Local Rules, Forms, and Standing Orders.

(a) General Rule. Local rules, forms, and standing orders must not be inconsistent with other laws or rules and must be published on the Office of Court Administration’s website.

(b) Multi-Court Counties. In multi-court counties having two or more court divisions, each division must adopt a single set of local rules, forms, and standing orders that govern all courts in the division.

(c) Local Rule Contents. Local rules must include:

(1) provisions for the random and fair distribution of cases upon the initial filing of each case;

(2) designation of court divisions or branches responsible for certain matters and of the responsibility for emergency and special matters;

(3) provisions for ensuring that an individual judge maintains responsibility for a case, absent an official transfer of the case to another judge;

(4) plans for judicial vacation, sick leave, attendance at educational programs, and similar matters; and

(5) any other content required by sections 27.061 or 74.093(b) of the Texas Government Code.

(d) Format. Local rules, forms, and standing orders must be submitted in a format specified by the Office of Court Administration.

(e) Presiding Judge Authority. The Presiding Judge may direct a court in the region to amend or withdraw a local rule, form, or standing order if the Presiding Judge determines that the rule, form, or standing order fails to comply with Rule 3a of the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure or that it is unfair or unduly burdensome.

(f) Supreme Court Authority. The Supreme Court may direct a court to amend or withdraw a local rule, form, or standing order if the Supreme Court determines that the rule, form, or standing order fails to comply with Rule 3a of the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure or Rule 1.2 of the Texas Rules of Appellate Procedure or that it is unfair or unduly burdensome.

(g) Forms. A court must not require a party to use a local form. A court must not reject a properly completed form approved by the Supreme Court or an organization that reports to the Supreme Court.