Texas Special District Local Laws Code - SDLL § 8801.202. Appeal of District Actions

(a) A person who is adversely affected by a rule, order, or other official action of the district under this chapter, including a person residing in or owning real property in the district whose residence or real property is subsiding, may appeal the action in a district court in any county in the district only after any administrative appeal to the district is finally resolved.  An appeal under this section must be filed not later than the 45th day after the date any administrative appeal is finally resolved.

(b) On a written request from a person residing in or owning real property in the district, the board shall make written findings and conclusions regarding a rule, order, or other official action of the district.  The board shall provide certified copies of those findings and conclusions to the person not later than the 35th day after the date the board receives the request.

(c) An appeal under this section is governed by the substantial evidence rule as provided by Subchapter G, Chapter 2001, Government Code.  The burden of proof is on the petitioner, and the challenged rule, order, or other official action of the district is considered prima facie valid.

(d) The district court shall set for trial as expeditiously as possible an appeal brought under this section and may not postpone or continue the suit unless the reasons for postponement or continuance are imperative.