Bill > SB664

This bill modifies the qualifications, training requirements, and supervision of masters, magistrates, referees, associate judges, and hearing officers in Texas. The bill establishes a new set of general qualifications for these judicial positions, requiring candidates to be state and county residents, licensed to practice law in good standing for at least five years (with some exceptions allowing two years of legal practice), and prohibiting those who have been removed from judicial office or resigned under certain disciplinary circumstances from being appointed. The bill adds a requirement for mandatory training on bail-related duties and creates a mechanism for suspension and removal, with local administrative judges responsible for ensuring compliance and reporting violations to various oversight bodies. Additionally, the bill streamlines and simplifies qualification requirements for specific county-level judicial appointments, such as in Cameron, Collin, Fort Bend, and Denton Counties, by removing some specific prerequisites like previous judicial service or residency requirements. The changes will apply to new appointments made on or after the bill's effective date of September 1, 2025, with existing appointees continuing to be governed by previous regulations.

Justice

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=SB664