Reliant Energy, Inc. v. Gonzalez

MARGARET GARNER MIRABAL,* Justice,

dissenting.

This case involves the jmisdiction of a “statutory” probate court. Because I believe the majority is incorrectly treating a “jurisdictional” statute as though it is a “venue” provision, I respectfully dissent.1

Factual Background and Procedural History

Jannete Gonzalez is the surviving widow and dependent administrator of the estate of her late husband, Guadalupe Gonzalez, Jr., who was killed August 24, 2001, while working at a Reliant power plant in Houston, Texas. The following timeline of events is relevant to the disposition of this case:

September…