Governor Greg Abbott has appointed Richard “Rick” Bell as Judge of the 501st Judicial District Court in Fort Bend County. The appointment is effective December 1, 2025, and will last until December 31, 2026, or until a successor is elected and qualified.
Bell currently serves as the associate district judge in the 387th District Court. He is involved with several legal organizations, including being a member and past president of the Fort Bend County Bar Association, a member of the Family Bar of Fort Bend, American Inns of Court, and the State Bar of Texas along with its family law section. Bell has also served as past president and board member of the Exchange Club of Sugar Land and is affiliated with Bridge Fellowship Church.
He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business from Southwestern University and earned his Juris Doctor from South Texas College of Law Houston.
“Richard “Rick” Bell of Richmond is the associate district judge in the 387th District Court. He is a member and past president of the Fort Bend County Bar Association, member of the Family Bar of Fort Bend, American Inns of Court, and the State Bar of Texas and its family law section. Additionally, he is a past president and board member of the Exchange Club of Sugar land and is a member of Bridge Fellowship Church. Bell received a Bachelor of Arts in Business from Southwestern University and a Juris Doctor from South Texas College of Law Houston.”
