines under the Open Records Act (Government Code,
Chapter 552).
Introduction
The Government Code, Section 441.158, provides that the Texas
State Library and Archives Commission shall issue records retention
schedules for each type of local government, including a schedule
for records common to all types of local government. The law provides
further that each schedule must state the retention period prescribed
by federal or state law, rule of court, or regulation for a record
for which a period is prescribed; and prescribe retention periods
for all other records, which periods have the same effect as if
prescribed by law after the records retention schedule is adopted
as a rule of the commission.
Local Schedule DC sets mandatory minimum retention periods for
records series (identified in the Records Series Title column) maintained
by district clerks. If the retention period for a record is established
in a federal or state law, rule of court, or regulation, a citation
to the relevant provision is given; if no citation is given, the
authority for the retention period is this schedule.
The retention period for a record applies to the record regardless
of the medium in which it is maintained. Some records listed in
this schedule are maintained electronically in many offices, but
electronically stored data used to create in any manner a record
or the functional equivalent of a record as described in this schedule
must be retained, along with the hardware and software necessary
to access the data, for the retention period assigned to the record,
unless backup copies of the data generated from electronic storage
are retained in paper or on microfilm for the retention period.
Unless otherwise stated, the retention period for a record is
in calendar years from the date of its creation. The retention period,
again unless otherwise noted, applies only to an official record
as distinct from convenience or working copies created for informational
purposes. Where several copies are maintained, each local government
should decide which shall be the official record and in which of
its divisions or departments it will be maintained. Local governments
in their records management programs should establish policies and
procedures to provide for the systematic disposal of copies.
If a record described in this schedule is maintained in a bound
volume of a type in which pages are not designed to be removed,
the retention period, unless otherwise stated, dates from the date
of last entry.
If two or more records listed in this schedule are maintained
together by a local government and are not severable, the combined
record must be retained for the length of time of the component
with the longest retention period. A record whose minimum retention
period on this schedule has not yet expired and is less than permanent
may be disposed of if it has been so badly damaged by fire, water,
or insect or rodent infestation as to render it unreadable, or if
portions of the information in the record have been so thoroughly
destroyed that remaining portions are unintelligible. If the retention
period for the record is permanent on this schedule, authority to
dispose of the damaged record must be obtained from the director
and librarian of the Texas State Library. The Request for Authority
to Destroy Unscheduled Records (Form SLR 501) should be used for
this purpose.
Requests for Authority to Destroy Unscheduled Records (SLR 501),
whose submission to the director and
librarian of the Texas State Library is required by the Local Government
Code, Section 203.045, need not be filed for records shown as exempt
from the requirement.
Certain records listed in this schedule are assigned the retention
period of AV (as long as administratively
valuable). This retention period affords local governments the maximum
amount of discretion in determining a specific retention period
for the record described. Although AV may be used as a retention
period on a records control schedule of a local government, it is
in the best interests of any records management program that fixed
retention periods be assigned for each records series. AV records
tend to accumulate and go unmanaged.
Amendment Notice
An item number that is preceded by an asterisk (*) indicates either
that the retention period or the description of the record series
has been changed from that which appeared in the edition of Local
Schedule DC, effective November 1, 1994, or the records series is
new to this schedule. An asterisk is also used before a retention
note that has been amended or added at the beginning of the schedule
or any or its parts or sections. Changes to legal citations or non-substantive
editorial changes are not noted.
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Table of Contents
Retention Notes
Part 1: Civil Case Records
Part 2: Tax Suit Records
Part 3: Family Law Case Records
Part 4: Juvenile Records
Part 5: Criminal Case Records
Part 6: Multi-Case/Multi-Court
Records
Part 7: Miscellaneous Court
Records
Part 8: Jury Records
Part 9: Grand Jury Records
Part 10: Naturalization Records
Part 11: Administrative and
Financial Records
Part 12: Business and Professional
Records
Part 13: Miscellaneous Records
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Abbreviations Used In This Schedule
AR - After release, replacement, termination, or cancellation
of the instrument; or, if recorded, of all instruments in volume
AV - As long as administratively valuable
FE - Fiscal year end
US - Until superseded
Records of District Clerks
Retention Notes:
a) TEXAS COUNTY RECORDS MANUAL RENDERED WITHOUT EFFECT - The
adoption and issuance of the first edition of this schedule by
the Texas State Library and Archives Commission rendered without
effect Section 2 of Volume II of the Texas County Records Manual
as amended through February 15, 1993. District clerks should not
use any part of the Texas County Records Manual to determine minimum
retention periods or the requirements of local government records
laws.
b) USE OF LOCAL SCHEDULE GR (Records Common to All Governments)
- Class 1000 (General Records), which was part of Volume II of
the Texas County Records Manual, is not included in this schedule.
District clerks should use Local Schedule GR for determining minimum
retention periods for administrative, personnel, financial, and
support service records not included in this schedule.
c) DESTROY AT OPTION - The term "destroy at option"
as used throughout this schedule indicates that the record is
an obsolete record no longer required by law to be maintained
by district clerks. We recommend that district clerks who wish
to retain these records rather than destroy them assign definite
retention periods for the records on their records control schedules.
d) SCOPE OF THIS PART - In some counties, the district clerk,
by law, serves either as the exclusive clerk to one or more statutory
county courts, as clerk in cases concerning family law only, or
as clerk in cases concerning family law and in civil and/or criminal
cases in which the court has concurrent jurisdiction with district
courts. The district clerk must follow the minimum retention periods
in Local Schedule CC (Records of County Clerks) for records of
any county court at law to which he or she is clerk that are not
covered in this schedule. The district clerk must follow the retention
periods in this volume for records relating to family law matters
heard in a county court at law to which he is clerk.
e) MEANING OF FINAL JUDGMENT - For retention dating purposes,
the use of the term "final judgment" in retention periods,
unless otherwise qualified, means:
1) Civil and Family Law Cases - From the date judgment signed
in a district court or the court of jurisdiction if a foreign
judgment; or if new trial or further proceedings granted on
motion or mandated on appeal, from date judgment rendered and
signed in new trial or further proceedings; or if appealed and
judgment of trial court affirmed, modified, or rendered as it
should have been rendered, or appeal dismissed, from date mandate
or notice of dismissal received from appeals court; whichever
applicable.
2) Criminal Cases - From the date judgment signed in a district
court; or if new trial or further proceedings granted on motion
or mandated by reversal on appeal, from date judgment rendered
and signed in new trial or further proceedings; or if appealed
and judgment of trial court affirmed or judgment of acquittal
issued or appeal dismissed, from date mandate or notice of dismissal
received from appeals court; whichever applicable.
3) Juvenile Cases - State laws provide that appeals from decisions
in these types of hearings shall be governed by the Rules of
Civil Procedure and the Rules of Appellate Procedure, and the
dating of final judgment should follow the guidelines set out
in (e)(1) above.
f) PRE-1876 RECORDS AND RETENTION RECOMMENDATIONS - Notwithstanding
the retention periods set down in this schedule, the following
records must be retained permanently:
1) all case papers dated 1876 or earlier and trial dockets
containing entries dated 1876 or earlier; and
2) case papers and trial dockets from any period if the minutes
of the case have been lost or destroyed.
In addition, with regard only to case papers in which final
judgment has been rendered, this manual recommends, but does not
require that consideration be given to retaining:
1) all case papers dated from 1877 to 1920 PERMANENTLY; and
2) papers in a case from any period that, because of its notoriety
or significance, might possess enduring value.
*g) FINGERPRINTS - Code of Criminal Procedure, art. 38.33, requires
that the fingerprint of a person convicted of a Class A misdemeanor
or a felony be placed on the judgment or docket sheet. The fingerprint
is meant to serve as an aid to the identification of a person
for use as evidence of prior convictions. The amended article
applies only to convictions had on or after 1 September 1987.
Because of the long retention periods set for the various records
concerning felony cases in this section, this note is concerned
only with misdemeanor records in district courts.
If the fingerprint appears on a misdemeanor judgment sheet or
an order for probation that is incorporated directly into the
Criminal Minutes [2125-08] or the District Court Minutes [2150-07]
none of the retention periods listed in this manual is affected,
but if the only copy of the fingerprint appears on a document
in either of the following two categories, then the document must
be retained 20 years after final judgment or after last entry
as applicable.
Category 1 - On a misdemeanor docket sheet in the Criminal
Docket [2125-06] or the Criminal File Docket - Type IV [2125-07],
or on a separate docket sheet filed with the Criminal Case Papers
[2125-05].
Category 2 - On a misdemeanor judgment or an order for probation
filed with the Criminal Case Papers [2125-05] and not directly
incorporated into the Criminal Minutes [2125-08] or the District
Court Minutes [2150-07].
The 20 year retention required for documents in Categories 1
and 2 apply only to those documents or portions of a docket, judgment,
or order created on or after 1 September 1987 and containing the
only copy of the fingerprints of convicted persons. It does not
apply to any documents in the same categories created on or before
31 August 1987.
h) RETENTION OF CIVIL EXHIBITS AND DEPOSITIONS - Exhibits and
depositions in civil cases must be retained and disposed of in
accordance with the following orders of the Texas Supreme Court,
unless a county has obtained a modified order from the Supreme
Court amending the procedure for that county.
1) Exhibits: In compliance with the provisions of Rule 14b,
the Supreme Court hereby directs that exhibits offered or admitted
into evidence shall be retained and disposed of by the clerk
of the court in which the exhibits are filed upon the following
basis.
This order shall apply only to: (1) those cases in which judgment
has been rendered on service of process by publication and in
which no motion for new trial was filed within two years after
judgment was signed; and, (2) all other cases in which judgment
has been signed for one year and in which no appeal was perfected
or in which a perfected appeal was dismissed or concluded by
a final judgment as to all parties and the issuance of the appellate
court's mandate such that the case is no longer pending on appeal
or in the trial court.
After first giving all attorneys of record thirty days written
notice that they have an opportunity to claim and withdraw the
trial exhibits, the clerk, unless otherwise directed by the
court, may dispose of the exhibits. If any such exhibit is desired
by more than one attorney, the clerk shall make the necessary
copies and prorate the cost among all the attorneys desiring
the exhibit.
If the exhibit is not a document or otherwise capable of reproduction,
the party who offered the exhibit shall be entitled to claim
same; provided, however, that the party claiming the exhibit
shall provide a photograph of said exhibit to any other party
upon request and payment of the reasonable cost thereof by the
other party.
2) Deposition Transcripts and Depositions Upon Written Questions:
In compliance with the provisions of Rule 209, the Supreme Court
hereby directs that deposition transcripts and depositions upon
written questions be retained and disposed of by the clerk of
the court in which the same are filed upon the following basis.
This order shall apply only to: (1) those cases in which judgment
has been rendered on service of process by publication and in
which no motion for new trial was filed within two years after
judgment was signed; and, (2) all other cases in which judgment
has been signed for one year and in which no appeal was perfected
or in which a perfected appeal was dismissed or concluded by
a final judgment as to all parties and the issuance of the appellate
court's mandate such that the case is no longer pending on appeal
or in the trial court.
After first giving all attorneys of record written notice
that they have an opportunity to claim and withdraw the same,
the clerk, unless otherwise directed by the court, may dispose
of them thirty days after giving such notice. If any such document
is desired by more than one attorney, the clerk shall make the
necessary copies and prorate the cost among all the attorneys
desiring the document.
*i) RETENTION OF CRIMINAL EXHIBITS - Exhibits in criminal cases
in which a person was convicted must be retained and disposed
of in accordance with the following provisions of the Code of
Criminal Procedure, art. 2.21:
1) To be eligible for disposal the exhibit must not be contraband
or a firearm, must not have been ordered by the court to be
returned to its owner, and is not an exhibit in another pending
criminal action.
2) An eligible exhibit may be disposed of on or after the
first anniversary of the date on which a conviction becomes
final in the case, if the case is a misdemeanor or a felony
for which the sentence imposed by the court is five years or
less; or on or after the second anniversary of the date on which
a conviction becomes final in the case, if the case is a non-capital
felony for which the sentence imposed by the court is greater
than 5 years.
3) Prior to disposal, county and district clerks in a county
with a population of less than 1.7 million must provide written
notice by mail to the attorney representing the state and the
attorney representing the defendant of the intent to dispose.
If a request for return is not received from either attorney
before the 31st day after the date of notice, the clerk may
dispose of the exhibit.
4) County and district clerks in a county with a population
of 1.7 million or more may dispose of an eligible exhibit on
the date provided in (2) if on that date the clerk has not received
a request for the exhibit from either the attorney representing
the state or the attorney representing the defendant.
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Part 1: Civil Case Records
2025-01 Appearance Docket (Call Docket) - Docket books
or sheets of civil suits filed in a district court used to call
cases on appearance day. RETENTION: 3 years.
2025-02 Civil Bar Docket - Docket books or sheets of civil
suits filed for the use of attorneys. RETENTION: AV. (Exempt from
destruction request to the Texas State Library)
2025-03 Civil Case Papers - Documents relating to civil
proceedings (including pre-trial, preliminary, or interlocutory
proceedings or hearings) and of scire facias and ancillary civil
proceedings, except condemnation,family law, and juvenile delinquency
cases, heard or received as a foreign judgment.
a) Cases dismissed on motion of plaintiff, for want of prosecution,
or for other reasons within the court's power. RETENTION: Dismissal
+ 3 years.
*b) All other cases. (See retention note.)
Retention Notes: a) Final judgment + 20 years or, if
applicable to the case, 12 years from date judgment revived,
whichever longer, provided that at the time of disposal (1)
no discovery proceedings are underway in the case and (2) the
judgment and mandate (if applicable) have been entered of record
in a permanent minute book of the court.
b) Prior to disposal, civil case papers shall be appraised
by the records management officer for historical value and those
determined by the records management officer to merit retention
for historical reasons must be retained permanently. Some civil
case papers may merit permanent retention because they provide
significant documentation of the history of the local community
or the state.
c) Exhibits and depositions. RETENTION: See retention note (h)
(Records of District Clerks). (Exempt from destruction request
to the Texas State Library)
*d) Bills of cost under both (a) and (b). RETENTION: FE of final
payment + 3 years.
*e) Transcripts and statements of fact from the district court
on appeal. RETENTION: AV. (Exempt from destruction request to
the Texas State Library)
*f) Citations, waivers of citation, subpoenas, witness attachments,
returns, and applications for such process. RETENTION: 3 years
after final judgment rendered or proceedings otherwise terminated
in the case.
*g) Appeal, cost, supersedeas, or similar surety bonds or certificates
of deposit or affidavits in lieu thereof. RETENTION: 3 years after
final judgment rendered or proceedings otherwise terminated in
the case.
2025-04 Civil Docket (Civil Docket-Disposed). RETENTION:
PERMANENT.
2025-05 Civil File Docket (Civil Docket-Pending) - Original
entry docket books or sheets of civil cases.
a) TYPE I - File docket, which does not contain an account of
fees due, whose contents are transcribed into a docket of disposed
cases after adjudication. RETENTION: AV after transcription. (Exempt
from destruction request to the Texas State Library)
b) TYPE II - File docket, which does contain an account of fees
due, whose contents, except those relating to fees, are transcribed
into a docket of disposed cases after adjudication. RETENTION:
FE + 5 years.
c) TYPE III - Non-transferred sheets of a file docket, which
does not contain an account of fees due, whose sheets are transferred
to a docket of disposed cases as the case moves from pending to
disposed. RETENTION: 3 years.
d) TYPE IV - File docket, which may or may not contain an account
of fees due, whose contents are not transcribed or whose sheets
are not transferred, but which serves as a combination pending
and disposed docket. RETENTION: PERMANENT. [By rule of court -
Rules of Civil Procedure, Rule 26.]
2025-06 Civil Minutes. RETENTION: PERMANENT.
2025-07 Condemnation Case Papers (Eminent Domain Case Papers)
a) Cases dismissed on motion of plaintiff, for want of prosecution,
or for other reasons within the court's power. RETENTION: Dismissal
+ 3 years.
b) All other cases. (See retention note.)
Retention Note: Condemnation case papers must be retained
for 10 years after entry of judgment approving award of special
commissioners on the minutes of the court in the absence of
objection or after final judgment rendered or proceedings otherwise
terminated in court in trial of the cause, whichever applicable,
except if suit is dismissed on motion of condemnor, the award
of the special commissioners must be retained PERMANENTLY or,
if it is entered of record in any subsequent suit, until the
expiration of the retention period applicable to the records
of that suit, whichever sooner.
c) Exhibits and depositions. RETENTION: See retention note (h)
(Records of District Clerks). (Exempt from destruction request
to the Texas State Library)
*d) Bills of cost under both (a) and (b). RETENTION: FE of final
payment + 3 years.
*e) Citations, waivers of citation, subpoenas, witness attachments,
returns, and applications for such process. RETENTION: 3 years
after final judgment rendered or proceedings otherwise terminated
in the case.
*f) Appeal, cost, supersedeas, or similar surety bonds or certificates
of deposit or affidavits in lieu thereof. RETENTION: 3 years after
final judgment rendered or proceedings otherwise terminated in
the case.
2025-08 Jury Docket (Jury Trial Docket) - Docket books
or sheets of civil suits in which juries have been requested. RETENTION:
PERMANENT. [By rule of court - Rules of Civil Procedure, Rule 26.]
2025-09 Subpoenas - Stub books, copies, or recorded copies
of civil subpoenas issued. RETENTION: 2 years.
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Part 2: Tax Suit Records
2050-01 Civil Bar Docket - Docket books or sheets of delinquent
tax suits filed for the use of attorneys. RETENTION: AV. (Exempt
from destruction request to the Texas State Library)
2050-02 Delinquent Tax Case Papers - Documents relating
to delinquent tax cases. RETENTION: Follow retention periods for
Civil Case Papers [2025-03].
2050-03 Delinquent Tax Docket (Delinquent Tax Docket-Disposed).
RETENTION: PERMANENT. [By rule of court - Rules of Civil Procedure,
Rule 26.]
2050-04 Delinquent Tax File Docket (Delinquent Tax Docket-Pending)
- Original entry docket books or sheets of delinquent tax cases.
RETENTION: Follow retention periods for Civil File Docket [2025-05].
2050-05 Delinquent Tax Minutes. RETENTION: PERMANENT.
2050-06 Order of Sale Record (Order of Sale Docket) - Recorded
orders of sale arising from judgments in delinquent tax suits. RETENTION:
PERMANENT.
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Part 3: Family Law Case Records
2075-01 Adoption Case Papers - Documents relating to adoption,
annulment of adoption, and revocation of adoption proceedings.
a) Cases dismissed on motion of petitioner, for want of prosecution,
or for other reasons within the court's power. RETENTION: Dismissal
+ 3 years.
b) All other cases. RETENTION: PERMANENT.
c) Exhibits and depositions. RETENTION: See retention note (h)
(Records of District Clerks). (Exempt from destruction request
to the Texas State Library)
*d) Bills of cost under both (a) and (b). RETENTION: FE of final
payment + 3 years.
*e) Citations, waivers of citation, subpoenas, witness attachments,
returns, and applications for such process. RETENTION: 3 years
after final judgment rendered or proceedings otherwise terminated
in the case.
*f) Appeal, cost, supersedeas, or similar surety bonds or certificates
of deposit or affidavits in lieu thereof. RETENTION: 3 years after
final judgment rendered or proceedings otherwise terminated in
the case.
2075-02 Adoption Docket (Adoption Docket-Disposed). RETENTION:
PERMANENT. [By rule of court - Rules of Civil Procedure, Rule 26.]
2075-03 Adoption File Docket (Adoption Docket-Pending)
- Original entry docket books or sheets of adoption, annulment of
adoption, and revocation of adoption cases. RETENTION: Follow retention
periods for Civil File Docket [2025-05].
2075-04 Adoption Minutes (Adoption Record). RETENTION:
PERMANENT.
2075-05 Child Support Case Papers - Documents relating
to proceedings involving child support, the enforcement of child
support, or custody of a child.
a) Cases dismissed on motion of petitioner, for want of prosecution,
or for other reasons within the court's power. RETENTION: Dismissal
+ 3 years.
b) All other cases. (See retention note.)
Retention Note: Final judgment + 20 years or 3 years
after date on which child support obligation ends pursuant to
decree of order, whichever later; except if a judgment is rendered
against obligor for arrearages, follow the retention period
for Civil Case Papers [2025-03(b)].
c) Exhibits and depositions. RETENTION: See retention note (h)
(Records of District Clerks). (Exempt from destruction request
to the Texas State Library)
*d) Bills of cost under both (a) and (b). RETENTION: FE of final
payment + 3 years.
*e) Citations, waivers of citation, subpoenas, witness attachments,
returns, and applications for such process. RETENTION: 3 years
after final judgment rendered or proceedings otherwise terminated
in the case.
*f) Appeal, cost, supersedeas, or similar surety bonds or certificates
of deposit or affidavits in lieu thereof. RETENTION: 3 years after
final judgment rendered or proceedings otherwise terminated in
the case.
2075-06 Child Support Docket (Child Support Docket-Disposed).
RETENTION: PERMANENT. [By rule of court - Rules of Civil Procedure,
Rule 26.]
2075-07 Child Support File Docket - Original entry docket
books or sheets of cases involving child support, enforcement of
child support, or custody of a child. RETENTION: Follow retention
periods for Civil File Docket [2025-05].
2075-08 Child Support Minutes. RETENTION: PERMANENT.
2075-09 Community Property Management Petitions - Ex parte
petitions of one spouse for the sole management of community property
or the sale without joinder of homesteads.
a) Granted petitions. RETENTION: PERMANENT.
b) Denied petitions. RETENTION: 10 years.
2075-10 Divorce Case Papers - Documents relating to divorce
or annulment suits.
a) Cases dismissed on motion of petitioner, for want of prosecution,
or for other reasons within the court's power. RETENTION: Dismissal
+ 3 years.
b) Cases in which a final decree is rendered.
1) Custody of support of a minor child is not at issue. RETENTION:
Follow retention period for Civil Case Papers [2025-03b].
2) Custody or support of minor child is at issue. RETENTION:
Follow retention period for Child Support Case Papers [2075-05b].
c) Cases in which petition for divorce or annulment denied.
RETENTION: Final judgment + 10 years.
d) Exhibits and depositions. RETENTION: See retention note (h)
(Records of District Clerks). (Exempt from destruction request
to the Texas State Library)
*e) Bills of cost under both (a) and (b). RETENTION: FE of final
payment + 3 years.
*f) Citations, waivers of citation, subpoenas, witness attachments,
returns, and applications for such process. RETENTION: 3 years
after final judgment rendered or proceedings otherwise terminated
in the case.
*g) Appeal, cost, supersedeas, or similar surety bonds or certificates
of deposit or affidavits in lieu thereof. RETENTION: 3 years after
final judgment rendered or proceedings otherwise terminated in
the case.
2075-11 Divorce Docket (Divorce Docket-Disposed). RETENTION:
PERMANENT. [By rule of court - Rules of Civil Procedure, Rule 26.]
2075-12 Divorce File Docket (Divorce Docket-Pending) -
Original entry docket books or sheets of divorce and annulment suits.
RETENTION: Follow retention periods for Civil File Docket [2025-05].
2075-13 Divorce Minutes. RETENTION: PERMANENT.
2075-14 Name Change Petitions
a) Granted petitions. RETENTION: PERMANENT.
b) Denied petitions. RETENTION: 10 years.
2075-15 Neglected Children Case Papers (Child Welfare Case
Papers) - Documents relating to proceedings involving neglected,
abandoned, and abused children. RETENTION: Follow retention periods
for Child Support Case Papers [2075-05].
2075-16 Neglected Children Docket (Neglected Children Docket-
Disposed). RETENTION: PERMANENT. [By rule of court - Rules of Civil
Procedure, Rule 26.]
2075-17 Neglected Children File Docket (Child Welfare File
Docket) - Original entry docket books or sheets of cases involving
neglected, abandoned, or abused children. RETENTION: Follow retention
periods for Civil File Docket [2025-05].
2075-18 Neglected Children Minutes (Child Welfare Minutes).
RETENTION: PERMANENT.
2075-19 State Custody Decree Records - Certified copies
of out- of-state custody decrees, including any correspondence or
other documentation concerning the pendency of custody proceedings
in other states. RETENTION: Final judgment + 20 years or 3 years
after child support obligations ends by order or decree, whichever
later.
2075-20 Paternity Suit Case Papers - Documents relating
to proceedings in pre-trial conferences and trials to determine
paternity.
a) Cases dismissed on motion of petitioner, for want of prosecution,
or for other reasons within the court's power. RETENTION: Dismissal
+ 3 years.
b) Cases in which final judgment is rendered.
1) Alleged father is determined to be the father of the child.
RETENTION: PERMANENT.
2) Alleged father is determined not to be the father of the
child. RETENTION: Final judgment + 10 years.
c) Exhibits and depositions. RETENTION: See retention note (h)
(Records of District Clerks) (Exempt from destruction request
to the Texas State Library)
*d) Bills of cost under both (a) and (b). RETENTION: FE of final
payment + 3 years.
*e) Citations, waivers of citation, subpoenas, witness attachments,
returns, and applications for such process. RETENTION: 3 years
after final judgment rendered or proceedings otherwise terminated
in the case.
*f) Appeal, cost, supersedeas, or similar surety bonds or certificates
of deposit or affidavits in lieu thereof. RETENTION: 3 years after
final judgment rendered or proceedings otherwise terminated in
the case.
2075-21 Removal of Disabilities Petitions - Ex parte petitions
for the removal of the disabilities of minority.
RETENTION: 10 years.
2075-22 Voluntary Legitimation Petitions and Statements
- Ex parte petitions and statements of paternity
for the voluntary legitimation of a child. RETENTION: PERMANENT.
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*Part 4: Juvenile Records
*Special Note: This section remains in effect until the
effective date of adoption of Local Schedule
JR (Juvenile Records) by the Texas State Library and Archives Commission
by an amendment to 13
TAC 7.125.
Prefatory Note: Juvenile court records are subject to sealing
pursuant to Texas Family Code, Section 51.16. While sealing restricts
access to the records, it does not affect the minimum retention
periods set down in this section nor the destruction of such records
following the expiration of those periods.
2100-01 Juvenile Case Papers - Documents relating to juvenile
detention, transfer, adjudication, or disposition proceedings, including
all records transferred to the court by law enforcement or other
agencies under sealing order issued by the court.
Retention Note: The retention periods set out below are
divided into two groups - those dealing with records arising from
a juvenile delinquency or offense committed on or before 31 August
1987 and those dealing with records arising from a juvenile delinquency
or offense committed on or after 1 September 1987. The Texas Legislature
has determined that an offense occurs on or after 1 September
1987 if all the elements of the offense occur on or after that
date.
a) Records concerning delinquent conduct or offenses committed
on or before 31 August 1987:
1) Fingerprint cards and photographs only:
A) If a petition alleging that the juvenile engaged in delinquent
conduct or conduct indicating a need for supervision is not
filed, the proceedings are dismissed, the juvenile is found
not to have engaged in the alleged conduct, or the juvenile
is found to have engaged in the conduct but has reached the
age of 18 and there is no record that he or she committed
a criminal offense after reaching the age of 17. RETENTION:
Must be destroyed immediately upon fulfillment of any of the
conditions listed. [By law - Family Code, Section 51.15(e)
before 1987 amendment.] (Exempt from destruction request to
the Texas State Library)
B) If the juvenile is found to have engaged in the conduct,
has reached the age of 18, but there is a record that he or
she committed an offense after reaching the age of 17. RETENTION:
Follow the retention period for (a)(2)(A) or (B), as applicable.
2) All other case papers:
A) If the person has reached the age of 23 and has not been
convicted of a felony as an adult. RETENTION: See retention
note. [By law - Family Code, Section 51.16(i). (Exempt from
destruction request to the Texas State Library)
Retention Note: State law requires that the records
can only be destroyed at this point by the court's own motion
or upon a motion by the person in whose name the files or
records are kept. District clerks wishing to dispose of
juvenile case papers at the expiration of the retention
period prescribed under these circumstances should petition
the court for an order directing that the records be destroyedDistrict
clerks may dispose of juvenile case papers on their own
initiative only according to the retention period set out
in (a)(2)(B).
B) If the person has reached the age of 23 and he or she
has been convicted of a felony as an adult; or if the person
has reached the age of 23, has not been convicted of a felony
as an adult, but the court on its own or another's motion
has not ordered the destruction of the papers. RETENTION:
Until the individual is 33.
b) Records concerning delinquent conduct or offenses committed
on or after 1 September 1987:
1) Fingerprint cards and photographs only:
A) If a petition alleging that the juvenile engaged in delinquent
conduct or conduct indicating a need for supervision is not
filed, the proceedings are dismissed, or the juvenile is found
not to have engaged in the alleged conduct; or the juvenile
is found to have engaged in the conduct but has reached the
age of 18, is not subject to commitment to the Texas Youth
Commission or to transfer under a determinate sentence to
the Texas Department of Corrections and there is no record
that he or she committed a criminal offense after reaching
the age of 17; or the person is older than 18 years, at least
three years have elapsed after the person's release from commitment,
and there is no evidence that he or she committed a criminal
offense after the release. RETENTION: Must be destroyed immediately
upon fulfillment of any of the conditions listed. [By law
- Family Code, Section 51.15(e).] (Exempt from destruction
request to the Texas State Library)
B) If the juvenile is found to have engaged in conduct involving
a violation of the penal code of a grade other than a felony,
has reached the age of 18, but there is a record that he or
she committed an offense after reaching the age of 17. RETENTION:
Follow the retention periods in (b)(2)(A) or (B), as applicable.
C) If the juvenile is found to have engaged in conduct involving
a violation of the penal code of the grade of felony. RETENTION:
Follow the retention period in (b)(2)(C).
2) All other case papers:
A) If the person has reached the age of 23, was adjudged
delinquent based on the violation of a penal law other than
the grade of felony, and has not been convicted of a felony
as an adult. RETENTION: See retention note. [By law - Family
Code, Section 51.16(i).] (Exempt from destruction request
to the Texas State Library)
Retention Note: State law requires that the records
can only be destroyed at this point by the court's own motion
or upon a motion by the person in whose name the files or
records are kept. District clerks wishing to dispose of
juvenile case papers at the expiration of the retention
period prescribed under these circumstances should petition
the court for an order directing that the records be destroyed.
District clerks may dispose of juvenile case papers on their
own initiative only according to the retention period set
out in (2)(B) or (C).
B) If the person has reached the age of 23, was adjudged
delinquent based on the violation of a penal law other than
the grade of felony, but he or she has been convicted of a
felony as an adult; or if the person has reached the age of
23, has not been convicted of a felony as an adult, but the
court on its own or another's motion has not ordered the destruction
of the papers. RETENTION: Until the individual is 33.
C) If the case papers concern an adjudication of delinquency
based on the violation of a penal law of the grade of felony.
RETENTION: Date of judgment in disposition hearing + 25 years.
3) Audio or videotapes of release hearings. RETENTION: Date
of final judment in release hearing + 2 years. [By law - Family
Code, Section 54.11(g).]
2100-02 Juvenile Docket. RETENTION: 5 years.
2100-03 Juvenile File Docket (Juvenile Docket-Pending)
- Original entry docket books or sheets of juvenile
detention, transfer, adjudication, and disposition hearings. (See
retention note.)
Retention Note: Follow retention periods for Civil File
Docket [2025-05], except that Type IV dockets need be kept only
FE + 5 years rather than permanently.
2100-04 Juvenile Minutes. RETENTION: PERMANENT.
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Part 5: Criminal Case Records
2125-01 Bail Bond Record - Record of bail or recognizance
bonds set or taken. RETENTION: 3 years.
2125-02 Bench Warrants - Stub books or copies of bench
warrants issued. RETENTION: 2 years.
2125-03 Capiases - Stub books or copies of capaises and
summonses issued. RETENTION: 2 years.
2125-04 Criminal Bar Docket (State Bar Docket) - Docket
books or sheets of criminal cases filed for the use of attorneys.
RETENTION: AV. (Exempt from destruction request to the Texas State
Library)
2125-05 Criminal Case Papers - Documents relating to criminal
cases, including those concerning habeas corpus and extradition.
a) Misdemeanor cases, including those reduced to misdemeanor
under Penal Code, Section 12.44 (except DWI and DUID). RETENTION:
Date of dismissal or final judgment + 5 years, as applicable,
but see retention note (g) (Records of District Clerks).
b) DWI and DUID cases. (See retention note.)
Retention Note: 5 years after dismissal or acquittal,
10 years after final judgment in convictions for a first and
second offense or in convictions for a third or subsequent offense
if the sentence is 2 years or less, or follow retention period
under (d) if the sentence in a third or subsequent offense is
more than 2 years. See also retention note (g) (Records of District
Clerks).
c) Felony cases in which charges are dismissed or the defendant
is found not guilty. (See retention note.)
Retention Note: 10 years after dismissal or final judgment,
as applicable, except (1) if proceedings are dismissed as the
result of the satisfactory completion of a term of probation
under deferred adjudication, follow the retention period in
(d); or (2) if the defendant is acquitted by reason of insanity
follow the retention period in (g).
d) Felony cases in which the sentence (or suspended sentence),
term of probation, combined sentence and term of probation, cumulative
sentences or terms of probation, or the longest sentence or term
of probation of two or more sentences or terms of probation to
be served concurrently is more than 2 but less than 20 years.
RETENTION: Final judgment + 25 years.
e) Felony cases in which the sentence, cumulative sentences,
or the longest sentence of two or more sentences to be served
concurrently is more than 20 years, including cases in which the
sentence is life imprisonment or the death penalty. RETENTION:
PERMANENT.
f) Misdemeanor or felony cases in which proceedings are discontinued
for civil commitment proceedings under Section 6, Article 46.02,
Code of Criminal Procedure. (See retention note.)
Retention Note: If at any time the defendant is found
competent to stand trial and proceedings are continued to final
judgment, follow the appropriate retention period for adjudicated
cases in (a) through (f); if at any time the defendant is discharged
by the court or the charges are dismissed and the defendant
bound over to a court of appropriate jurisdiction for civil
commitment, follow the retention period in (a) or (c), as applicable;
or if the defendant is neither found competent to stand trial,
discharged by the court, nor are charges against the defendant
dismissed preparatory to transfer to an appropriate court for
civil commitment, 50 years.
g) Felony cases in which the defendant is acquitted by reason
of insanity and in which the district court retains jurisdiction
of the case for civil commitment under Section 4(d), Article 46.03,
Code of Criminal Procedure. (See retention note.)
Retention Note: If at any time the court finds that
the person does not meet the criteria for involuntary commitment,
10 years from date of release; otherwise, 10 years after the
death or discharge of the person from a mental health or mental
retardation facility, if known, or if not known, 50 years after
date of initial order of commitment.
h) Habeas corpus proceedings. (See retention note.)
Retention Note: 5 years from issuance or denial of writ
in pre- conviction proceedings unless the court issuing the
writ is the same court having jurisdiction of the offense with
which the applicant is charged, in which case the records should
be kept for the same period as the case papers to which they
relate. Post-conviction habeas corpus proceedings records should
be retained for the same period as the case papers to which
they are ancillary, except if the proceedings arise from an
extradition demand, the retention period under (i) should be
followed.
i) Extradition proceedings. RETENTION: Date of decision on extradition
demand + 5 years.
j) Exhibits. RETENTION: See retention note (i) (Records of District
Clerks). (Exempt from destruction request to the Texas State Library)
*k) Bills of cost in criminal cases. RETENTION: FE of final
payment + 5 years.
*l) Transcripts and statements of fact from the district court
on appeal. RETENTION: Receipt of mandate + 3 years.
*m) Pre-sentence investigation reports (misdemeanors). RETENTION:
Final judgment + 2 years.
*n) Pre-sentence investigation reports (felonies). RETENTION:
Final judgment + 10 years.
*o) Warrants, capiases, summonses, subpoenas, witness attachments,
returns, and applications for such process. RETENTION: 3 years
after final judgment rendered or proceedings otherwise terminated
in the case.
*p) Bail, personal, appeal, peace, cost, and other surety bonds,
or certificates of deposit or affidavits in lieu thereof. RETENTION:
3 years after final judgment rendered or proceedings otherwise
terminated in the case.
2125-06 Criminal Docket (Criminal Docket-Disposed)
a) Docket of misdemeanor cases only. RETENTION: FE + 5 years,
but see retention note (g) (Records of District Clerks).
b) Docket of habeas corpus filing only. RETENTION: 5 years.
c) All other criminal dockets of disposed cases. RETENTION:
20 years.
2125-07 Criminal File Docket (Criminal Docket-Pending)
- Original entry docket books or sheets of criminal cases.
a) TYPE I - File docket, which does not contain an account of
fees due, whose contents are transcribed into a Criminal Docket
[2125-06] after adjudication. RETENTION: AV after transcription.
b) TYPE II - File docket, which does contain an account of fees
due, whose contents, except that relating to fees, are transcribed
into a Criminal Docket [2125-06] after adjudication. RETENTION:
FE + 5 years.
c) TYPE III - Non-transferred sheets of file docket, which does
not contain an account of fees due, whose sheets are transferred
to a Criminal Docket [2125-06] as the case moves from pending
to disposed. RETENTION: 3 years.
d) TYPE IV - File docket, which does contain an account of fees
due, whose contents are not transcribed or whose sheets are not
transferred, but which serves as a combination file docket, criminal
docket, and fee book. RETENTION: Follow retention periods for
Criminal Docket [2125-06].
2125-08 Criminal Minutes. RETENTION: PERMANENT.
2125-09 Evidence Docket - Docket recording evidentiary
material filed in criminal cases.
a) If receipt of evidentiary material is also noted in the Criminal
File Docket [2125-07]. RETENTION: AV. (Exempt from destruction
request to the Texas State Library)
b) If receipt of evidentiary material is not noted in Criminal
File Docket [2125-07]. RETENTION: Follow retention periods for
Criminal File Docket [2125-07].
2125-10 Expunged Criminal Records - All criminal records
and files, expunged pursuant to court order, transmitted by other
agencies to the district clerk or already in his possession, including
petitions for expunction, copies of court orders, and return receipts.
a) Expunged records arising from arrests for offenses committed
on or before August 31, 1989. RETENTION: Date of issuance of order
+ 1 year. (Exempt from destruction request to the Texas State
Library)
b) Expunged records arising from arrests for offenses committed
on or after September 1, 1989 that are not given to the petitioner.
RETENTION: Must be destroyed on first anniversary date of date
of issuance of order. [By law - Code of Criminal Procedure, Section
55.02(d).] (Exempt from destruction request to the Texas State
Library)
2125-11 Probation Minutes. RETENTION: PERMANENT.
2125-12 Search Warrants - Search warrants with returns,
issued by a district judge, including inventories of property and
any other associated documents.
a) If the judge is not satisfied that there was good ground for
the issuance of the warrant. RETENTION: Date of issuance + 10
years.
b) If the judge is satisfied that there was good ground for
the issuance of the warrant. (See retention note.)
Retention Note: The warrant, inventory of property,
and any other associated documents are forwarded to the clerk
of the court having jurisdiction of the case. If transferred
to the district clerk, see Examining Trial Case Papers [2225-01].
2125-13 Subpoenas (Criminal) - Stub books, copies, or recorded
copies of subpoenas issued. RETENTION: 2 years.
2125-14 Witness Attachments - Stub books, copies, or recorded
copies of attachment writs issued. RETENTION: 2 years.
2125-15 Witness Record (Witness Docket) - Register of witnesses
subpoenaed, attached, or recognized in criminal cases. RETENTION:
3 years.
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Part 6: Multi-Case/Multi-Court Records
2150-01 Appeal Record (Transcript Docket) - Record or register
of civil or criminal appealed to a higher court. RETENTION: AV.
(Exempt from destruction request to the Texas State Library)
2150-02 Attorneys' Order Book (Citation Record) - Record
of attorneys' requests for the issuance of legal papers. RETENTION:
AV. (Exempt from destruction request to the Texas State Library)
2150-03 Attorneys' Receipt Book- Attorneys' receipts for
documents temporarily withdrawn from custody of the court. RETENTION:
AV. (Exempt from destruction request to the Texas State Library)
2150-04 Deposition Record - Record or register of depositions
filed in civil or criminal cases. RETENTION: AV. (Exempt from destruction
request to the Texas State Library)
2150-05 District Court Docket - Combined form of the Civil
Docket [2025-04] and the Criminal Docket [2125-06]. RETENTION: PERMANENT.
[By rule of court - Rules of Civil Procedure, Rule 26.]
2150-06 District Court File Docket (District Court Docket-Pending)
- Original entry docket books or sheets of civil and criminal cases.
RETENTION: Follow retention period for Civil File Docket [2025-05].
2150-07 District Court Minutes (Civil and Criminal Minutes).
RETENTION: PERMANENT.
2150-08 Execution Docket - Record of executions issued
to enforce judgments rendered in all manner of cases. RETENTION:
PERMANENT.
2150-09 Motion Docket - Docket books or sheets recording
motions filed by attorneys.
a) Combined civil/criminal motion docket. RETENTION: PERMANENT.
b) Separate civil motion docket. RETENTION: PERMANENT.
c) Separate criminal motion docket. RETENTION: 20 years.
2150-10 Process Log (Day Book) - Chronological daily log
of process and other instruments issued or received. RETENTION:
AV. (Exempt from destruction request to the Texas State Library)
2150-11 Scire Facias Docket (Bond Forfeiture Docket). RETENTION:
PERMANENT. [By rule of court - Rules of Civil Procedure, Rule 26.]
2150-12 Scire Facias Minutes (Bond Forfeiture Minutes).
RETENTION: PERMANENT.
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Part 7: Miscellaneous Court Records
2175-01 Administrative Orders - Administrative orders issued
by a district judge appointing special judges, court reporters,
bailiffs, temporary clerks, and other court officers; admitting
attorneys to practice before the bar; setting date and time of court
sessions; and establishing other matters relating to the administrative
functioning of a district court.
a) Original orders that have been recorded in a minute book of
the court. RETENTION: AV. (Exempt from destruction request to
the Texas State Library)
b) Original orders that have not been recorded in a minute book
of the court. RETENTION: PERMANENT.
2175-02 Attorney General, Reports to - Copies of periodic
reports by district clerk to the attorney general on criminal matters.
RETENTION: AV. (Exempt from destruction request to the Texas State
Library)
2175-03 Court Reporter Reports - Reports submitted by court
reporters to district court on the amount and nature of the business
pending in the court reporter's office. RETENTION: 1 year. (Exempt
from destruction request to the Texas State Library)
2175-04 Court Reporter Examination Records - Records of
competency examinations given to prospective court reporters. RETENTION:
Destroy at option. (Exempt from destruction request to the Texas
State Library)
2175-05 Drug-Related Convictions, Record of - Copies of
lists of persons convicted of a drug-related felony in the county.
RETENTION: AV. (Exempt from destruction request to the Texas State
Library)
2175-06 Fire Inquest Case Papers - Reports and verdicts
of fire inquest juries, testimony of witnesses, and all other documentary
evidence relating to fire inquests held by a justice of the peace.
RETENTION: Date of filing with district clerk + 10 years.
Retention Note: Fire inquest case papers entered as evidence
in a criminal or other proceeding should be retained for the same
period as the corresponding case papers. See Criminal Case Papers
[2125-05] and Civil Case Papers [2025-03].
2175-07 Grievance Committee Judgments - Copies of judgments
issued by State Bar grievance committees
concerning the disbarment, suspension, or reprimand of attorneys.
a) Original judgments that have been recorded in a minute book
of the court. RETENTION: AV. (Exempt from destruction request
to the Texas State Library)
b) Original judgments that have not been recorded in a minute
book of the court. RETENTION: PERMANENT.
2175-08 Industrial Accident Board, Notices to - Copies
of notices sent to the Industrial Accident Board notifying the board
of the filing of appeals from decisions of the board. RETENTION:
AV. (Exempt from destruction request to the Texas State Library)
2175-09 Inquiry Court Case Papers - Transcriptions of evidence
and other papers arising from a court of inquiry held by a district
judge.
Retention Note: Any inquiry court case papers transferred
to Criminal Case Papers [2125-05] as the result of an arrest and
prosecution arising from the court of inquiry should be retained
for the same period as the appropriate category of Criminal Case
Papers. RETENTION: 10 years.
2175-10 Inquest Case Papers - Autopsy reports, testimony
of witnesses, laboratory reports, reports of death, and other documentary
evidence or summaries of findings relating to inquests held by a
justice of the peace. RETENTION: Date of filing with district clerk
+ 10 years, but see retention note. [By law - Code of Criminal Procedure,
art. 49.15(d).]
Retention Note: An order of the district court must be
obtained by the district clerk to destroy this record after the
expiration of its retention period. Original inquest case papers
or summary reports entered as evidence in a criminal or other
proceeding should be retained for the same period as the corresponding
case papers. See Criminal Case Papers [2125-05] and Civil Case
Papers [2025-03].
2175-11 Judicial Administration Reports - Reports by district
clerk to the county administrative judge or the presiding judge
of an administrative judicial region. RETENTION: AV. (Exempt from
destruction request to the Texas State Library)
2175-12 Motor Carrier Convictions, Reports of Record of
- Copies of reports to the State Comptroller of fines assessed and
collected for violations of the Motor Carrier Act. RETENTION: AV.
(Exempt from destruction request to the Texas State Library)
2175-13 Shorthand Notes of Official Court Reporters - Shorthand
notes of official court reporters.
a) Notes taken in a criminal case in which a person is convicted
and sentenced to a term of more than two years and an appeal is
not taken. RETENTION: Length of sentence or 15 years, whichever
sooner. [By rule of court - Rules of Appellate Procedure, Rule
11(d).]
b) Notes in all other manner of cases. RETENTION: Date notes
taken + 3 years. [By law - Government Code, Section 52.046(a)(4).
c) Copies of transcripts and statements of fact.
Retention Note: While the responsibility for preserving
notes under (b) lies with the court reporter, reporters may
have left office and left their notes with the district clerk
or in storage in county buildings. These notes may be disposed
of after the expiration of the retention period given. State
law also does not require that court reporters retain copies
of any transcripts or statements of fact they prepare, but most
do so for reference. Again, copies of these documents may have
been left with the district clerk or in storage in county buildings.
RETENTION: AV. (Exempt from destruction request to the Texas
State Library)
2175-14 Texas Judicial Council, Statistical Reports to.
RETENTION: 3 years.
2175-15 Traffic Conviction Abstracts - Copies of abstracts
submitted to the Department of Public Safety
pertaining to traffic violations. RETENTION: AV. (Exempt from destruction
request to the Texas State Library)
2175-16 Wire and Oral Communications Interception Records
- Sealed sound recordings, applications, and court orders of wire
and oral communications interceptions ordered by a district judge.
*a) Recordings. RETENTION: Expiration of order or last extension
of order, if applicable + 10 years. [By law - Code of Criminal
Procedure, art. 18.20(10)(b).] (Exempt from destruction request
to the Texas State Library)
b) Applications and orders. RETENTION: Date of sealing + 10
years. [By law - Code of Criminal Procedure, art. 18.20(11).]
(Exempt from destruction request to the Texas State Library)
Retention Note: The destruction of recordings, applications,
and orders at the expiration of the retention period for each
can be carried out only by order of the judge of competent jurisdiction
in each administrative district.
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Part 8: Jury Records
*2200-01 Jury Lists - Lists of persons chosen for service
in district, county, or justice courts or on grand juries, including
lists of persons whose service has been postponed and defendants'
and plaintiffs' lists. RETENTION: 1 year. (Exempt from destruction
request to the Texas State Library)
*2200-02 Jury Time Book (Jury Record) - Record of persons
serving on district court juries or grand juries. RETENTION: FE
+ 3 years.
2200-03 Special Venire Jury Lists - Lists of jurors summoned
by writs of special venire for capital cases tried in a district
court. RETENTION: 5 years.
2200-04 Statements of Exemption From Jury Duty - Statements
by persons claiming temporary or permanent exemption from jury duty
on statutory grounds, including any statements of rescission of
such claims.
a) Statements requesting permanent exemption. RETENTION: AV after
notification sent to tax assessor-collector. (Exempt from destruction
request to the Texas State Library)
b) Statements requesting temporary exemption. RETENTION: 1 year.
(Exempt from destruction request to the Texas State Library)
*2200-05 Juror Questionnaires - Forms completed by jurors
reporting for jury duty. RETENTION: AV. (Exempt from destruction
request to the Texas State Library)
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Part 9: Grand Jury Records
2225-01 Examining Trial Case Papers (Criminal Complaint
Files). RETENTION: 5 years.
2225-02 Examining Trial Record or Register - Record or
register of complaints or examining trial cases
referred to the grand jury. RETENTION: AV. (Exempt from destruction
request to the Texas State Library)
2225-03 Grand Jury Docket (Grand Jury Minutes). RETENTION:
10 years.
2225-04 Grand Jury Fee Account Reports - Annual reports
to the district judge by the grand jury on the
examination of officers' fee accounts. RETENTION: Destroy at option.
(Exempt from destruction request to the Texas State Library)
2225-05 Grand Jury Indictment Reports - Reports to the
district court by a grand jury showing indictments
handed down by the grand jury during its term. RETENTION: AV. (Exempt
from destruction request to the
Texas State Library)
2225-07 Indictment Record or Register - Register or card
file logging indictments returned by grand jury.
RETENTION: AV. (Exempt from destruction request to the Texas State
Library)
2225-08 Justice Court Docket Transcripts - Certified copies
of justice court criminal and examining trial
dockets filed by justices of the peace. RETENTION: Date of filing
+ 1 year. (Exempt from destruction request to the Texas State Library)
2225-09 Subpoenas (Grand Jury) - Stub books, copies, or
recorded copies of subpoenas issued.
RETENTION: 2 years.
2225-10 Witness Record (Grand Jury) - Register of witnesses
subpoenaed, attached, or recognized before a grand jury. RETENTION:
2 years.
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Part 10: Naturalization Records
2250-01 Declaration of Intention Record - Bound or filed
originals or recorded copies of declarations of
intention to become citizens filed by aliens. RETENTION: PERMANENT.
2250-02 Naturalization Papers - Petitions for naturalization,
oaths of allegiance, witness affidavits, and orders granting or
denying citizenship submitted by aliens or their witnesses. RETENTION:
PERMANENT.
2250-03 Naturalization Record - Proceedings involving naturalization.
RETENTION: PERMANENT.
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Part 11: Administrative and Financial Records
2275-01 Acknowledgment Record - Record of acknowledgments
or proofs of instruments taken by the district clerk as ex-officio
notary public. RETENTION: 10 years.
2275-02 Annual Fee Reports. RETENTION: AV. (Exempt from
destruction request to the Texas State
Library)
2275-03 Applications for Deputies - Copies of applications
to commissioners court for deputies, assistants, or clerks. RETENTION:
AV. (Exempt from destruction request to the Texas State Library)
2275-04 Auditor's Reports - Reports of county finances
submitted by the county auditor to the district court.
a) Monthly report. RETENTION: 1 year. (Exempt from destruction
request to the Texas State Library)
b) Annual reports. RETENTION: 3 years.
*2275-05 Banking Records - Bank statements, canceled or
digitized images of checks, check registers, deposit slips, debit
and credit notices, reconciliations, notices of interest earned,
etc. RETENTION: FE + 5 years.
2275-06 Cash Receipts - Receipt books or copies of receipts
upon payment of fees, fines, or costs in civil, criminal, probate
or other cases; or for the deposit of trust funds.
a) Criminal receipts:
1) If county has an auditor. RETENTION: Transferred to auditor
when all receipts issued. [By law - Code of Criminal Procedure,
Section 103.011.]
2) If the county does not have an auditor. RETENTION: FE +
5 years.
b) All other district court receipts. RETENTION: FE + 3 years.
2275-07 Child Support Payment Ledger - Ledger showing the
receipt and disbursement of monies from the child support payment
fund. RETENTION: FE + 5 years.
2275-08 Child Support Payment Record - Record of child
support payments by case. RETENTION: End of support period + 10
years.
2275-09 Cost Deposit Record - Records of receipts to and
disbursements from monies deposited with the
district clerk to cover costs in civil proceedings. RETENTION: FE
+ 5 years.
2275-10 County Auditor, Reports to - Reports not listed
elsewhere in this schedule submitted to the county auditor on the
receipt or disbursement of county funds or on cash balances in accounts
of the district clerk. RETENTION: AV. (Exempt from destruction request
to the Texas State Library)
2275-11 Court Reporter Expense Statements - Copies of statements
of expenses incurred by court reporters serving outside the county
of their residence in a district court serving more than one county
or for serving as a substitute reporter in a county other than that
in which they are resident. RETENTION: FE + 3 years.
2275-12 Daily Cash Book or Reports. RETENTION: FE + 3 years.
2275-13 Daily File Record - Daily record or register of
papers received for filing. RETENTION: AV. (Exempt from destruction
request to the Texas State Library)
2275-14 Deposit Warrants - Copies of deposit warrants issued
by the county clerk or the county treasurer for monies deposited
in any funds or accounts of the district clerk. RETENTION: FE +
3 years.
2275-15 Fee Book - Fee books or sheets showing accounts
of fees or costs accrued in cases heard in a district court. RETENTION:
FE + 5 years.
2275-16 [Withdrawn, see 2275-15]
2275-17 Independent Audit Reports - Special audit reports
of county finances submitted by finance
committees or special auditors appointed by a district court. RETENTION:
PERMANENT.
2275-18 Jury Certificates - Stubs or copies of jury certificates
issued. RETENTION: FE + 3 years.
2275-19 Legal Opinions - Copies of legal opinions rendered
to the district clerk by the county attorney or the district attorney.
RETENTION: AV. (Exempt from destruction request to the Texas State
Library)
2275-20 Minutes of Officers' Accounts (Officers' Fee Bills
Due From State) - Record of proceedings in
district court approving expense claims or fees due from the state
to various county or district officers for service in district court
felony cases, before the grand jury, or in examining trials. RETENTION:
FE + 3 years.
2275-21 Minutes of Witness Accounts (Witness Fee Claims)
- Record of proceedings in district court
approving witness fee claims. RETENTION: FE + 3 years.
2275-22 Monthly Expense Reports. RETENTION: AV. (Exempt
from destruction request to the Texas State Library)
2275-23 [Withdrawn]
*2275-24 Open Records Requests - Written open records requests,
including those sent by electronic mail or facsimile, submitted
to a district clerk, including correspondence and other documentation
relating to the requests.
a) Approved requests. RETENTION: Approval of request + 1 year.
[Exempt from destruction request to the Texas State Library]
b) Denied requests. RETENTION: Denial of request + 2 years.
2275-25 Probation Collection Record (Probation File Record)
- Documentation detailing the collection of
probation fees. RETENTION: FE + 5 years.
2275-26 Records Management Records
a) Records control schedules (including all successive versions
of or amendments to schedules). RETENTION: PERMANENT.
b) Records destruction documentation - Records documenting the
destruction of records under records control schedules, including
requests submitted to the Texas State Library and Archives Commission
for authorization to destroy unscheduled records or the originals
of permanent records that have been microfilmed. RETENTION: PERMANENT.
c) Records inventories - Lists or inventories of the active
and inactive records created or received by a county office. RETENTION:
AV. (Exempt from destruction request to the Texas State Library)
d) Records management plans and policy documents - Plans and
similar documents establishing the policies and procedures under
which a records management program operates. RETENTION: US + 5
years.
2275-27 Reports of Collections (Monthly Fee Reports). RETENTION:
AV. (Exempt from destruction
request to the Texas State Library)
2275-28 Trust Fund Record - Journal, ledger, or similar
record of receipts to and disbursements from trust
funds. RETENTION: FE + 5 years.
2275-29 Witness Fee Reports - Copies of reports submitted
by the district clerk to the State Comptroller
listing fee claims for out-county witnesses. RETENTION: Destroy
at option. (Exempt from destruction request to the Texas State Library)
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Part 12: Business and Professional Records
2300-01 Attorney Licensing Records - Applications for license
to practice law and reports of committees on applications for license
to practice law. RETENTION: PERMANENT.
2300-02 Attorney Record - Register or roster of attorneys
licensed by a district court to practice in the county. RETENTION:
PERMANENT.
2300-03 Chiropody Register (Podiatry Register) - Recorded
licenses of chiropodists or podiatrists issued by the state. RETENTION:
PERMANENT.
2300-04 Chiropractice Register - Recorded licenses of chiropractors
issued by the state. RETENTION:
PERMANENT.
2300-05 Medical Register - Register of physicians licensed
by local boards or the state. RETENTION:
PERMANENT.
2300-06 Pharmacy Register - Register of pharmacists licensed
by local boards. RETENTION:
PERMANENT.
2300-07 [Withdrawn]
2300-08 Veterinary Register - Recorded licenses of veterinarians
issued by the state. RETENTION:
PERMANENT.
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Part 13: Miscellaneous Records
2325-01 Bonds and Deputations of County Clerk - Bonds,
qualifying oaths, and deputations of county clerks and their deputies.
RETENTION: AR + 5 years.
2325-03 [Withdrawn]
2325-03 Estray Record - Recorded affidavits and bonds of
takers-up of estrayed animals, affidavits of
appraisal of the animals, and any accompanying reports of the death
of estrays or affidavits of ownership of estrays, recorded with
the district clerk under the Stock Law of 1874. RETENTION: PERMANENT.
2325-04 Liquor Prescriptions and Affidavits - Prescriptions,
canceled prescriptions, and affidavits by
druggists for the sale of liquor for medicinal purposes, for the
purchase of liquor from out of state or from
wholesalers for importation into prohibition territory and affidavits
from clergy for the use of liquor for sacramental purposes. RETENTION:
PERMANENT.
2325-05 Marks and Brands Record - Register of livestock
marks and brands and their subsequent sale or
transfer, recorded with the district clerk under the Stock Law of
1874. RETENTION: PERMANENT.
2325-06 Passport Application Records - Copies of passport
applications and all other records related to the acceptance of
such applications. RETENTION: Destroy at option.
2325-07 Prescription Register PRESCRIPTION REGISTER - Register
of prescriptions and affidavits
received from druggists and clergy for the use of liquor for medicinal
or sacramental purposes. RETENTION: PERMANENT.
2325-08 Registered Voters, Lists of - Lists or registers
of voters qualified to vote. RETENTION: AV.
(Exempt from destruction request to the Texas State Library)
2325-09 Reports of Liquor Seized - Reports of liquor and
associated property seized, and copies of receipts issued by the
sheriff for goods if liquor or property was seized by officers other
than the sheriff.
a) Receipts. RETENTION: Destroy at option. (Exempt from destruction
request to the Texas State Library)
b) Reports. RETENTION: PERMANENT.
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