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Judicial Advisory Council

The Judicial Advisory Council (JAC) advises the director of the Community Justice Assistance Division and the Texas Board of Criminal Justice on matters of interest to the judiciary. Six of the 12 members are appointed by the chief justice of the Supreme Court of Texas. The remaining six are appointed by the presiding judge of the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals. Members serve staggered six-year terms, with the terms of four members expiring on September 1 of each odd-numbered year. If there is a vacancy during a term, the appointing authority for that member appoints a replacement for the remainder of the term. JAC members are not paid for their services, but they are reimbursed for actual and necessary expenses in the conduct of their duties, as provided by the General Appropriations Act.

Judicial Advisory Council 2027 Meetings

January 21, 2027
Texas Supreme Court
Austin, Texas

April 22, 2027
Texas Supreme Court
Austin, Texas

July 22, 2027
Texas Supreme Court
Austin, Texas

September 2027
Galveston Island Convention Center
Galveston, Texas

Council Members

The Honorable Rebecca “Beckie” Palomo, Chair
341st District Court Judge
Appointed by Chief Justice, Texas Supreme Court
Term Expires: 09/01/2027

The Honorable David Hall, Member
Nolan County Court of Law
Appointed by Presiding Judge, Texas Court of Criminal Appeals
Term Expires: 09/01/2029

The Honorable Angela Tucker, Member
199th District Court Judge
Appointed by Chief Justice, Texas Supreme Court
Term Expires: 09/01/2031

Mr. Carlos Y. Benavides IV, Member
CYB Firm
Appointed by Presiding Judge, Texas Court of Criminal Appeals
Term Expires: 09/01/2027

Mr. Derek M. Cohen, Ph.D., Member
Texas Public Policy Foundation
Appointed by Chief Justice, Texas Supreme Court
Term Expires: 09/01/2029

The Honorable George D. “Jody” Gilles (Ret.), Member
Visiting Judge
Appointed by Chief Justice, Texas Supreme Court
Term Expires: 09/01/2029

The Honorable David J. Schenck, Member
Presiding Judge, Texas Court of Criminal Appeals
Appointed by Chief Justice, Texas Supreme Court
Term Expires: 09/01/2031

The Honorable Tom Nowak, Member
366th Judicial District Court
Appointed by Presiding Judge, Texas Court of Criminal Appeals
Term Expires: 09/01/2031

The Honorable Brock Thomas, Member
Appointed by Presiding Judge, Texas Court of Criminal Appeals
Term Expires: 09/01/2027

Mr. Christopher Thomas, Member
Director, Jasper County CSCD
Appointed by Presiding Judge, Texas Court of Criminal Appeals
Term Expires: 09/01/2031

The Honorable Alma Trejo, Member
Senior Judge
Appointed by Chief Justice, Texas Supreme Court
Term Expires: 09/01/2027

Ms. Rebecca Walton, Member
Hardin County District Attorney
Appointed by Presiding Judge, Texas Court of Criminal Appeals
Term Expires: 09/01/2029