81R8499 CAE-D
	By: Duncan	S.B. No. 992

	A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
	AN ACT
	relating to the jurisdiction and administration of, and procedures
	relating to, certain courts in this state, including procedures for
	appeals.
	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
	ARTICLE 1.  APPELLATE COURT PROVISIONS
	SECTION 1.01.  Section 22.002(b), Government Code, is
	amended to read as follows:
	(b)  The supreme court or, in vacation, a justice of the
	supreme court may issue a writ of mandamus to compel a statutory
	county court judge, a statutory probate court judge, or a district
	judge to proceed to trial and judgment in a case [agreeable to the
	principles and usages of law, returnable to the supreme court on or
	before the first day of the term, or during the session of the term,
	or before any justice of the supreme court as the nature of the case
	requires].
	SECTION 1.02.  (a)  Section 24.007, Property Code, is
	amended to read as follows:
	Sec. 24.007.  APPEAL.  (a)  [A final judgment of a county
	court in an eviction suit may not be appealed on the issue of
	possession unless the premises in question are being used for
	residential purposes only.] A judgment of a county court in an
	eviction suit may not under any circumstances be stayed pending
	appeal unless, within 10 days of the signing of the judgment, the
	appellant files a supersedeas bond in an amount set by the county
	court. In setting the supersedeas bond the county court shall
	provide protection for the appellee to the same extent as in any
	other appeal, taking into consideration the value of rents likely
	to accrue during appeal, damages which may occur as a result of the
	stay during appeal, and other damages or amounts as the court may
	deem appropriate.
	(b)  Notwithstanding any other law, an appeal may be taken
	from a final judgment of a county court, statutory county court, or
	district court in an eviction suit.
	(b)  The change in law made by this section applies to an
	appeal of a final judgment rendered on or after the effective date
	of this section.  An appeal of a final judgment rendered before the
	effective date of this section is governed by the law in effect on
	the date the judgment was rendered, and the former law is continued
	in effect for that purpose.
	SECTION 1.03.  Section 22.007, Government Code, is repealed.
	ARTICLE 2. GENERAL PROVISIONS FOR TRIAL COURTS
	SECTION 2.01.  The heading to Subchapter A, Chapter 23,
	Government Code, is amended to read as follows:
	SUBCHAPTER A. GENERAL PROVISIONS [JURISDICTION]
	SECTION 2.02.  Subchapter A, Chapter 23, Government Code, is
	amended by adding Section 23.002 to read as follows:
	Sec. 23.002.  TRANSFER OF CASES. Notwithstanding Section
	74.121 or any other law, on the agreement of all parties in a
	pending case, a district court, statutory county court, county
	court, or justice court may transfer the case to any other of those
	courts in the county, regardless of whether the court to which the
	case will be transferred has jurisdiction of the matter and
	provided that the court to which the case will be transferred agrees
	to the transfer.
	ARTICLE 3.  GENERAL PROVISIONS FOR DISTRICT COURTS
	SECTION 3.01.  Section 24.002, Government Code, is amended
	to read as follows:
	Sec. 24.002.  ASSIGNMENT OF JUDGE OR TRANSFER OF CASE ON
	RECUSAL [SUBSTITUTE JUDGES].  (a) If the district judge in a county
	with only one district court determines on the judge's own motion
	that the judge should not sit in a case pending in the judge's court
	because the judge is disqualified or otherwise should recuse
	himself or herself, the judge shall enter a recusal order, request
	the presiding judge of that administrative judicial region to
	assign another judge to sit, and take no further action in the case
	except for good cause stated in the order in which the action is
	taken.
	(b)  If a district judge in a county with more than one
	district court determines on the judge's own motion that the judge
	should not sit in a case pending in the judge's court because the
	judge is disqualified or otherwise should recuse himself or
	herself, the judge shall enter a recusal order, request the local
	administrative district judge to transfer the case to another
	court, and take no further action in the case except for good cause
	stated in the order in which the action is taken. A change of venue
	is not necessary because of the disqualification of a district
	judge in a case or proceeding pending in the judge's [his] court[,
	but the judge shall immediately certify his disqualification to the
	governor. The governor shall designate a district judge of another
	district to exchange benches with the disqualified judge to try the
	case. The governor shall notify both judges of his designation, and
	the judges shall exchange benches. If the judges are prevented from
	exchanging benches, the parties or their counsels may agree on an
	attorney of the court for the trial of the case. The district judge
	or special judge shall certify to the governor the fact of a failure
	of the parties or their counsels to agree on an attorney, and the
	governor shall appoint a person legally qualified to act as judge in
	the trial of the case].
	SECTION 3.02.  Sections 24.003 and 24.007, Government Code,
	are amended to read as follows:
	Sec. 24.003.  TRANSFER OF CASES; EXCHANGE OF BENCHES
	[SUBSTITUTE JUDGES IN CERTAIN COUNTIES].  (a)  This section applies
	only to [civil cases in] counties with two [five] or more district
	courts.
	(b)  A district judge in the county may:
	(1)  transfer any civil or criminal case or proceeding
	on the court's docket to the docket of another district court in the
	county;
	(2)  hear and determine any case or proceeding pending
	in another district court in the county without having the case
	transferred;
	(3)  sit for another district court in the county and
	hear and determine any case or proceeding pending in that court;
	(4)  temporarily exchange benches with the judge of
	another district court in the county;
	(5)  try different cases in the same court at the same
	time; and
	(6)  occupy the judge's own courtroom or the courtroom
	of another district court in the county.
	(c)  If a district judge in the county is sick or otherwise
	absent, another district judge in the county may hold court for the
	judge.
	(d)  A district judge in the county may hear and determine
	any part or question of any case or proceeding pending in any of the
	district courts, and any other district judge may complete the
	hearing and render judgment in the case or proceeding. A district
	judge may hear and determine motions, including motions for new
	trial, petitions for injunction, applications for the appointment
	of a receiver, interventions, pleas in abatement, dilatory pleas,
	and all preliminary matters, questions, and proceedings, and may
	enter judgment or order on them in the court in which the case or
	proceeding is pending without transferring the case or proceeding.
	The district judge in whose court the matter is pending may proceed
	to hear, complete, and determine the matter, or all or any part of
	another matter, and render a final judgment. A district judge may
	issue a restraining order or injunction that is returnable to any
	other district court.
	(e)  A judgment or order shall be entered in the minutes of
	the court in which the case is pending.
	(f)  This section does not limit the powers of a district
	judge when acting for another judge by exchange of benches or
	otherwise. [If a district judge is disqualified in a case pending in
	his court and his disqualification is certified to the governor,
	the governor may require any other district judge in the county to
	exchange benches with the disqualified judge.
	[(c)     If a district judge is absent, sick, or disqualified,
	any of the district judges in the county may hold court for him or
	may transfer a pending case to the court of any other district judge
	in the county.]
	Sec. 24.007.  JURISDICTION.  (a) The district court has the
	jurisdiction provided by Article V, Section 8, of the Texas
	Constitution.
	(b)  A district court has original jurisdiction of a civil
	matter in which the amount in controversy is more than $10,000,
	exclusive of interest.
	SECTION 3.03.  Section 24.012(a), Government Code, is
	amended to read as follows:
	(a)  Notwithstanding any other law, each [Each] district
	[and criminal district] court holds in each county in the judicial
	district [at least two] terms that commence on the first Mondays in
	January and July of [court] each year [in each county in the
	district].  To the extent of a conflict between this subsection and
	a specific provision relating to a particular judicial district,
	this section controls.
	SECTION 3.04.  Subchapter A, Chapter 24, Government Code, is
	amended by adding Sections 24.023, 24.024, 24.025, 24.026, 24.027,
	24.028, 24.029, 24.030, 24.031, and 24.032 to read as follows:
	Sec. 24.023.  OBLIGATIONS; BONDS. (a)  When a case is
	transferred from one court to another, all processes, writs, bonds,
	recognizances, and other obligations issued by the transferring
	court are returnable to the court to which the case is transferred
	as if originally issued by that court.
	(b)  The obligees in all bonds and recognizances taken in and
	for a court from which a case is transferred, and all witnesses
	summoned to appear in a district court from which a case is
	transferred, are required to appear before the court to which the
	case is transferred as if the bond, recognizance, or summons was
	taken in or for that court.
	Sec. 24.024.  FILING AND DOCKETING CASES. In a county with
	two or more district courts, the district judges may adopt rules
	governing the filing and numbering of cases, the assignment of
	cases for trial, and the distribution of the work of the courts as
	in their discretion they consider necessary or desirable for the
	orderly dispatch of the business of the courts.
	Sec. 24.025.  SUPPLEMENTAL COMPENSATION. (a) Unless
	otherwise provided by this subchapter, all district judges in a
	county are entitled to equal amounts of supplemental compensation
	from the county.
	(b)  A district judge is entitled to an amount of
	supplemental compensation for serving on the juvenile board of a
	county that is equal to the amount other judges serving on the
	juvenile board receive.
	Sec. 24.026.  ASSIGNING PREFERENCES TO DISTRICT COURTS. (a)
	In a county with two or more district courts, the local board of
	district judges may designate a court as giving preference to
	certain kinds of cases.
	(b)  The designation of a court as giving preference to
	certain kinds of cases does not limit the jurisdiction of that court
	or of any other district court in the county.
	Sec. 24.027.  APPOINTMENT OF INITIAL JUDGE. On the creation
	of a new judicial district, the initial vacancy in the office of
	district judge is filled in accordance with Section 28, Article V,
	Texas Constitution.
	Sec. 24.028.  GRAND AND PETIT JURORS. All grand and petit
	jurors selected in a county before a new district court is created
	or the composition of an existing district court is modified by an
	amendment to this chapter are considered to be selected for the new
	or modified district court, as applicable.
	Sec. 24.029.  CASES TRANSFERRED. If by an amendment to this
	chapter a county is removed from the composition of an existing
	judicial district and added to another existing or new judicial
	district, all cases and proceedings from that county that are
	pending in the district court of the judicial district from which
	the county was removed are transferred to the district court of the
	judicial district to which the county is added. The judge of each
	affected district court shall sign the proper orders in connection
	with the transfer.
	Sec. 24.030.  PROCESSES, WRITS, AND OTHER OBLIGATIONS REMAIN
	VALID. (a) If by an amendment to this chapter a county is removed
	from the composition of an existing judicial district and added to
	another existing or new judicial district, or if an amendment to
	this chapter changes the time or place at which the terms of court
	are held, all processes, writs, bonds, recognizances, and other
	obligations issued from and made returnable to that court before
	the effective date of the transfer or other change are returnable as
	provided by this subsection. An obligation issued from the
	affected court is returnable to another district court in the
	county on the date that court directs, but may not be made
	returnable on a date that is earlier than the date on which the
	obligation was originally returnable. The obligations are legal
	and valid as if the obligations had been made returnable to the
	issuing court.
	(b)  The obligees in all appearance bonds and
	recognizances taken in and for a district court of a county before
	the effective date of an amendment to this chapter, and all
	witnesses summoned to appear before that district court under laws
	existing before the effective date of an amendment to this chapter,
	are required to appear at another district court in the county on
	the date that court directs, but may not be required to appear on a
	date that is earlier than the date on which the obligees or
	witnesses were originally required to appear.
	Sec. 24.031.  LOCATION OF COURT.  (a) A district court shall
	sit in the county seat for a jury trial in a civil case. The
	commissioners court of the county may authorize a district court to
	sit in any municipality within the county to hear and determine
	nonjury trials in civil cases and to hear and determine motions,
	arguments, and other matters not heard before a jury in a civil case
	that is within the court's jurisdiction.
	(b)  The district clerk or the clerk's deputy serves as clerk
	of the court when a court sits in a municipality other than the
	municipality that is the county seat and may transfer:
	(1)  all necessary books, minutes, records, and papers
	to that municipality while the court is in session there; and
	(2)  the books, minutes, records, and papers back to
	the clerk's office in the county seat at the end of each session.
	(c)  If the commissioners court authorizes a district court
	to sit in a municipality other than the municipality that is the
	county seat, the commissioners court shall provide suitable
	facilities for the court in that municipality.
	Sec. 24.032.  COURT OFFICERS. The prosecuting attorney, the
	sheriff, the district clerk, the bailiffs, and the other officers
	serving the other district courts of the county shall serve in their
	respective capacities for the courts listed in this chapter.
	SECTION 3.05.  Sections 24.115(c), (d), and (e), Government
	Code, are amended to read as follows:
	(c)  Except for Subsection (b), which applies only to the
	14th District Court, this section applies to the 14th, 44th, 68th,
	95th, 101st, 116th, 134th, 160th, [and] 162nd, 461st, 462nd, 463rd,
	464th, 465th, 466th, and 467th district courts[, the Criminal
	Judicial District of Dallas County, and the Criminal Judicial
	Districts Nos. 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 of Dallas County].
	(d)  The district courts [and criminal district courts]
	having jurisdiction in Dallas County have concurrent jurisdiction.
	(e)  The judges of the district [and criminal district]
	courts of Dallas County shall, by agreement among themselves, take
	vacations so that there are at all times at least three judges of
	those courts in the county.
	SECTION 3.06.  Section 24.205(a), Government Code, is
	amended to read as follows:
	(a)  The 103rd Judicial District is composed of Cameron
	County.  [The court shall give preference to civil cases.]
	SECTION 3.07.  Section 24.207(a), Government Code, is
	amended to read as follows:
	(a)  The 105th Judicial District is composed of Kenedy,
	Kleberg, and Nueces counties. [The court shall give preference to
	criminal cases.]
	SECTION 3.08.  Section 24.209(a), Government Code, is
	amended to read as follows:
	(a)  The 107th Judicial District is composed of Cameron
	County.  [The court shall give preference to criminal cases.]
	SECTION 3.09.  Section 24.240(a), Government Code, is
	amended to read as follows:
	(a)  The 138th Judicial District is composed of Cameron
	County.  [The court shall give preference to criminal cases.]
	SECTION 3.10.  Section 24.248(a), Government Code, is
	amended to read as follows:
	(a)  The 147th Judicial District is composed of Travis
	County. [The court shall give preference to criminal cases.]
	SECTION 3.11.  Section 24.366, Government Code, is amended
	to read as follows:
	Sec. 24.366.  187TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT (BEXAR COUNTY).  [(a)]
	The 187th Judicial District is composed of Bexar County.
	[(b)     The 187th District Court shall give preference to
	criminal cases.]
	SECTION 3.12.  Section 24.373, Government Code, is amended
	to read as follows:
	Sec. 24.373.  194TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT (DALLAS COUNTY).
	[(a)]  The 194th Judicial District is composed of Dallas County.
	[(b)     The 194th District Court shall give preference to
	criminal cases.]
	SECTION 3.13.  Section 24.374, Government Code, is amended
	to read as follows:
	Sec. 24.374.  195TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT (DALLAS COUNTY).
	[(a)]  The 195th Judicial District is composed of Dallas County.
	[(b)     The 195th District Court shall give preference to
	criminal cases.]
	SECTION 3.14.  Section 24.376, Government Code, is amended
	to read as follows:
	Sec. 24.376.  197TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT (CAMERON AND WILLACY
	COUNTIES).  [(a)]  The 197th Judicial District is composed of
	Cameron and Willacy counties.
	[(b)     The 197th District Court shall give preference to
	criminal cases.]
	SECTION 3.15.  Section 24.382, Government Code, is amended
	to read as follows:
	Sec. 24.382.  203RD JUDICIAL DISTRICT (DALLAS COUNTY).
	[(a)]  The 203rd Judicial District is composed of Dallas County.
	[(b)     The 203rd District Court shall give preference to
	criminal cases.]
	SECTION 3.16.  Section 24.383, Government Code, is amended
	to read as follows:
	Sec. 24.383.  204TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT (DALLAS COUNTY).
	[(a)]  The 204th Judicial District is composed of Dallas County.
	[(b)     The 204th District Court shall give preference to
	criminal cases.]
	SECTION 3.17.  Section 24.386(b), Government Code, is
	amended to read as follows:
	(b)  The 207th District Court has the same jurisdiction in
	Comal County as the 22nd District Court has in Comal County [and
	shall give preference to criminal cases in Caldwell, Comal, and
	Hays counties].
	SECTION 3.18.  Section 24.394, Government Code, is amended
	to read as follows:
	Sec. 24.394.  215TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT (HARRIS COUNTY).
	[(a)]  The 215th Judicial District is composed of Harris County.
	[(b)     The 215th District Court shall give preference to civil
	matters.]
	SECTION 3.19.  Section 24.408, Government Code, is amended
	to read as follows:
	Sec. 24.408.  231ST JUDICIAL DISTRICT (TARRANT COUNTY).
	[(a)]  The 231st Judicial District is composed of Tarrant County.
	[(b)     The 231st District Court shall give preference to
	family law matters.]
	SECTION 3.20.  Section 24.410, Government Code, is amended
	to read as follows:
	Sec. 24.410.  233RD JUDICIAL DISTRICT (TARRANT COUNTY).
	[(a)]  The 233rd Judicial District is composed of Tarrant County.
	[(b)     The 233rd District Court shall give preference to
	family law matters.]
	SECTION 3.21.  Section 24.422, Government Code, is amended
	to read as follows:
	Sec. 24.422.  245TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT (HARRIS COUNTY).
	[(a)]  The 245th Judicial District is composed of Harris County.
	[(b)     The 245th District Court shall give preference to
	family law matters.]
	SECTION 3.22.  Section 24.423, Government Code, is amended
	to read as follows:
	Sec. 24.423.  246TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT (HARRIS COUNTY).
	[(a)]  The 246th Judicial District is composed of Harris County.
	[(b)     The 246th District Court shall give preference to
	family law matters.]
	SECTION 3.23.  Section 24.424, Government Code, is amended
	to read as follows:
	Sec. 24.424.  247TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT (HARRIS COUNTY).
	[(a)]  The 247th Judicial District is composed of Harris County.
	[(b)     The 247th District Court shall give preference to
	family law matters.]
	SECTION 3.24.  Section 24.431, Government Code, is amended
	to read as follows:
	Sec. 24.431.  254TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT (DALLAS COUNTY).
	[(a)]  The 254th Judicial District is composed of Dallas County.
	[(b)     The 254th District Court shall give preference to
	family law matters.]
	SECTION 3.25.  Section 24.432, Government Code, is amended
	to read as follows:
	Sec. 24.432.  255TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT (DALLAS COUNTY).
	[(a)]  The 255th Judicial District is composed of Dallas County.
	[(b)     The 255th District Court shall give preference to
	family law matters.]
	SECTION 3.26.  Section 24.433, Government Code, is amended
	to read as follows:
	Sec. 24.433.  256TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT (DALLAS COUNTY).
	[(a)]  The 256th Judicial District is composed of Dallas County.
	[(b)     The 256th District Court shall give preference to
	family law matters.]
	SECTION 3.27.  Section 24.434, Government Code, is amended
	to read as follows:
	Sec. 24.434.  257TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT (HARRIS COUNTY).
	[(a)]  The 257th Judicial District is composed of Harris County.
	[(b)     The 257th District Court shall give preference to
	family law matters.]
	SECTION 3.28.  Section 24.442, Government Code, is amended
	to read as follows:
	Sec. 24.442.  265TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT (DALLAS COUNTY).
	[(a)]  The 265th Judicial District is composed of Dallas County.
	[(b)     The 265th District Court shall give preference to
	criminal cases.]
	SECTION 3.29.  Section 24.456, Government Code, is amended
	to read as follows:
	Sec. 24.456.  279TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT (JEFFERSON COUNTY).
	[(a)]  The 279th Judicial District is composed of Jefferson County.
	[(b)     The 279th District Court shall give preference to
	family law matters.]
	SECTION 3.30.  Section 24.459, Government Code, is amended
	to read as follows:
	Sec. 24.459.  282ND JUDICIAL DISTRICT (DALLAS COUNTY).
	[(a)]  The 282nd Judicial District is composed of Dallas County.
	[(b)     The 282nd District Court shall give preference to
	criminal cases.]
	SECTION 3.31.  Section 24.460, Government Code, is amended
	to read as follows:
	Sec. 24.460.  283RD JUDICIAL DISTRICT (DALLAS COUNTY). [(a)]
	The 283rd Judicial District is composed of Dallas County.
	[(b)     The 283rd District Court shall give preference to
	criminal cases.]
	SECTION 3.32.  Section 24.468, Government Code, is amended
	to read as follows:
	Sec. 24.468.  291ST JUDICIAL DISTRICT (DALLAS COUNTY).
	[(a)]  The 291st Judicial District is composed of Dallas County.
	[(b)     The 291st District Court shall give preference to
	criminal cases.]
	SECTION 3.33.  Section 24.469, Government Code, is amended
	to read as follows:
	Sec. 24.469.  292ND JUDICIAL DISTRICT (DALLAS COUNTY).
	[(a)]  The 292nd Judicial District is composed of Dallas County.
	[(b)     The 292nd District Court shall give preference to
	criminal cases.]
	SECTION 3.34.  Section 24.472, Government Code, is amended
	to read as follows:
	Sec. 24.472.  295TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT (HARRIS COUNTY).
	[(a)]  The 295th Judicial District is composed of Harris County.
	[(b)     The 295th District Court shall give preference to civil
	matters.]
	SECTION 3.35.  Section 24.475, Government Code, is amended
	to read as follows:
	Sec. 24.475.  298TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT (DALLAS COUNTY).
	[(a)]  The 298th Judicial District is composed of Dallas County.
	[(b)     The 298th District Court shall give preference to civil
	matters.]
	SECTION 3.36.  Section 24.479, Government Code, is amended
	to read as follows:
	Sec. 24.479.  333RD JUDICIAL DISTRICT (HARRIS COUNTY).
	[(a)]  The 333rd Judicial District is composed of Harris County.
	[(b)     The 333rd District Court shall give preference to civil
	matters.]
	SECTION 3.37.  Section 24.480, Government Code, is amended
	to read as follows:
	Sec. 24.480.  334TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT (HARRIS COUNTY).
	[(a)]  The 334th Judicial District is composed of Harris County.
	[(b)     The 334th District Court shall give preference to civil
	matters.]
	SECTION 3.38.  Section 24.488, Government Code, is amended
	to read as follows:
	Sec. 24.488.  342ND JUDICIAL DISTRICT (TARRANT COUNTY).
	[(a)]  The 342nd Judicial District is composed of Tarrant County.
	[(b)     The 342nd District Court shall give preference to civil
	matters.]
	SECTION 3.39.  Section 24.491, Government Code, is amended
	to read as follows:
	Sec. 24.491.  345TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT (TRAVIS COUNTY).
	[(a)]  The 345th Judicial District is composed of Travis County.
	[(b)     The 345th District Court shall give preference to civil
	matters.]
	SECTION 3.40.  Section 24.494, Government Code, is amended
	to read as follows:
	Sec. 24.494.  348TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT (TARRANT COUNTY).
	[(a)]  The 348th Judicial District is composed of Tarrant County.
	[(b)     The 348th District Court shall give preference to civil
	matters.]
	SECTION 3.41.  Section 24.498, Government Code, is amended
	to read as follows:
	Sec. 24.498.  352ND JUDICIAL DISTRICT (TARRANT COUNTY).
	[(a)]  The 352nd Judicial District is composed of Tarrant County.
	[(b)     The 352nd District Court shall give preference to civil
	matters.]
	SECTION 3.42.  Section 24.508, Government Code, is amended
	to read as follows:
	Sec. 24.508.  363RD JUDICIAL DISTRICT (DALLAS COUNTY).
	[(a)]  The 363rd Judicial District is composed of Dallas County.
	[(b)     The 363rd District Court shall give preference to
	criminal cases.]
	SECTION 3.43.  Section 24.522, Government Code, is amended
	to read as follows:
	Sec. 24.522.  377TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT (VICTORIA COUNTY).
	[(a)]  The 377th Judicial District is composed of Victoria County.
	[(b)     The 377th Judicial District shall give preference to
	criminal cases.]
	SECTION 3.44.  Section 24.531, Government Code, is amended
	to read as follows:
	Sec. 24.531.  386TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT (BEXAR COUNTY).  [(a)]
	The 386th Judicial District is composed of Bexar County.
	[(b)     The 386th District Court shall give preference to
	juvenile matters.]
	SECTION 3.45.  Section 24.532, Government Code, is amended
	to read as follows:
	Sec. 24.532.  387TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT (FORT BEND COUNTY).
	[(a)]  The 387th Judicial District is composed of Fort Bend County.
	[(b)     The 387th District Court shall give preference to
	family law matters.]
	SECTION 3.46.  Section 24.533, Government Code, is amended
	to read as follows:
	Sec. 24.533.  388TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT (EL PASO COUNTY).
	[(a)]  The 388th Judicial District is composed of El Paso County.
	[(b)     The 388th District Court shall give preference to
	family law matters.]
	SECTION 3.47.  Section 24.535, Government Code, is amended
	to read as follows:
	Sec. 24.535.  390TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT (TRAVIS COUNTY).
	[(a)]  The 390th Judicial District is composed of Travis County.
	[(b)     The 390th District Court shall give preference to
	criminal matters.]
	SECTION 3.48.  Section 24.538, Government Code, is amended
	to read as follows:
	Sec. 24.538.  393RD JUDICIAL DISTRICT (DENTON COUNTY).
	[(a)]  The 393rd Judicial District is composed of Denton County.
	[(b)     The 393rd District Court shall give preference to
	family law matters.]
	SECTION 3.49.  Section 24.544, Government Code, is amended
	to read as follows:
	Sec. 24.544.  399TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT (BEXAR COUNTY).  [(a)]
	The 399th Judicial District is composed of Bexar County.
	[(b)     The 399th District Court shall give preference to
	criminal matters.]
	SECTION 3.50.  Section 24.548, Government Code, is amended
	to read as follows:
	Sec. 24.548.  403RD JUDICIAL DISTRICT (TRAVIS COUNTY).
	[(a)]  The 403rd Judicial District is composed of Travis County.
	[(b)     The 403rd District Court shall give preference to
	criminal matters.]
	SECTION 3.51.  Section 24.554, Government Code, is amended
	to read as follows:
	Sec. 24.554.  408TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT (BEXAR COUNTY).  [(a)]
	The 408th Judicial District is composed of Bexar County.
	[(b)     The 408th District Court shall give preference to civil
	matters.]
	SECTION 3.52.  Section 24.561, Government Code, is amended
	to read as follows:
	Sec. 24.561.  417TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT (COLLIN COUNTY).
	[(a)]  The 417th Judicial District is composed of Collin County.
	[(b)     The 417th District Court shall give preference to
	juvenile matters.]
	SECTION 3.53.  Section 24.562, Government Code, is amended
	to read as follows:
	Sec. 24.562.  418TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT (MONTGOMERY COUNTY).
	[(a)]  The 418th Judicial District is composed of Montgomery
	County.
	[(b)     The 418th District Court shall give preference to
	family law matters.]
	SECTION 3.54.  Section 24.571, Government Code, is amended
	to read as follows:
	Sec. 24.571.  427TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT (TRAVIS COUNTY).
	[(a)]  The 427th Judicial District is composed of Travis County.
	[(b)     The 427th Judicial District shall give preference to
	criminal matters.]
	SECTION 3.55.  Section 24.589, Government Code, is amended
	to read as follows:
	Sec. 24.589.  445TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT (CAMERON COUNTY).
	[(a)]  The 445th Judicial District is composed of Cameron County.
	[(b)     The 445th District Court shall give preference to
	criminal law cases.]
	SECTION 3.56.  Section 24.593, Government Code, is amended
	to read as follows:
	Sec. 24.593.  449TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT (HIDALGO COUNTY).
	[(a)]  The 449th Judicial District is composed of Hidalgo County.
	[(b)     The 449th District Court shall give preference to
	juvenile matters.]
	SECTION 3.57.  Sections 24.608, 24.609, 24.610, 24.611,
	24.612, 24.613, 24.614, 24.615, 24.616, 24.617, 24.618, 24.619,
	24.620, 24.621, 24.622, 24.623, 24.624, 24.625, 24.626, 24.627,
	24.628, 24.629, 24.630, 24.631, 24.632, 24.633, 24.634, 24.635,
	24.636, 24.637, 24.638, 24.639, and 24.640, Government Code, are
	transferred to Subchapter C, Chapter 24, Government Code, and
	redesignated as Sections 24.60041, 24.60042, 24.60043, 24.60044,
	24.60045, 24.60046, 24.60047, 24.60048, 24.60050, 24.60051,
	24.60052, 24.60053, 24.60054, 24.60055, 24.60056, 24.60057,
	24.60058, 24.60059, 24.60060, 24.60061, 24.60062, 24.60063,
	24.60064, 24.60065, 24.60066, 24.60067, 24.60068, 24.60069,
	24.60070, 24.60071, 24.60072, 24.60073, and 24.60074,
	respectively, and amended to read as follows:
	Sec. 24.60041  [24.608]. 300TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT (BRAZORIA
	COUNTY). The 300th Judicial District is composed of Brazoria
	County.
	Sec. 24.60042  [24.609]. 301ST JUDICIAL DISTRICT (DALLAS
	COUNTY). The 301st Judicial District is composed of Dallas County.
	Sec. 24.60043  [24.610]. 302ND JUDICIAL DISTRICT (DALLAS
	COUNTY). The 302nd Judicial District is composed of Dallas County.
	Sec. 24.60044  [24.611]. 303RD JUDICIAL DISTRICT (DALLAS
	COUNTY). The 303rd Judicial District is composed of Dallas County.
	Sec. 24.60045  [24.612]. 304TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT (DALLAS
	COUNTY). The 304th Judicial District is composed of Dallas County.
	Sec. 24.60046  [24.613]. 305TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT (DALLAS
	COUNTY). The 305th Judicial District is composed of Dallas County.
	Sec. 24.60047  [24.614]. 306TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT (GALVESTON
	COUNTY). (a) The 306th Judicial District is composed of Galveston
	County.
	(b)  All juvenile matters and proceedings in Galveston
	County shall be filed originally with the district clerk on the
	docket of the 306th District Court.
	Sec. 24.60048  [24.615]. 307TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT (GREGG
	COUNTY). The 307th Judicial District is composed of Gregg County.
	Sec. 24.60050 [24.616].  308TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT (HARRIS
	COUNTY).  The 308th Judicial District is composed of Harris County.
	Sec. 24.60051 [24.617].  309TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT (HARRIS
	COUNTY).  The 309th Judicial District is composed of Harris County.
	Sec. 24.60052 [24.618].  310TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT (HARRIS
	COUNTY).  The 310th Judicial District is composed of Harris County.
	Sec. 24.60053 [24.619].  311TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT (HARRIS
	COUNTY).  The 311th Judicial District is composed of Harris County.
	Sec. 24.60054 [24.620].  312TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT (HARRIS
	COUNTY).  The 312th Judicial District is composed of Harris County.
	Sec. 24.60055 [24.621].  313TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT (HARRIS
	COUNTY).  The 313th Judicial District is composed of Harris County.
	Sec. 24.60056 [24.622].  314TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT (HARRIS
	COUNTY).  The 314th Judicial District is composed of Harris County.
	Sec. 24.60057 [24.623].  315TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT (HARRIS
	COUNTY).  The 315th Judicial District is composed of Harris County.
	Sec. 24.60058  [24.624]. 316TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT
	(HUTCHINSON COUNTY). The 316th Judicial District is composed of
	Hutchinson County.
	Sec. 24.60059  [24.625]. 317TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT (JEFFERSON
	COUNTY). The 317th Judicial District is composed of Jefferson
	County.
	Sec. 24.60060  [24.626]. 318TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT (MIDLAND
	COUNTY). The 318th Judicial District is composed of Midland
	County.
	Sec. 24.60061  [24.627]. 319TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT (NUECES
	COUNTY). (a) The 319th Judicial District is composed of Nueces
	County.
	(b)  [The terms of the 319th District Court begin on the
	first Mondays in April and in October.
	[(c)]  In addition to other jurisdiction provided by law, the
	319th District Court has concurrent jurisdiction with the county
	courts at law in Nueces County to receive a guilty plea in a
	misdemeanor case pending in a county court at law in Nueces County
	and dispose of the case, regardless of whether the case is
	transferred to the district court. The judgment, order, or action
	of the district court is valid and binding as if the case were
	pending in the district court.
	Sec. 24.60062  [24.628]. 320TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT (POTTER
	COUNTY). The 320th Judicial District is composed of Potter County.
	Sec. 24.60063  [24.629]. 321ST JUDICIAL DISTRICT (SMITH
	COUNTY). The 321st Judicial District is composed of Smith County.
	Sec. 24.60064  [24.630]. 322ND JUDICIAL DISTRICT (TARRANT
	COUNTY). The 322nd Judicial District is composed of Tarrant
	County.
	Sec. 24.60065  [24.631]. 323RD JUDICIAL DISTRICT (TARRANT
	COUNTY). The 323rd Judicial District is composed of Tarrant
	County.
	Sec. 24.60066  [24.632]. 324TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT (TARRANT
	COUNTY). The 324th Judicial District is composed of Tarrant
	County.
	Sec. 24.60067  [24.633]. 325TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT (TARRANT
	COUNTY). The 325th Judicial District is composed of Tarrant
	County.
	Sec. 24.60068  [24.634]. 326TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT (TAYLOR
	COUNTY). The 326th Judicial District is composed of Taylor County.
	Sec. 24.60069  [24.635]. 65TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT (EL PASO
	COUNTY). The 65th Judicial District is composed of El Paso County.
	Sec. 24.60070  [24.636]. 328TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT (FORT BEND
	COUNTY). The 328th Judicial District is composed of Fort Bend
	County.
	Sec. 24.60071  [24.637]. 329TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT (WHARTON
	COUNTY). (a) The 329th Judicial District is composed of Wharton
	County.
	(b)  Section 24.124, relating to the 23rd District Court,
	contains provisions applicable to both that court and the 329th
	[Family] District Court [for the 329th Judicial District].
	Sec. 24.60072  [24.638]. 330TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT (DALLAS
	COUNTY). The 330th Judicial District is composed of Dallas County.
	Sec. 24.60073  [24.639]. 360TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT (TARRANT
	COUNTY). The 360th Judicial District is composed of Tarrant
	County.
	Sec. 24.60074  [24.640]. 444TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT (CAMERON
	COUNTY). The 444th Judicial District is composed of Cameron
	County.
	SECTION 3.58.  Sections 24.901, 24.902, 24.903, 24.904,
	24.905, 24.906, 24.907, 24.908, 24.910, 24.911, 24.912, 24.913, and
	24.920, Government Code, are transferred to Subchapter C, Chapter
	24, Government Code, and redesignated as Sections 24.6005, 24.6006,
	24.6007, 24.6008, 24.6009, 24.60010, 24.60011, 24.60012, 24.60013,
	24.60014, 24.60015, 24.60016, and 24.60017, respectively, and
	amended to read as follows:
	Sec. 24.6005  [24.901].  461ST [CRIMINAL] JUDICIAL DISTRICT
	(DALLAS [OF DALLAS] COUNTY). (a)  The 461st [Criminal] Judicial
	District [of Dallas County] is composed of Dallas County.
	(b)  [The terms of the criminal district court begin on the
	first Mondays in January, April, July, and October.
	[(c)]  The 461st, 462nd, 463rd, 464th, 465th, 466th, and
	467th [criminal] district courts [in Dallas County] have concurrent
	original misdemeanor jurisdiction with the county courts in Dallas
	County that have criminal jurisdiction.
	(c) [(d)]  Section 24.115, relating to the 14th District
	Court, contains provisions applicable to both that court and the
	461st [Criminal] District Court [of Dallas County].
	Sec. 24.6006 [24.902].  462ND [DALLAS COUNTY CRIMINAL]
	JUDICIAL DISTRICT (DALLAS COUNTY) [NO. 2]. (a)  The 462nd [Dallas
	County Criminal] Judicial District [No. 2] is composed of Dallas
	County.
	(b)  [The terms of the criminal district court no. 2 begin on
	the first Mondays in January, April, July, and October.
	[(c)]  Section 24.6005 [24.901], relating to the 461st
	[Criminal] District Court [of Dallas County], contains provisions
	applicable to both that court and the 462nd [Dallas County
	Criminal] District Court [No. 2].
	(c) [(d)]  Section 24.115, relating to the 14th District
	Court, contains provisions applicable to both that court and the
	462nd [Dallas County Criminal] District Court [No. 2].
	Sec. 24.6007 [24.903].  463RD [DALLAS COUNTY CRIMINAL]
	JUDICIAL DISTRICT (DALLAS COUNTY) [NO. 3]. (a)  The 463rd [Dallas
	County Criminal] Judicial District [No. 3] is composed of Dallas
	County.
	(b)  [The terms of the criminal district court no. 3 begin on
	the first Mondays in January, April, July, and October.
	[(c)]  Section 24.6005 [24.901], relating to the 461st
	[Criminal] District Court [of Dallas County], contains provisions
	applicable to both that court and the 463rd [Dallas County
	Criminal] District Court [No. 3].
	(c) [(d)]  Section 24.115, relating to the 14th District
	Court, contains provisions applicable to both that court and the
	463rd [Dallas County Criminal] District Court [No. 3].
	Sec. 24.6008 [24.904].  464TH [DALLAS COUNTY CRIMINAL]
	JUDICIAL DISTRICT (DALLAS COUNTY) [NO. 4]. (a)  The 464th [Dallas
	County Criminal] Judicial District [No. 4] is composed of Dallas
	County.
	(b)  [The terms of the criminal district court no. 4 begin on
	the first Mondays in January, April, July, and October.
	[(c)]  Section 24.6005 [24.901], relating to the 461st
	[Criminal] District Court [of Dallas County], contains provisions
	applicable to both that court and the 464th [Dallas County
	Criminal] District Court [No. 4].
	(c) [(d)]  Section 24.115, relating to the 14th District
	Court, contains provisions applicable to both that court and the
	464th [Dallas County Criminal] District Court [No. 4].
	Sec. 24.6009 [24.905].  465TH [DALLAS COUNTY CRIMINAL]
	JUDICIAL DISTRICT (DALLAS COUNTY) [NO. 5]. (a)  The 465th [Dallas
	County Criminal] Judicial District [No. 5] is composed of Dallas
	County.
	(b)  [The terms of the criminal district court no. 5 begin on
	the first Mondays in January, April, July, and October.
	[(c)]  Section 24.6005 [24.901], relating to the 461st
	[Criminal] District Court [of Dallas County], contains provisions
	applicable to both that court and the 465th [Dallas County
	Criminal] District Court [No. 5].
	(c)  [(d)]  Section 24.115, relating to the 14th District
	Court, contains provisions applicable to both that court and the
	465th [Dallas County Criminal] District Court [No. 5].
	Sec. 24.60010 [24.906].  466TH [DALLAS COUNTY CRIMINAL]
	JUDICIAL DISTRICT (DALLAS COUNTY) [NO. 6]. (a)  The 466th [Dallas
	County Criminal] Judicial District [No. 6] is composed of Dallas
	County.
	(b)  [The terms of the criminal district court no. 6 begin on
	the first Mondays in January, April, July, and October.
	[(c])  Section 24.6005 [24.901], relating to the 461st
	[Criminal] District Court [of Dallas County], contains provisions
	applicable to both that court and the 466th [Dallas County
	Criminal] District Court [No. 6].
	(c) [(d)]  Section 24.115, relating to the 14th District
	Court, contains provisions applicable to both that court and the
	466th [Dallas County Criminal] District Court [No. 6].
	Sec. 24.60011 [24.907].  467TH [DALLAS COUNTY CRIMINAL]
	JUDICIAL DISTRICT (DALLAS COUNTY) [NO. 7]. (a)  The 467th [Dallas
	County Criminal] Judicial District [No. 7] is composed of Dallas
	County.
	(b)  [The terms of the criminal district court no. 7 begin on
	the first Mondays in January, April, July, and October.
	[(c)]  Section 24.6005 [24.901], relating to the 461st
	[Criminal] District Court [of Dallas County], contains provisions
	applicable to both that court and the 467th [Dallas County
	Criminal] District Court [No. 7].
	(c) [(d)]  Section 24.115, relating to the 14th District
	Court, contains provisions applicable to both that court and the
	467th [Dallas County Criminal] District Court [No. 7].
	Sec. 24.60012 [24.908]. 468TH [EL PASO COUNTY CRIMINAL]
	JUDICIAL DISTRICT (EL PASO COUNTY) [NO. 1]. [(a)]  The 468th [El
	Paso County Criminal] Judicial District [No. 1] is composed of El
	Paso County.
	[(b)     The El Paso County Criminal District Court No. 1 shall
	give primary preference to felony drug cases and associated civil
	cases emanating from those felony drug cases.     The criminal
	district court shall give secondary preference to other criminal
	cases and associated civil cases emanating from those criminal
	cases.
	[(c)     The terms of the El Paso County Criminal District Court
	No. 1 begin on the third Mondays in April and September and the
	first Mondays in January, July, and November.
	[(d)     The El Paso County Criminal District Court No. 1 shall
	have a seal similar to the seal of a district court with "El Paso
	County Criminal District Court No. 1" engraved on the seal.]
	Sec. 24.60013 [24.910]. 469TH [TARRANT COUNTY CRIMINAL]
	JUDICIAL DISTRICT (TARRANT COUNTY) [NO. 1]. (a)  The 469th [Tarrant
	County Criminal] Judicial District [No. 1] is composed of Tarrant
	County.
	(b)  [This section applies to the Tarrant County Criminal
	District Courts Nos. 1, 2, and 3.
	[(c)]  The 469th, 470th, and 471st [criminal] district
	courts have [jurisdiction of criminal cases within the jurisdiction
	of a district court. The criminal district courts also have]
	concurrent original jurisdiction with the county criminal courts
	over misdemeanor cases. [The criminal district courts do not have
	appellate misdemeanor jurisdiction.]
	[(d)     The terms of the criminal district courts begin on the
	first Mondays in January, April, July, and October.
	[(e)     The judge of each criminal district court or county
	criminal court may, on motion of the judge or the criminal district
	attorney, transfer misdemeanor cases between the courts by an order
	entered in the minutes of the transferring court. The clerk of the
	transferring court shall certify the style and number of the case to
	the clerk of the court to which it is transferred and include the
	papers of the case with the certification. The receiving clerk
	shall promptly docket the transferred case. The receiving court
	shall dispose of the case as if it had been originally instituted in
	that court.
	[(f)     The criminal district courts nos. 1 and 2 shall have a
	seal similar to the seal of a district court with "Criminal District
	Court No. ____ of Tarrant County" engraved in the margin.]
	Sec. 24.60014 [24.911]. 470TH [TARRANT COUNTY CRIMINAL]
	JUDICIAL DISTRICT (TARRANT COUNTY) [NO. 2]. (a)  The 470th [Tarrant
	County Criminal] Judicial District [No. 2] is composed of Tarrant
	County.
	(b)  Section 24.60013 [24.910], relating to the 469th
	[Tarrant County Criminal] District Court [No. 1], contains
	provisions applicable to both that court and the 470th [Tarrant
	County Criminal] District Court [No. 2].
	Sec. 24.60015 [24.912]. 471ST [TARRANT COUNTY CRIMINAL]
	JUDICIAL DISTRICT (TARRANT COUNTY) [NO. 3]. (a)  The 471st [Tarrant
	County Criminal] Judicial District [No. 3] is composed of Tarrant
	County.
	(b)  Section 24.60013 [24.910], relating to the 469th
	[Tarrant County Criminal] District Court [No. 1], contains
	provisions applicable to both that court and the 471st [Tarrant
	County Criminal] District Court [No. 3].
	Sec. 24.60016 [24.913]. 472ND [CRIMINAL] JUDICIAL DISTRICT
	(TARRANT [NO. 4 OF TARRANT] COUNTY). (a)  The 472nd [Criminal]
	Judicial District [No. 4 of Tarrant County] is composed of Tarrant
	County.
	(b)  [The court shall give preference to criminal cases.
	[(c)     The terms of court begin on the first Mondays in
	January, April, July, and October of each year.
	[(d)     Subchapter C applies to the Tarrant County Criminal
	District Court No. 4 of Tarrant County.
	[(e)]  In addition to the jurisdiction provided by this
	subchapter [Subchapter C] and other law, the 472nd [Tarrant County
	Criminal] District Court [No. 4] has concurrent original
	jurisdiction with the county criminal courts in Tarrant County over
	misdemeanor cases.
	Sec. 24.60017 [24.920]. 473RD [CRIMINAL] JUDICIAL DISTRICT
	(JEFFERSON [OF JEFFERSON] COUNTY). (a)  The 473rd [Criminal]
	Judicial District [of Jefferson County] is composed of Jefferson
	County.
	(b)  [The terms of the criminal district court begin on the
	first Mondays in April, July, October, and January.
	[(c)  The criminal district court has:
	[(1)     original jurisdiction of criminal cases within
	the jurisdiction of a district court;
	[(2)     concurrent original and appellate jurisdiction
	with the county courts at law of misdemeanor cases normally within
	the exclusive jurisdiction of the county courts at law; and
	[(3)  civil jurisdiction in cases of:
	[(A)     divorce, as provided by Chapter 3, Family
	Code;
	[(B)     dependent and delinquent children, as
	provided by Section 23.001, by the Family Code, and by Title 43,
	Revised Statutes;
	[(C)     adoption, as provided by the Family Code;
	and
	[(D)  habeas corpus proceedings.
	[(d)     The judge of the criminal district court or of a county
	court at law may, on motion of the judge or the criminal district
	attorney, transfer misdemeanor cases between the courts by an order
	entered in the minutes of the transferring court. The clerk of the
	transferring court shall certify the style and number of the case to
	the clerk of the receiving court and include the papers of the case
	with the certification. The receiving clerk shall promptly docket
	the transferred case. The receiving court shall dispose of the case
	as if it had been originally instituted in that court.
	[(e)     The court shall have a seal similar to the seal of a
	district court with "Criminal District Court of Jefferson County"
	engraved on the seal.
	[(f)]  The court may sit at the City of Port Arthur in
	addition to Beaumont to try, hear, and determine nonjury civil
	cases and to hear and determine motions, arguments, and the other
	nonjury civil matters that are within the court's jurisdiction.
	The district clerk or the clerk's deputy serves as clerk of the
	court when it sits in Port Arthur and may transfer all necessary
	books, minutes, records, and papers to Port Arthur while the court
	is in session there, and transfer them from Port Arthur to Beaumont
	at the end of each session in Port Arthur. The Commissioners Court
	of Jefferson County may provide suitable quarters for the court in
	the subcourthouse while it sits in Port Arthur. The Jefferson
	County sheriff or the sheriff's deputy shall attend the court in
	Port Arthur and perform all required duties.
	SECTION 3.59.  Section 25.0362(g), Government Code, is
	amended to read as follows:
	(g)  In matters of concurrent jurisdiction, a judge of a
	county court at law and a judge of a district court in Cass County
	may transfer cases between the courts in the same manner that judges
	of district courts may transfer cases under Section 24.003
	[24.303].
	SECTION 3.60.  Section 25.0732(w), Government Code, is
	amended to read as follows:
	(w)  In matters of concurrent jurisdiction, a judge of a
	statutory county court in El Paso County and a judge of a district
	court or another statutory county court in El Paso County may
	transfer cases between the courts in the same manner judges of
	district courts transfer cases under Section 24.003 [24.303].
	SECTION 3.61.  Section 25.1672(c), Government Code, is
	amended to read as follows:
	(c)  In matters of concurrent jurisdiction, judges of the
	county courts at law and district courts in the county may exchange
	benches and courtrooms and may transfer cases between their dockets
	in the same manner that district court judges exchange benches and
	transfer cases under Section 24.003 [24.303].
	SECTION 3.62.  Section 25.1862(v), Government Code, is
	amended to read as follows:
	(v)  In matters of concurrent jurisdiction, a judge of a
	county court at law and a judge of a district court or another
	county court at law may transfer cases between the courts in the
	same manner judges of district courts transfer cases under Section
	24.003 [24.303].
	SECTION 3.63.  Section 25.1932(k), Government Code, is
	amended to read as follows:
	(k)  Notwithstanding Section 74.121(b)(1), in matters of
	concurrent jurisdiction, the judge of a county court at law and the
	judges of the district courts in the county may exchange benches and
	courtrooms and may transfer cases between their dockets in the same
	manner that judges of district courts exchange benches and transfer
	cases under Section 24.003 [24.303].
	SECTION 3.64.  Sections 53.001(c) and (e), Government Code,
	are amended to read as follows:
	(c)  Each [criminal] district court in Tarrant County
	hearing criminal cases must have at least three bailiffs assigned
	regularly to the court. Each judge of a [criminal] district court
	in Tarrant County hearing criminal cases shall appoint two officers
	of the court to serve as bailiffs for the [his] court.
	(e)  The county sheriff shall appoint one bailiff for each
	district court in Tarrant County that gives preference to criminal
	cases [and one bailiff for each criminal district court in Tarrant
	County] in the same manner as authorized by law.
	SECTION 3.65.  Sections 53.002(c) and (g), Government Code,
	are amended to read as follows:
	(c)  The judges of the district courts[, including family
	district courts,] having jurisdiction in El Paso County and the
	judges of the county courts at law in El Paso County may each
	appoint a person to serve the court as bailiff. A bailiff for a
	district court that is composed of more than one county serves the
	court in each county of the district.
	(g)  The judge of each district court in Tarrant County that
	gives preference to criminal cases and the judge of each [criminal]
	district court in Tarrant County hearing criminal cases may appoint
	two persons to serve as bailiffs.  Notwithstanding Section 53.071
	or Article 19.36, Code of Criminal Procedure, the district judges
	of the courts in Tarrant County that give preference to criminal
	cases [and the criminal district courts in Tarrant County] may
	appoint one bailiff for each grand jury.
	SECTION 3.66.  Section 53.003(b), Government Code, is
	amended to read as follows:
	(b)  The judge of each court listed in Sections 53.001(d) and
	53.002(a), (c), (e), and (f), the judge of the 341st District Court,
	and the judge of each district court in Tarrant County that gives
	preference to criminal cases[, and the judge of each criminal
	district court in Tarrant County] shall give each commissioners
	court in the judicial district written notification of the
	bailiff's or grand jury bailiff's appointment and date of
	employment. The judge of each court listed in Section 53.002(c) and
	[,] the judge of each district court in Tarrant County that gives
	preference to criminal cases[, and the judge of each criminal
	district court in Tarrant County] shall also give each
	commissioners court written notification of the compensation to be
	paid by the county.
	SECTION 3.67.  Section 53.006(c), Government Code, is
	amended to read as follows:
	(c)  A bailiff or grand jury bailiff appointed under Section
	53.001(d) or 53.002(a), (c), (e), (f), or (g) by the judge of the
	341st District Court or [,] by a judge of a district court in
	Tarrant County that gives preference to criminal cases[, or by a
	judge of a criminal district court in Tarrant County] has only the
	duties assigned by the judge of the court that the bailiff or grand
	jury bailiff serves.
	SECTION 3.68.  Sections 53.007(a) and (c), Government Code,
	are amended to read as follows:
	(a)  This section applies to:
	(1)  the 22nd, 34th, 70th, 71st, 86th, 97th, 142nd,
	161st, 238th, 318th, 341st, 355th, and 385th district courts;
	(2)  the County Court of Harrison County;
	(3)  the [criminal] district courts of Tarrant County
	designated by the county with a preference for criminal cases;
	(4)  the district courts in Taylor County;
	(5)  the courts described in Section 53.002(c), (d),
	(e), or (f);
	(6)  the county courts at law of Taylor County; and
	(7)  [the district courts in Tarrant County that give
	preference to criminal cases; and
	[(8)]  the 115th District Court in Upshur County.
	(c)  A request under this section by a judge of a court listed
	in Section 53.001(d), 53.002(a), 53.002(c), or 53.002(e), by the
	judge of the 341st District Court, by a judge of a district court in
	Tarrant County that gives preference to criminal cases, [by a judge
	of a criminal district court in Tarrant County,] by the judge of a
	district court in Taylor County, or by the judge of a county court
	at law of Taylor County must be in writing.
	SECTION 3.69.  Section 53.008, Government Code, is amended
	to read as follows:
	Sec. 53.008.  OATH. The bailiffs of the 22nd, 34th, 70th,
	86th, 97th, 142nd, 161st, 238th, 318th, 341st, 355th, and 385th
	district courts, the bailiffs of the courts described in Section
	53.002(c), (d), (e), or (f), the bailiffs and the grand jury
	bailiffs of the district courts in Tarrant County that give
	preference to criminal cases, [the bailiffs and grand jury bailiffs
	of the criminal district courts in Tarrant County,] the bailiffs of
	the district courts in Taylor County, and the bailiffs of the county
	courts at law of Taylor County shall each swear to the following
	oath, to be administered by the judge: "I solemnly swear that I
	will faithfully and impartially perform all duties as may be
	required of me by law, so help me God."
	SECTION 3.70.  Section 53.009(f), Government Code, is
	amended to read as follows:
	(f)  The bailiffs and grand jury bailiffs appointed by the
	judges of the district courts in Tarrant County that give
	preference to criminal cases [and the bailiffs and grand jury
	bailiffs appointed by the judges of the criminal district courts in
	Tarrant County] are entitled to receive from the county general
	fund a salary set in writing by the judge that is in the same pay
	grade as the salary of certified and noncertified peace officers
	who are appointed as bailiffs by the sheriff. The county shall
	administer the bailiff salary under salary administration
	guidelines.
	SECTION 3.71.  The heading to Subchapter D, Chapter 53,
	Government Code, is amended to read as follows:
	SUBCHAPTER D. BAILIFFS FOR CERTAIN [FAMILY] DISTRICT COURTS IN
	HARRIS COUNTY
	SECTION 3.72.  Section 53.051, Government Code, is amended
	to read as follows:
	Sec. 53.051.  OFFICE OF BAILIFF.  The judges of the 245th,
	246th, 247th, 257th, 308th, 309th, 310th, 311th, and 312th [family]
	district courts shall appoint a person to serve their respective
	courts as bailiff. A bailiff is an officer of the court and
	performs the duties of the office under the direction and
	supervision of the judge of the court.
	SECTION 3.73.  Section 62.201, Government Code, is amended
	to read as follows:
	Sec. 62.201.  NUMBER OF JURORS. The jury in a district court
	is composed of 12 persons, except that the parties may agree to try
	a particular case with fewer than 12 jurors unless a jury of six or
	12 is required by Section 13, Article V, Texas Constitution.
	SECTION 3.74.  Section 74.121(b)(2), Government Code, is
	amended to read as follows:
	(2)  Notwithstanding Subdivision (1), in matters of
	concurrent jurisdiction, a judge of a statutory county court in
	Midland County and a judge of a district court in Midland County may
	exchange benches and courtrooms with each other and may transfer
	cases between their dockets in the same manner that judges of
	district courts exchange benches and transfer cases under Section
	24.003 [24.303].
	SECTION 3.75.  (a)  The following sections of the Government
	Code are repealed:
	(1)  Section 24.013;
	(2)  Section 24.139(d);
	(3)  Section 24.175(c);
	(4)  Section 24.302;
	(5)  Section 24.303;
	(6)  Section 24.304;
	(7)  Section 24.305;
	(8)  Section 24.307;
	(9)  Section 24.308;
	(10)  Section 24.309;
	(11)  Section 24.310;
	(12)  Section 24.311;
	(13)  Section 24.312;
	(14)  Section 24.313;
	(15)  Section 24.314;
	(16)  Section 24.353(b);
	(17)  Section 24.362(b);
	(18)  Section 24.363(b);
	(19)  Section 24.364(b);
	(20)  Section 24.365(b);
	(21)  Section 24.381(b);
	(22)  Section 24.384(b);
	(23)  Section 24.387(b);
	(24)  Section 24.388(b);
	(25)  Section 24.393(b);
	(26)  Section 24.402(b);
	(27)  Section 24.403(b);
	(28)  Section 24.404(b);
	(29)  Section 24.405(b);
	(30)  Section 24.406(b);
	(31)  Section 24.407(b);
	(32)  Section 24.409(b);
	(33)  Section 24.425(b);
	(34)  Section 24.429(b);
	(35)  Section 24.439(b);
	(36)  Section 24.440(b);
	(37)  Section 24.462(b);
	(38)  Section 24.465(b);
	(39)  Section 24.466(b);
	(40)  Section 24.467(b);
	(41)  Section 24.474(b);
	(42)  Section 24.483(b);
	(43)  Section 24.484(b);
	(44)  Section 24.485(b);
	(45)  Section 24.497(b);
	(46)  Section 24.516(b);
	(47)  Section 24.517(b);
	(48)  Section 24.528(c);
	(49)  Section 24.529(c);
	(50)  Section 24.541(b);
	(51)  Section 24.551(b);
	(52)  Section 24.574(b);
	(53)  Section 24.579(b);
	(54)  Section 24.601;
	(55)  Section 24.602;
	(56)  Section 24.603;
	(57)  Section 24.604;
	(58)  Section 24.605;
	(59)  Section 24.606; and
	(60)  Section 24.607.
	(b)  The heading to Subchapter D, Chapter 24, Government
	Code, is repealed.
	(c)  The heading to Subchapter E, Chapter 24, Government
	Code, is repealed.
	SECTION 3.76.  On the effective date of this Act:
	(1)  the 65th, 300th, 301st, 302nd, 303rd, 304th,
	305th, 306th, 307th, 308th, 309th, 310th, 311th, 312th, 313th,
	314th, 315th, 316th, 317th, 318th, 319th, 320th, 321st, 322nd,
	323rd, 324th, 325th, 326th, 328th, 329th, 330th, 360th, and 444th
	Family District Courts are redesignated as district courts governed
	by Subchapter C, Chapter 24, Government Code;
	(2)  the judges of the 65th, 300th, 301st, 302nd,
	303rd, 304th, 305th, 306th, 307th, 308th, 309th, 310th, 311th,
	312th, 313th, 314th, 315th, 316th, 317th, 318th, 319th, 320th,
	321st, 322nd, 323rd, 324th, 325th, 326th, 328th, 329th, 330th,
	360th, and 444th Family District Courts continue to serve as the
	judges of the courts as redesignated by Subdivision (1) of this
	section for the remainder of the term to which elected, unless
	otherwise removed as provided by law; and
	(3)  a matter pending on that date in the 65th, 300th,
	301st, 302nd, 303rd, 304th, 305th, 306th, 307th, 308th, 309th,
	310th, 311th, 312th, 313th, 314th, 315th, 316th, 317th, 318th,
	319th, 320th, 321st, 322nd, 323rd, 324th, 325th, 326th, 328th,
	329th, 330th, 360th, or 444th Family District Court remains in that
	court as redesignated by Subdivision (1) of this section unless
	otherwise transferred to a different court as provided by law.
	SECTION 3.77.  On the effective date of this Act:
	(1)  the Criminal Judicial District of Dallas County,
	Dallas County Criminal Judicial District No. 2, Dallas County
	Criminal Judicial District No. 3, Dallas County Criminal Judicial
	District No. 4, Dallas County Criminal Judicial District No. 5,
	Dallas County Criminal Judicial District No. 6, Dallas County
	Criminal Judicial District No. 7, El Paso County Criminal Judicial
	District No. 1, Tarrant County Criminal Judicial District No. 1,
	Tarrant County Criminal Judicial District No. 2, Tarrant County
	Criminal Judicial District No. 3, Criminal Judicial District No. 4
	of Tarrant County, and Criminal Judicial District of Jefferson
	County are redesignated as the 461st Judicial District, 462nd
	Judicial District, 463rd Judicial District, 464th Judicial
	District, 465th Judicial District, 466th Judicial District, 467th
	Judicial District, 468th Judicial District, 469th Judicial
	District, 470th Judicial District, 471st Judicial District, 472nd
	Judicial District, and 473rd Judicial District, respectively, and
	are governed by Subchapter C, Chapter 24, Government Code;
	(2)  the judges of the Criminal Judicial District of
	Dallas County, Dallas County Criminal Judicial District No. 2,
	Dallas County Criminal Judicial District No. 3, Dallas County
	Criminal Judicial District No. 4, Dallas County Criminal Judicial
	District No. 5, Dallas County Criminal Judicial District No. 6,
	Dallas County Criminal Judicial District No. 7, El Paso County
	Criminal Judicial District No. 1, Tarrant County Criminal Judicial
	District No. 1, Tarrant County Criminal Judicial District No. 2,
	Tarrant County Criminal Judicial District No. 3, Criminal Judicial
	District No. 4 of Tarrant County, and Criminal Judicial District of
	Jefferson County continue to serve as the judges of the courts as
	redesignated by Subdivision (1) of this section for the remainder
	of the term to which elected, unless otherwise removed as provided
	by law; and
	(3)  a matter pending on that date in the Criminal
	Judicial District of Dallas County, Dallas County Criminal Judicial
	District No. 2, Dallas County Criminal Judicial District No. 3,
	Dallas County Criminal Judicial District No. 4, Dallas County
	Criminal Judicial District No. 5, Dallas County Criminal Judicial
	District No. 6, Dallas County Criminal Judicial District No. 7, El
	Paso County Criminal Judicial District No. 1, Tarrant County
	Criminal Judicial District No. 1, Tarrant County Criminal Judicial
	District No. 2, Tarrant County Criminal Judicial District No. 3,
	Criminal Judicial District No. 4 of Tarrant County, and Criminal
	Judicial District of Jefferson County remains in that court as
	redesignated by Subdivision (1) of this section unless otherwise
	transferred to a different court as provided by law.
	ARTICLE 4.  STATUTORY COUNTY COURTS
	SECTION 4.01.  (a)  Section 25.0001(a), Government Code, is
	amended to read as follows:
	(a)  This subchapter applies to each statutory county court
	in this state. If a provision of this subchapter, other than
	Section 25.0003, conflicts with a specific provision for a
	particular court or county, the specific provision controls.
	(b)  This section takes effect September 1, 2012.
	SECTION 4.02.  Section 25.0002, Government Code, is amended
	to read as follows:
	Sec. 25.0002.  DEFINITIONS [DEFINITION].  In this chapter:
	(1)  "Criminal law cases and proceedings" includes
	cases and proceedings for allegations of conduct punishable in part
	by confinement in the county jail not to exceed one year.
	(2)  "Family[, "family] law cases and proceedings"
	includes cases and proceedings under Titles 1, 2, 4, and 5, Family
	Code [involving adoptions, birth records, or removal of disability
	of minority or coverture; change of names of persons; child
	welfare, custody, support and reciprocal support, dependency,
	neglect, or delinquency; paternity; termination of parental
	rights; divorce and marriage annulment, including the adjustment of
	property rights, custody and support of minor children involved
	therein, temporary support pending final hearing, and every other
	matter incident to divorce or annulment proceedings; independent
	actions involving child support, custody of minors, and wife or
	child desertion; and independent actions involving controversies
	between parent and child, between parents, and between spouses].
	(3)  "Juvenile law cases and proceedings" includes all
	cases and proceedings brought under Title 3, Family Code.
	(4)  "Mental health causes and proceedings" includes
	all cases and proceedings brought under Subtitle C, Title 7, Health
	and Safety Code.
	SECTION 4.03.  (a) Section 25.0003(c), Government Code, is
	amended to read as follows:
	(c)  In addition to other jurisdiction provided by law, a
	statutory county court exercising civil jurisdiction concurrent
	with the constitutional jurisdiction of the county court has
	concurrent jurisdiction with the district court in:
	(1)  civil cases in which the matter in controversy
	exceeds $500 but does not exceed $200,000 [$100,000], excluding
	interest, statutory or punitive damages and penalties, and
	attorney's fees and costs, as alleged on the face of the petition;
	and
	(2)  appeals of final rulings and decisions of the
	division of workers' compensation of the Texas Department of
	Insurance regarding workers' compensation claims, regardless of
	the amount in controversy.
	(b)  This section takes effect September 1, 2012.
	SECTION 4.04.  Section 25.0004, Government Code, is amended
	by adding Subsection (f) to read as follows:
	(f)  The judge of a statutory county court does not have
	general supervisory control or appellate review of the
	commissioners court.
	SECTION 4.05.  Section 25.0007, Government Code, is amended
	to read as follows:
	Sec. 25.0007.  JURIES; PRACTICE AND PROCEDURE.  (a) The
	drawing of jury panels, selection of jurors, and practice in the
	statutory county courts must conform to that prescribed by law for
	county courts.
	(b)  Practice in a statutory county court is that prescribed
	by law for county courts, except that practice, procedure, rules of
	evidence, issuance of process and writs, and all other matters
	pertaining to the conduct of trials and hearings in the statutory
	county courts, other than the number of jurors, that involve those
	matters of concurrent jurisdiction with district courts are
	governed by the laws and rules pertaining to district courts.  This
	section does not affect local rules of administration adopted under
	Section 74.093.
	SECTION 4.06.  Section 25.0010, Government Code, is amended
	by amending Subsection (b) and adding Subsections (c), (d), (e),
	and (f) to read as follows:
	(b)  The county attorney, assistant county attorney, [or]
	criminal district attorney, or assistant district attorney [and
	sheriff] shall attend and serve each statutory county court as
	required by the judge of the court.
	(c)  A county sheriff shall in person or by deputy attend a
	statutory county court as required by the court.  A deputy sheriff
	serves at the pleasure of the court to which the deputy is assigned
	and may perform any official act or service required of the sheriff.
	(d)  The county clerk shall serve as clerk of each statutory
	county court. The court officials shall perform the duties and
	responsibilities of their offices and are entitled to the
	compensation, fees, and allowances prescribed by law for those
	offices.
	(e)  With the approval of the commissioners court, the judge
	of a statutory county court may appoint the personnel necessary for
	the operation of the court, including a court coordinator or
	administrative assistant.
	(f)  The commissioners court may employ as many additional
	assistant county attorneys, deputy sheriffs, and clerks as are
	necessary for a statutory county court.
	SECTION 4.07.  (a)  Section 25.0014, Government Code, is
	amended to read as follows:
	Sec. 25.0014.  QUALIFICATIONS OF JUDGE. The judge of a
	statutory county court must:
	(1)  be at least 25 years of age;
	(2)  be a United States citizen and have resided in the
	county for at least two years before election or appointment; and
	(3)  be a licensed attorney in this state who has
	practiced law or served as a judge of a court in this state, or both
	combined, for the four years preceding election or appointment,
	unless otherwise provided for by law.
	(b)  The change in law made by this Act to Section 25.0014,
	Government Code, does not apply to a person serving as a statutory
	county court judge immediately before the effective date of this
	Act who met the qualifications of Section 25.0014, Government Code,
	as it existed on that date, and the former law is continued in
	effect for determining that person's qualifications to serve as a
	statutory county court judge.
	SECTION 4.08.  Subchapter A, Chapter 25, Government Code, is
	amended by adding Sections 25.0016, 25.00161, and 25.00162 to read
	as follows:
	Sec. 25.0016.  TERMS OF COURT. The commissioners court, by
	order, shall set at least two terms a year for the statutory county
	court.
	Sec. 25.00161.  PRIVATE PRACTICE OF LAW.  The regular judge
	of a statutory county court shall diligently discharge the duties
	of the office on a full-time basis and may not engage in the private
	practice of law.
	Sec. 25.00162.  SPECIAL JUDGE. A special judge of a
	statutory county court may be appointed in the manner provided by
	law for the appointment of a special county judge. If the judge of a
	statutory county court is disqualified to try a case pending in the
	judge's court, the parties or their attorneys may agree on the
	selection of a special judge. A special judge must have the same
	qualifications, and is entitled to the same rate of compensation,
	as the regular judge. The commissioners court shall pay a special
	judge out of the county's general fund.
	SECTION 4.09.  Section 25.0042(g), Government Code, is
	amended to read as follows:
	(g)  The district clerk serves as clerk of a county court at
	law in all cases arising under the Family Code and Section 23.001
	and shall establish a separate docket for a county court at law; the
	county clerk serves as clerk of the court in all other cases. [The
	commissioners court may employ as many deputy sheriffs and bailiffs
	as are necessary to serve the court.]
	SECTION 4.10.  Section 25.0102(h), Government Code, is
	amended to read as follows:
	(h)  [Practice in a county court at law is that prescribed by
	law for county courts, except that practice and procedure, rules of
	evidence, issuance of process and writs, and all other matters
	pertaining to the conduct of trials and hearings in the county court
	at law involving family law cases and proceedings shall be governed
	by this section and the laws and rules pertaining to district
	courts.] If a family law case or proceeding is tried before a jury,
	the jury shall be composed of 12 members; in all other cases the
	jury shall be composed of six members.
	SECTION 4.11.  Sections 25.0132(e) and (f), Government Code,
	are amended to read as follows:
	(e)  The district clerk serves as clerk of a county court at
	law in family law cases and proceedings, and the county clerk serves
	as clerk of the court in all other cases. The district clerk shall
	establish a separate docket for a county court at law. [The
	commissioners court may employ as many deputy sheriffs and bailiffs
	as are necessary to serve a county court at law.]
	(f)  [Practice in a county court at law is that prescribed by
	law for county courts, except that practice and procedure, rules of
	evidence, issuance of process and writs, and all other matters
	pertaining to the conduct of trials and hearings in a county court
	at law involving family law cases and proceedings is that
	prescribed by law for district courts and county courts.] If a
	family law case or proceeding is tried before a jury, the jury shall
	be composed of 12 members.
	SECTION 4.12.  Section 25.0172(s), Government Code, is
	amended to read as follows:
	(s)  [Practice in a county court at law is that prescribed by
	law for county courts.] Appeals and writs of error may be taken
	from judgments and orders of a county court at law, in civil and
	criminal cases, in the manner prescribed by law relating to appeals
	and writs of error from a county court. Appeals may be taken from
	interlocutory orders of a county court at law appointing a
	receiver, overruling a motion to vacate, or overruling an order
	appointing a receiver, and the procedure and manner in which
	appeals from interlocutory orders are taken are governed by the
	laws relating to the appeals from similar orders of district
	courts.
	SECTION 4.13.  Section 25.0212(b), Government Code, is
	amended to read as follows:
	(b)  A county court at law does not have [general supervisory
	control or appellate review of the commissioners court or]
	jurisdiction of:
	(1)  felony criminal matters;
	(2)  suits on behalf of the state to recover penalties
	or escheated property;
	(3)  misdemeanors involving official misconduct;
	(4)  contested elections; or
	(5)  civil cases in which the matter in controversy
	exceeds $100,000, excluding interest, statutory or punitive
	damages and penalties, and attorney's fees and costs, as alleged on
	the face of the petition.
	SECTION 4.14.  Section 25.0222(k), Government Code, is
	amended to read as follows:
	(k)  The district clerk serves as clerk of the statutory
	county courts in cases instituted in the district courts in which
	the district courts and statutory county courts have concurrent
	jurisdiction, and the county clerk serves as clerk for all other
	cases. [The commissioners court may employ as many additional
	assistant criminal district attorneys, deputy sheriffs, and deputy
	clerks as are necessary to serve the statutory county courts.]
	SECTION 4.15.  Section 25.0312(b), Government Code, is
	amended to read as follows:
	(b)  A county court at law does not have [general supervisory
	control or appellate review of the commissioners court or]
	jurisdiction of:
	(1)  felony cases other than writs of habeas corpus;
	(2)  misdemeanors involving official misconduct;
	(3)  contested elections; or
	(4)  appeals from county court.
	SECTION 4.16.  Section 25.0362(b), Government Code, is
	amended to read as follows:
	(b)  A county court at law does not have [general supervisory
	control or appellate review of the commissioners court or]
	jurisdiction of:
	(1)  misdemeanors involving official misconduct;
	(2)  suits on behalf of the state to recover penalties
	or escheated property;
	(3)  contested elections;
	(4)  suits in which the county is a party; or
	(5)  felony cases involving capital murder.
	SECTION 4.17.  Section 25.0632(g), Government Code, is
	amended to read as follows:
	(g)  [Jurors regularly impaneled for the week by the district
	courts of Denton County must include sufficient numbers to serve in
	the statutory county courts and statutory probate courts as well as
	the district courts. The jurors shall be made available by the
	district judge as necessary.] The jury in a statutory county court
	or statutory probate court in all civil or criminal matters is
	composed of 12 members, except that in misdemeanor criminal cases
	and any other case in which the court has jurisdiction that under
	general law would be concurrent with the county court, the jury is
	composed of six members.
	SECTION 4.18.  Section 25.0633(f), Government Code, is
	amended to read as follows:
	(f)  The County Court at Law No. 2 of Denton County does not
	have jurisdiction over[:
	[(1)     causes and proceedings concerning roads,
	bridges, and public highways;
	[(2)     the general administration of county business
	that is within the jurisdiction of the commissioners court of each
	county; or
	[(3)]  criminal causes and proceedings.
	SECTION 4.19.  Section 25.0732(r), Government Code, is
	amended to read as follows:
	(r)  Section [Sections] 25.0006(b) does [and 25.0007 do] not
	apply to County Court at Law No. 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or 7 of El Paso
	County, Texas.
	SECTION 4.20.  Sections 25.0733(a) and (c), Government Code,
	are amended to read as follows:
	(a)  Sections 25.0732(q) and [25.0732(d), (h), (i), (j),
	(m), (n), (o), (p), (q),] (r)[, and (v)], relating to county courts
	at law in El Paso County, apply to a statutory probate court in El
	Paso County.
	(c)  With the approval of the commissioners court, a judge of
	a statutory probate court may appoint an [administrative assistant,
	court coordinator,] auditor [, and other staff necessary for the
	operation of the courts].  The commissioners court, with the advice
	and counsel of the judge, sets the salary [salaries] of the auditor
	[staff].
	SECTION 4.21.  Sections 25.0862(i) and (l), Government Code,
	are amended to read as follows:
	(i)  [The clerk of the statutory county courts and statutory
	probate court shall keep a separate docket for each court.]  The
	clerk shall tax the official court reporter's fees as costs in civil
	actions in the same manner as the fee is taxed in civil cases in the
	district courts.  [The district clerk serves as clerk of the county
	courts in a cause of action arising under the Family Code and an
	appeal of a final ruling or decision of the division of workers'
	compensation of the Texas Department of Insurance regarding
	workers' compensation claims, and the county clerk serves as clerk
	of the court in all other cases.]
	(l)  Each reporter may be made available when not engaged in
	proceedings in their court to report proceedings in all other
	courts. [Practice, appeals, and writs of error in a statutory
	county court are as prescribed by law for county courts and county
	courts at law.] Appeals and writs of error may be taken from
	judgments and orders of the County Courts Nos. 1, 2, and 3 of
	Galveston County and the judges, in civil and criminal cases, in the
	manner prescribed by law for appeals and writs of error. Appeals
	from interlocutory orders of the County Courts Nos. 1, 2, and 3
	appointing a receiver or overruling a motion to vacate or appoint a
	receiver may be taken and are governed by the laws relating to
	appeals from similar orders of district courts.
	SECTION 4.22.  Section 25.0962(f), Government Code, is
	amended to read as follows:
	(f)  [Practice in a county court at law is that prescribed by
	law for county courts, except that practice and procedure, rules of
	evidence, issuance of process and writs, and all other matters
	pertaining to the conduct of trials and hearings in a county court
	at law involving cases in the court's concurrent jurisdiction with
	the district court shall be governed by this section and the laws
	and rules pertaining to district courts as well as county courts.]
	If a case in the court's concurrent jurisdiction with the district
	court is tried before a jury, the jury shall be composed of 12
	members.
	SECTION 4.23.  Section 25.1034(i), Government Code, is
	amended to read as follows:
	(i)  With the approval of the commissioners court, a judge of
	a statutory probate court may appoint an [administrative assistant,
	a court coordinator, an] auditor[, and other staff necessary for
	the operation of the courts]. The commissioners court, with the
	advice and counsel of the judges, sets the salary [salaries] of the
	auditor [staff].
	SECTION 4.24.  Section 25.1042(g), Government Code, is
	amended to read as follows:
	(g)  The criminal district attorney is entitled to the same
	fees prescribed by law for prosecutions in the county court. [The
	commissioners court may employ as many additional deputy sheriffs
	and clerks as are necessary to serve a county court at law.]
	SECTION 4.25.  Sections 25.1072(e) and (f), Government Code,
	are amended to read as follows:
	(e)  The county clerk serves as clerk of a county court at
	law, except that the district clerk serves as clerk of the court in
	family law cases and proceedings. The district clerk shall
	establish a separate docket for a county court at law. [The
	commissioners court may employ as many assistant district
	attorneys, deputy sheriffs, and bailiffs as are necessary to serve
	the court.]
	(f)  [Practice in a county court at law is that prescribed by
	law for county courts, except that practice and procedure, rules of
	evidence, issuance of process and writs, and other matters
	pertaining to the conduct of trials and hearings in a county court
	at law involving family law cases and proceedings are governed by
	this section and the laws and rules pertaining to district courts,
	as well as county courts.] If a family law case or proceeding is
	tried before a jury, the jury shall be composed of 12 members.
	SECTION 4.26.  Section 25.1142(b), Government Code, is
	amended to read as follows:
	(b)  A county court at law does not have [general supervisory
	control or appellate review of the commissioners court or]
	jurisdiction of:
	(1)  civil cases in which the amount in controversy
	exceeds $100,000, excluding interest;
	(2)  felony jury trials;
	(3)  suits on behalf of the state to recover penalties
	or escheated property;
	(4)  misdemeanors involving official misconduct; or
	(5)  contested elections.
	SECTION 4.27.  Section 25.1312(b), Government Code, is
	amended to read as follows:
	(b)  A statutory county court in Kaufman County does not have
	[general supervisory control or appellate review of the
	commissioners court or] jurisdiction of:
	(1)  felony cases involving capital murder;
	(2)  suits on behalf of the state to recover penalties
	or escheated property;
	(3)  misdemeanors involving official misconduct; or
	(4)  contested elections.
	SECTION 4.28.  Section 25.1412(c), Government Code, is
	amended to read as follows:
	(c)  The judge of a county court at law[:
	[(1)  may not engage in the private practice of law; and
	[(2)]  must comply with Canon 4 of the Code of Judicial
	Conduct.
	SECTION 4.29.  Section 25.1542(m), Government Code, is
	amended to read as follows:
	(m)  [Practice and procedure and rules of evidence governing
	trials in and appeals from a county court apply to a county court at
	law, except that practice and procedure, rules of evidence,
	issuance of process and writs, and all other matters pertaining to
	the conduct of trials and hearings involving family law cases and
	proceedings shall be governed by this section and the laws and rules
	pertaining to district courts as well as county courts.]  In family
	law cases, juries shall be composed of 12 members.
	SECTION 4.30.  Section 25.1652(g), Government Code, is
	amended to read as follows:
	(g)  [Practice in a county court at law is that prescribed by
	law for county courts, except that practice and procedure, rules of
	evidence, issuance of process and writs, and all other matters
	pertaining to the conduct of trials and hearings involving family
	law matters and proceedings shall be governed by this section and
	the laws and rules pertaining to district courts.] If a family law
	case is tried before a jury, the jury shall be composed of 12
	members.
	SECTION 4.31.  Section 25.1762(i), Government Code, is
	amended to read as follows:
	(i)  [The laws governing the drawing, selection, service,
	and pay of jurors for county courts apply to a county court at law.
	Jurors regularly impaneled for a week by a district court may, at
	the request of the judge of a county court at law, be made available
	by the district judge in the numbers requested and shall serve for
	the week in the county court at law.] In matters of concurrent
	jurisdiction with the district court, if a party to a suit files a
	written request for a 12-member jury with the clerk of the county
	court at law at a reasonable time that is not later than 30 days
	before the date the suit is set for trial, the jury shall be
	composed of 12 members.
	SECTION 4.32.  Section 25.1792(e), Government Code, is
	amended to read as follows:
	(e)  The judge may not receive from a law firm any money other
	than money earned before taking office.  [The judge may not engage
	in the private practice of law.]
	SECTION 4.33.  Sections 25.1852(e) and (i), Government Code,
	are amended to read as follows:
	(e)  The judge may not receive any money from a law firm,
	except money earned before taking office. [The judge of a county
	court at law may not engage in the private practice of law.]
	(i)  [If the regular judge of a county court at law is absent
	or disqualified from presiding, the presiding judge of the
	administrative judicial region in which the county is located may
	appoint a person with the same qualifications as the regular judge
	to sit as special judge. A retired district or county court at law
	judge may be appointed as a special judge. The only residency
	requirement for a retired judge is that the judge reside in the
	administrative judicial region.] A special judge must take the
	oath of office required by law for the regular judge and has the
	power and jurisdiction of the court and of the regular judge. A
	special judge may sign orders, judgments, decrees, or other process
	of any kind as "Judge Presiding" when acting for the regular judge.
	[A special judge receives the same rate of compensation as the
	regular judge. The compensation shall be paid out of the county
	funds on certification by the presiding judge of the administrative
	judicial region that the special judge has rendered the services
	and is entitled to receive the compensation. The amount paid to the
	special judge may not be deducted from the salary of the regular
	judge.]
	SECTION 4.34.  Section 25.1892(e), Government Code, is
	amended to read as follows:
	(e)  [The county attorney or district attorney serves a
	county court at law as required by the judge.] The district clerk
	serves as clerk of a county court at law in cases enumerated in
	Subsection (a)(2), and the county clerk serves as clerk in all other
	cases. The district clerk shall establish a separate docket for a
	county court at law. [The commissioners court may employ as many
	additional assistant county attorneys, deputy sheriffs, and clerks
	as are necessary to serve a county court at law.]
	SECTION 4.35.  Section 25.1932(i), Government Code, is
	amended to read as follows:
	(i)  [Practice in a county court at law is that prescribed by
	law for county courts, except that practice and procedure, rules of
	evidence, issuance of process and writs, and all other matters
	pertaining to the conduct of trials and hearings in a county court
	at law involving cases in the court's concurrent jurisdiction with
	the district court shall be governed by this section and the laws
	and rules pertaining to district courts as well as county courts.]
	If a case in the court's concurrent jurisdiction with the district
	court is tried before a jury, the jury shall be composed of 12
	members.
	SECTION 4.36.  Section 25.2012(b), Government Code, is
	amended to read as follows:
	(b)  A county court at law does not have [general supervisory
	control or appellate review of the commissioners court or]
	jurisdiction of:
	(1)  felony cases involving capital murder;
	(2)  suits on behalf of the state to recover penalties
	or escheated property;
	(3)  misdemeanors involving official misconduct; or
	(4)  contested elections.
	SECTION 4.37.  Section 25.2142(n), Government Code, is
	amended to read as follows:
	(n)  [A special judge of a county court at law is entitled to
	receive for services actually performed the same amount of
	compensation as the regular judge.] A former judge sitting as a
	visiting judge of a county court at law is entitled to receive for
	services performed the same amount of compensation that the regular
	judge receives, less an amount equal to the pro rata annuity
	received from any state, district, or county retirement fund. An
	active judge sitting as a visiting judge of a county court at law is
	entitled to receive for services performed the same amount of
	compensation that the regular judge receives, less an amount equal
	to the pro rata compensation received from state or county funds as
	salary, including supplements.
	SECTION 4.38.  Section 25.2293(j), Government Code, is
	amended to read as follows:
	(j)  The judge of a statutory probate court may appoint an
	[administrative assistant and an] auditor to aid the judge in the
	performance of his duties. The judge sets the salary of the
	[administrative assistant and the salary of the] auditor by an
	order entered in the minutes of the court. The appointment
	[appointments] and the salary [salaries] may be changed only by
	order of the judge. The salary [salaries] of the auditor [and the
	administrative assistant] shall be paid monthly out of the county's
	general fund or any other fund available for that purpose.
	SECTION 4.39.  Section 25.2352(i), Government Code, is
	amended to read as follows:
	(i)  [Practice in a county court at law is that prescribed by
	law for county courts, except that practice and procedure, rules of
	evidence, issuance of process and writs, and all other matters
	pertaining to the conduct of trials and hearings involving family
	law cases and proceedings shall be governed by this section and the
	laws and rules pertaining to district courts.] If a family law case
	is tried before a jury, the jury shall be composed of 12 members.
	SECTION 4.40.  Section 25.2382(i), Government Code, is
	amended to read as follows:
	(i)  [Practice in a county court at law is that prescribed by
	law for county courts, except that practice and procedure, rules of
	evidence, issuance of process and writs, and all other matters
	pertaining to the conduct of trials and hearings in a county court
	at law involving matters enumerated in Subsection (a)(2)(B) or (C)
	shall be governed by this section and the laws and rules pertaining
	to district courts.] If a family law case [in Subsection (a)(2)(B)
	or (C)] is tried before a jury, the jury shall be composed of 12
	members.
	SECTION 4.41.  Sections 25.2422(g) and (h), Government Code,
	are amended to read as follows:
	(g)  The district attorney of the 49th Judicial District
	serves as district attorney of a county court at law, except that
	the county attorney of Webb County prosecutes all juvenile, child
	welfare, mental health, and other civil cases in which the state is
	a party. The district clerk serves as clerk of a county court at law
	in the cases enumerated in Subsection (a)(2), and the county clerk
	serves as clerk of a county court at law in all other cases.  [The
	commissioners court may employ as many deputy sheriffs and bailiffs
	as are necessary to serve the court.]
	(h)  [Practice and procedure, rules of evidence, issuance of
	process and writs, and all other matters pertaining to the conduct
	of trials and hearings in a county court at law involving those
	matters of concurrent jurisdiction enumerated in Subsection
	(a)(2)(B) or (C) are governed by this section and the laws and rules
	pertaining to district courts, as well as county courts.] If a
	family law case [enumerated in Subsection (a)(2)(B) or (C)] is
	tried before a jury, the jury shall be composed of 12 members.
	SECTION 4.42.  Section 25.2452(k), Government Code, is
	amended to read as follows:
	(k)  Except as otherwise required by law, if a case is tried
	before a jury, the jury shall be composed of six members and may
	render verdicts by a five to one margin in civil cases and a
	unanimous verdict in criminal cases. [The laws governing the
	drawing, selection, service, and pay of jurors for county courts
	apply to the county courts at law. Jurors regularly impaneled for a
	week by a district court may, on request of the county judge
	exercising the jurisdiction provided by this section or a county
	court at law judge, be made available and shall serve for the week
	in the county court or county court at law.]
	SECTION 4.43.  Section 25.2462(h), Government Code, is
	amended to read as follows:
	(h)  [The county attorney and the county sheriff shall attend
	a county court at law as required by the judge.] The district clerk
	serves as clerk of a county court at law in family law cases and
	proceedings, and the county clerk serves as clerk of the court in
	all other cases and proceedings.
	SECTION 4.44.  Section 25.2482(i), Government Code, is
	amended to read as follows:
	(i)  [The county attorney and the county sheriff shall attend
	a county court at law as required by the judge.] The district clerk
	serves as clerk of a county court at law in family law cases and
	proceedings, and the county clerk serves as clerk of the court in
	all other cases and proceedings.
	SECTION 4.45.  The following sections of Chapter 25,
	Government Code, are repealed:
	(1)  Sections 25.0042(b), (d), (f), (i), and (j);
	(2)  Sections 25.0052(b), (f), (g), and (h);
	(3)  Sections 25.0102(b), (d), (f), and (i);
	(4)  Sections 25.0132(d), (g), and (h);
	(5)  Sections 25.0152(c) and (e);
	(6)  Sections 25.0162(b), (f), (g), (h), and (i);
	(7)  Sections 25.0172(m) and (n);
	(8)  Section 25.0173(d);
	(9)  Sections 25.0212(c), (e), and (g);
	(10)  Sections 25.0222(d), (e), (i), (j), and (n);
	(11)  Sections 25.0232(b), (d), (f), (h), and (i);
	(12)  Sections 25.0272(b), (c), and (e);
	(13)  Sections 25.0292(b), (c), (h), and (i);
	(14)  Sections 25.0302(b), (d), (f), and (g);
	(15)  Sections 25.0312(c), (e), and (j);
	(16)  Sections 25.0332(e), (g), (i), (k), (l), and (m);
	(17)  Section 25.0362(c);
	(18)  Sections 25.0392(b), (d), (f), (i), (j), and (k);
	(19)  Sections 25.0452(b), (c), and (d);
	(20)  Sections 25.0453(a), (c), (d), and (e);
	(21)  Sections 25.0482(b), (d), (e), (g), and (h);
	(22)  Sections 25.0512(a), (b), (d), (g), and (h);
	(23)  Sections 25.0522(b), (d), (f), and (g);
	(24)  Sections 25.0592(b), (h), (i), (j), and (k);
	(25)  Sections 25.0593(d), (f), (g), (h), (i), and (j);
	(26)  Sections 25.0594(d), (e), (g), (h), (i), (j), and
	(k);
	(27)  Sections 25.0595(c), (d), (f), and (g);
	(28)  Section 25.0596;
	(29)  Sections 25.0632(a), (b), and (d);
	(30)  Sections 25.0702(b), (g), (h), (j), (k), and (l);
	(31)  Sections 25.0722(b), (d), (f), (j), and (k);
	(32)  Sections 25.0732(d), (h), (i), (j), (m), (n),
	(o), (p), (s), and (v);
	(33)  Section 25.0733(d);
	(34)  Section 25.0742(b);
	(35)  Sections 25.0812(d), (f), (h), (j), and (l);
	(36)  Section 25.0862(f);
	(37)  Sections 25.0932(e), (f), and (i);
	(38)  Sections 25.0942(c), (f), (g), (j), and (k);
	(39)  Sections 25.0962(d), (e), and (g);
	(40)  Sections 25.1032(d), (e), (g), (h), and (k);
	(41)  Sections 25.1033(d), (e), (f), (i), (m), and (o);
	(42)  Sections 25.1034(c), (h), (k), and (l);
	(43)  Sections 25.1042(b), (d), (f), (h), and (i);
	(44)  Sections 25.1072(b), (d), (g), and (h);
	(45)  Sections 25.1092(e), (f), (l), and (o);
	(46)  Sections 25.1102(d), (e), (h), (i), (j), and (l);
	(47)  Section 25.1103;
	(48)  Sections 25.1112(b), (c), (f), and (k);
	(49)  Sections 25.1132(f), (g), (h), (j), (l), (m), and
	(p);
	(50)  Sections 25.1142(c), (e), and (g);
	(51)  Sections 25.1152(b), (e), (f), (h), and (i);
	(52)  Sections 25.1182(b), (e), (f), (g), and (h);
	(53)  Sections 25.1252(c), (g), and (i);
	(54)  Sections 25.1282(b), (d), (f), (h), and (i);
	(55)  Sections 25.1312(d), (e), (i), (k), (l), and (n);
	(56)  Sections 25.1322(d), (e), (f), (i), and (j);
	(57)  Sections 25.1352(d) and (h);
	(58)  Sections 25.1392(e), (g), and (i);
	(59)  Sections 25.1412(b), (e), (h), (i), and (k);
	(60)  Sections 25.1482(d), (g), (h), (l), and (m);
	(61)  Sections 25.1542(f), (i), (k), and (n);
	(62)  Sections 25.1572(e), (f), and (g);
	(63)  Sections 25.1652(d), (f), and (h);
	(64)  Sections 25.1672(b) and (f);
	(65)  Sections 25.1722(b), (c), and (g);
	(66)  Sections 25.1732(d), (e), (f), (h), and (i);
	(67)  Sections 25.1762(b), (e), (f), and (h);
	(68)  Sections 25.1792(f), (h), (i), and (j);
	(69)  Sections 25.1802(c), (h), (i), (j), (k), (l), and
	(q);
	(70)  Sections 25.1832(b), (d), and (j);
	(71)  Section 25.1852(f);
	(72)  Sections 25.1862(c), (f), (h), (i), (j), (m),
	(n), (p), (q), and (u);
	(73)  Section 25.1892(d);
	(74)  Sections 25.1902(e), (g), (i), (j), and (k);
	(75)  Sections 25.1932(b), (c), (f), (h), and (j);
	(76)  Sections 25.1972(b), (d), (f), (h), and (j);
	(77)  Sections 25.2012(d), (e), (i), (k), (l), and (n);
	(78)  Sections 25.2032(c), (e), and (h);
	(79)  Sections 25.2072(c), (e), (f), (h), and (i);
	(80)  Sections 25.2142(c), (e), (i), (r), (t), and (u);
	(81)  Sections 25.2162(d), (f), (h), (j), and (k);
	(82)  Sections 25.2222(c), (g), (h), (i), (k), and (n);
	(83)  Sections 25.2223(c), (e), (g), (h), and (j);
	(84)  Sections 25.2224(b), (c), (f), (g), (i), and (j);
	(85)  Sections 25.2232(b), (e), (f), and (g);
	(86)  Sections 25.2282(b), (d), (f), (g), (i), and (j);
	(87)  Sections 25.2292(b), (e), (i), (k), and (l);
	(88)  Sections 25.2293(e), (f), (g), (k), and (l);
	(89)  Sections 25.2352(b), (d), (f), (g), and (j);
	(90)  Sections 25.2372(c), (f), (g), (h), and (i);
	(91)  Sections 25.2382(b), (d), (f), and (j);
	(92)  Sections 25.2392(b), (d), (f), and (j);
	(93)  Sections 25.2412(b), (d), (f), (i), and (k);
	(94)  Sections 25.2422(b), (d), (f), (i), and (j);
	(95)  Sections 25.2452(f), (h), and (j);
	(96)  Sections 25.2462(c), (d), (e), (g), (i), and (j);
	(97)  Sections 25.2482(d), (e), (f), (h), (j), and (k);
	and
	(98)  Sections 25.2512(b), (e), (h), and (i).
	ARTICLE 5. PROVISIONS RELATING TO JUSTICE AND SMALL CLAIMS COURTS
	SECTION 5.01.  Section 27.004(b), Government Code, is
	amended to read as follows:
	(b)  A person who has possession of dockets, books, or papers
	belonging to the office of any justice of the peace shall deliver
	them to the justice on demand. If the person refuses to deliver
	them, on a motion supported by an affidavit, the person may be
	attached and imprisoned by the order of the district court [county
	judge] until the person makes delivery. [The county judge may issue
	the order in termtime or vacation.] The person against whom the
	motion is made must be given three days' notice of the motion before
	the person may be attached.
	SECTION 5.02.  (a)  Section 27.005(a), Government Code, is
	amended to read as follows:
	(a)  For purposes of removal under Chapter 87, Local
	Government Code, "incompetency" in the case of a justice of the
	peace includes the failure of the justice to successfully complete:
	(1)  within one year after the date the justice is first
	elected, an 80-hour course in the performance of the justice's
	duties; and
	(2)  each following year:
	(A)  [,] a 20-hour course in the performance of
	the justice's duties; and
	(B)  a 10-hour course in substantive, procedural,
	and evidentiary law.
	(b)  Subject to Subsection (c) of this section, Section
	27.005(a), Government Code, as amended by this section, applies to
	a justice of the peace serving on or after the effective date of
	this article, regardless of the date the justice was elected or
	appointed.
	(c)  A justice of the peace serving on the effective date of
	this article must complete the justice's initial 10-hour course in
	substantive, procedural, and evidentiary law required by Section
	27.005(a)(2)(B), Government Code, as added by this section, not
	later than August 31, 2010.
	SECTION 5.03.  Subchapter B, Chapter 27, Government Code, is
	amended by adding Section 27.035 to read as follows:
	Sec. 27.035.  LIMITATION ON AWARDS. A justice court may not
	award a judgment that exceeds $10,000, exclusive of interest and
	costs of court.
	SECTION 5.04.  Subchapter C, Chapter 27, Government Code, is
	amended by adding Section 27.060 to read as follows:
	Sec. 27.060.  SMALL CLAIMS. (a)  A justice court shall
	conduct proceedings in a small claims case, as that term is defined
	by the supreme court, in accordance with rules of civil procedure
	promulgated by the supreme court to ensure the fair, expeditious,
	and inexpensive resolution of small claims cases.
	(b)  Rules of the supreme court must provide that:
	(1)  if both parties appear, the judge shall proceed to
	hear the case;
	(2)  formal pleadings other than the statement are not
	required;
	(3)  the judge shall hear the testimony of the parties
	and the witnesses that the parties produce and shall consider the
	other evidence offered;
	(4)  the hearing is informal, with the sole objective
	being to dispense speedy justice between the parties;
	(5)  discovery is limited to that considered
	appropriate and permitted by the judge; and
	(6)  the judge shall develop the facts of the case, and
	for that purpose may question a witness or party and may summon any
	party to appear as a witness as the judge considers necessary to a
	correct judgment and speedy disposition of the case.
	SECTION 5.05.  Subchapter C, Chapter 27, Government Code, is
	amended by adding Section 27.061 to read as follows:
	Sec. 27.061.  RULES OF ADMINISTRATION.  The justices of the
	peace in each county shall, by majority vote, adopt local rules of
	administration.
	SECTION 5.06.  Subchapter A, Chapter 28, Government Code, is
	amended by adding Section 28.007 to read as follows:
	Sec. 28.007.  LIMITATION ON AWARDS.  A small claims court may
	not award a judgment that exceeds $10,000, exclusive of interest
	and costs of court.
	SECTION 5.07.  (a) Section 28.053(d), Government Code, is
	amended to read as follows:
	(d)  Judgment of the county court or county court at law on
	the appeal may be appealed to the appropriate court of appeals [is
	final].
	(b)  Section 28.053(d), Government Code, as amended by this
	section takes effect September 1, 2009.
	SECTION 5.08.  Subchapter E, Chapter 15, Civil Practice and
	Remedies Code, is amended by adding Section 15.0821 to read as
	follows:
	Sec. 15.0821.  ADMINISTRATIVE RULES FOR TRANSFER. The
	justices of the peace in each county shall, by majority vote, adopt
	local rules of administration regarding the transfer of a pending
	case from one precinct to a different precinct.
	SECTION 5.09.  Article 4.12, Code of Criminal Procedure, is
	amended by adding Subsection (e) to read as follows:
	(e)  The justices of the peace in each county shall, by
	majority vote, adopt local rules of administration regarding the
	transfer of a pending misdemeanor case from one precinct to a
	different precinct.
	SECTION 5.10.  (a) Chapter 28, Government Code, is
	repealed.
	(b)  On the effective date of this section, each small claims
	court under Chapter 28, Government Code, is abolished.
	SECTION 5.11.  Not later than January 1, 2011, the Texas
	Supreme Court shall promulgate:
	(1)  rules to define cases that constitute small claims
	cases;
	(2)  rules of civil procedure applicable to small
	claims cases as required by Section 27.060, Government Code, as
	added by this article; and
	(3)  rules for eviction proceedings.
	SECTION 5.12.  (a) Immediately before the date the small
	claims court in a county is abolished in accordance with this
	article, the justice of the peace sitting as judge of that court
	shall transfer all cases pending in the court to a justice court in
	the county.
	(b)  When a case is transferred as provided by Subsection (a)
	of this section, all processes, writs, bonds, recognizances, or
	other obligations issued from the transferring court are returnable
	to the court to which the case is transferred as if originally
	issued by that court. The obligees on all bonds and recognizances
	taken in and for the transferring court and all witnesses summoned
	to appear in the transferring court are required to appear before
	the court to which the case is transferred as if originally required
	to appear before that court.
	SECTION 5.13.  Sections 5.04 and 5.10 of this article take
	effect January 1, 2011.
	ARTICLE 6.  ASSOCIATE JUDGES
	SECTION 6.01.  Subtitle D, Title 2, Government Code, is
	amended by adding Chapter 54A to read as follows:
	CHAPTER 54A.  ASSOCIATE JUDGES
	SUBCHAPTER A. CRIMINAL LAW ASSOCIATE JUDGES
	Sec. 54A.001.  APPLICABILITY. This subchapter applies to a
	district court or a statutory county court that gives preference to
	criminal cases.
	Sec. 54A.002.  APPOINTMENT. (a) A judge of a court subject
	to this subchapter, with the consent and approval of the
	commissioners court of the county in which the court has
	jurisdiction, may appoint a full-time or part-time associate judge
	to perform the duties authorized by this subchapter.
	(b)  If a court has jurisdiction in more than one county, an
	associate judge appointed by that court may serve only in a county
	in which the commissioners court has authorized the appointment.
	(c)  If more than one court in a county is subject to this
	subchapter, the commissioners court may authorize the appointment
	of an associate judge for each court or may authorize one or more
	associate judges to share service with two or more courts.
	(d)  If an associate judge serves more than one court, the
	associate judge's appointment must be made with the unanimous
	approval of all the judges under whom the associate judge serves.
	Sec. 54A.003.  QUALIFICATIONS. To qualify for appointment
	as an associate judge under this subchapter, a person must:
	(1)  be a resident of this state and one of the counties
	the person will serve;
	(2)  have been licensed to practice law in this state
	for at least four years;
	(3)  not have been defeated for reelection to a
	judicial office;
	(4)  not have been removed from office by impeachment,
	by the supreme court, by the governor on address to the legislature,
	by a tribunal reviewing a recommendation of the State Commission on
	Judicial Conduct, or by the legislature's abolition of the judge's
	court; and
	(5)  not have resigned from office after having
	received notice that formal proceedings by the State Commission on
	Judicial Conduct had been instituted as provided by Section 33.022
	and before final disposition of the proceedings.
	Sec. 54A.004.  COMPENSATION. (a) An associate judge shall
	be paid a salary determined by the commissioners court of the county
	in which the associate judge serves.
	(b)  If an associate judge serves in more than one county,
	the associate judge shall be paid a salary as determined by
	agreement of the commissioners courts of the counties in which the
	associate judge serves.
	(c)  The associate judge's salary is paid from the county
	fund available for payment of officers' salaries.
	Sec. 54A.005.  TERMINATION. (a) An associate judge who
	serves a single court serves at the will of the judge of that court.
	(b)  The employment of an associate judge who serves more
	than two courts may only be terminated by a majority vote of all the
	judges of the courts the associate judge serves.
	(c)  The employment of an associate judge who serves two
	courts may be terminated by either of the judges of the courts the
	associate judge serves.
	(d)  To terminate an associate judge's employment, the
	appropriate judges must sign a written order of termination. The
	order must state:
	(1)  the associate judge's name and state bar
	identification number;
	(2)  each court ordering termination; and
	(3)  the date the associate judge's employment ends.
	Sec. 54A.006.  PROCEEDINGS THAT MAY BE REFERRED. (a) A
	judge may refer to an associate judge any matter arising out of a
	criminal case involving:
	(1)  a negotiated plea of guilty before the court;
	(2)  a bond forfeiture;
	(3)  a pretrial motion;
	(4)  a postconviction writ of habeas corpus;
	(5)  an examining trial;
	(6)  an occupational driver's license;
	(7)  an appeal of an administrative driver's license
	revocation hearing; and
	(8)  any other matter the judge considers necessary and
	proper.
	(b)  An associate judge may accept a plea of guilty from a
	defendant charged with misdemeanor, felony, or both misdemeanor and
	felony offenses.
	(c)  An associate judge has all of the powers of a magistrate
	under the laws of this state and may administer an oath for any
	purpose.
	(d)  An associate judge may select a jury. An associate
	judge may not preside over a trial on the merits, whether or not the
	trial is before a jury.
	Sec. 54A.007.  ORDER OF REFERRAL. (a) To refer one or more
	cases to an associate judge, a judge must issue a written order of
	referral that specifies the associate judge's duties.
	(b)  An order of referral may:
	(1)  limit the powers of the associate judge and direct
	the associate judge to report only on specific issues, do
	particular acts, or receive and report on evidence only;
	(2)  set the time and place for the hearing;
	(3)  prescribe a closing date for the hearing;
	(4)  provide a date for filing the associate judge's
	findings;
	(5)  designate proceedings for more than one case over
	which the associate judge shall preside;
	(6)  direct the associate judge to call the court's
	docket; and
	(7)  set forth general powers and limitations or
	authority of the associate judge applicable to any case referred.
	Sec. 54A.008.  POWERS. (a) Except as limited by an order of
	referral, an associate judge to whom a case is referred may:
	(1)  conduct hearings;
	(2)  hear evidence;
	(3)  compel production of relevant evidence;
	(4)  rule on the admissibility of evidence;
	(5)  issue summons for the appearance of witnesses;
	(6)  examine a witness;
	(7)  swear a witness for a hearing;
	(8)  make findings of fact on evidence;
	(9)  formulate conclusions of law;
	(10)  rule on pretrial motions;
	(11)  recommend the rulings, orders, or judgment to be
	made in a case;
	(12)  regulate proceedings in a hearing;
	(13)  order the attachment of a witness or party who
	fails to obey a subpoena;
	(14)  accept a plea of guilty from a defendant charged
	with misdemeanor, felony, or both misdemeanor and felony offenses;
	(15)  select a jury; and
	(16)  take action as necessary and proper for the
	efficient performance of the duties required by the order of
	referral.
	(b)  An associate judge may not enter a ruling on any issue of
	law or fact if that ruling could result in dismissal or require
	dismissal of a pending criminal prosecution, but the associate
	judge may make findings, conclusions, and recommendations on those
	issues.
	(c)  Except as limited by an order of referral, an associate
	judge who is appointed by a district or statutory county court judge
	and to whom a case is referred may accept a plea of guilty or nolo
	contendere in a misdemeanor case for a county criminal court. The
	associate judge shall forward any fee or fine collected for the
	misdemeanor offense to the county clerk.
	(d)  An associate judge may, in the interest of justice,
	refer a case back to the referring court regardless of whether a
	timely objection to the associate judge hearing the trial on the
	merits or presiding at a jury trial has been made by any party.
	Sec. 54A.009.  ATTENDANCE OF BAILIFF. A bailiff may attend a
	hearing by an associate judge if directed by the referring court.
	Sec. 54A.010.  COURT REPORTER. At the request of a party in
	a felony case, the court shall provide a court reporter to record
	the proceedings before the associate judge.
	Sec. 54A.011.  WITNESS. (a) A witness appearing before an
	associate judge is subject to the penalties for perjury provided by
	law.
	(b)  A referring court may issue attachment against and may
	fine or imprison a witness whose failure to appear after being
	summoned or whose refusal to answer questions has been certified to
	the court.
	Sec. 54A.012.  PAPERS TRANSMITTED TO JUDGE. At the
	conclusion of the proceedings, an associate judge shall transmit to
	the referring court any papers relating to the case, including the
	associate judge's findings, conclusions, orders, recommendations,
	or other action taken.
	Sec. 54A.013.  JUDICIAL ACTION. (a) A referring court may
	modify, correct, reject, reverse, or recommit for further
	information any action taken by the associate judge.
	(b)  If the court does not modify, correct, reject, reverse,
	or recommit an action to the associate judge, the action becomes the
	decree of the court.
	Sec. 54A.014.  COSTS OF ASSOCIATE JUDGE. The court shall
	determine if the nonprevailing party is able to defray the costs of
	the associate judge. If the court determines that the
	nonprevailing party is able to pay those costs, the court shall tax
	the associate judge's fees as costs against the nonprevailing
	party.
	Sec. 54A.015.  JUDICIAL IMMUNITY. An associate judge has
	the same judicial immunity as a district judge.
	[Sections 54A.016-54A.100 reserved for expansion]
	SUBCHAPTER B. CIVIL ASSOCIATE JUDGES
	Sec. 54A.101.  APPLICABILITY. This subchapter applies to a
	district court or a statutory county court that is assigned civil
	cases.
	Sec. 54A.102.  APPOINTMENT. (a) A judge of a court subject
	to this subchapter, with the consent and approval of the
	commissioners court of the county in which the court has
	jurisdiction, may appoint a full-time or part-time associate judge
	to perform the duties authorized by this subchapter.
	(b)  If a district court has jurisdiction in more than one
	county, an associate judge appointed by that court may serve only in
	a county in which the commissioners court has authorized the
	appointment.
	(c)  If more than one court in a county is subject to this
	subchapter, the commissioners court may authorize the appointment
	of an associate judge for each court or may authorize one or more
	associate judges to share service with two or more courts.
	(d)  If an associate judge serves more than one court, the
	associate judge's appointment must be made with the unanimous
	approval of all the judges under whom the associate judge serves.
	Sec. 54A.103.  QUALIFICATIONS. To qualify for appointment
	as an associate judge under this subchapter, a person must:
	(1)  be a resident of this state and one of the counties
	the person will serve;
	(2)  have been licensed to practice law in this state
	for at least four years;
	(3)  not have been defeated for reelection to a
	judicial office;
	(4)  not have been removed from office by impeachment,
	by the supreme court, by the governor on address to the legislature,
	by a tribunal reviewing a recommendation of the State Commission on
	Judicial Conduct, or by the legislature's abolition of the judge's
	court; and
	(5)  not have resigned from office after having
	received notice that formal proceedings by the State Commission on
	Judicial Conduct had been instituted as provided in Section 33.022
	and before final disposition of the proceedings.
	Sec. 54A.104.  COMPENSATION. (a) An associate judge shall
	be paid a salary determined by the commissioners court of the county
	in which the associate judge serves.
	(b)  If an associate judge serves in more than one county,
	the associate judge shall be paid a salary as determined by
	agreement of the commissioners courts of the counties in which the
	associate judge serves.
	(c)  The associate judge's salary is paid from the county
	fund available for payment of officers' salaries.
	Sec. 54A.105.  TERMINATION. (a) An associate judge who
	serves a single court serves at the will of the judge of that court.
	(b)  The employment of an associate judge who serves more
	than two courts may only be terminated by a majority vote of all the
	judges of the courts the associate judge serves.
	(c)  The employment of an associate judge who serves two
	courts may be terminated by either of the judges of the courts the
	associate judge serves.
	(d)  To terminate an associate judge's employment, the
	appropriate judges must sign a written order of termination. The
	order must state:
	(1)  the associate judge's name and state bar
	identification number;
	(2)  each court ordering termination; and
	(3)  the date the associate judge's employment ends.
	Sec. 54A.106.  CASES THAT MAY BE REFERRED. (a)  Except as
	provided by this section, a judge of a court may refer any civil
	case or portion of a civil case to an associate judge for
	resolution.
	(b)  Unless a party files a written objection to the
	associate judge hearing a trial on the merits, the judge may refer
	the trial to the associate judge. A trial on the merits is any final
	adjudication from which an appeal may be taken to a court of
	appeals.
	(c)  A party must file an objection to an associate judge
	hearing a trial on the merits or presiding at a jury trial not later
	than the 10th day after the date the party receives notice that the
	associate judge will hear the trial. If an objection is filed, the
	referring court shall hear the trial on the merits or preside at a
	jury trial.
	Sec. 54A.107.  METHODS OF REFERRAL. (a)  A case may be
	referred to an associate judge by an order of referral in a specific
	case or by an omnibus order.
	(b)  The order of referral may limit the powers or duties of
	an associate judge.
	Sec. 54A.108.  POWERS. (a) Except as limited by an order of
	referral, an associate judge may:
	(1)  conduct hearings;
	(2)  hear evidence;
	(3)  compel production of relevant evidence;
	(4)  rule on the admissibility of evidence;
	(5)  issue summons for the appearance of witnesses;
	(6)  examine a witness;
	(7)  swear a witness for a hearing;
	(8)  make findings of fact on evidence;
	(9)  formulate conclusions of law;
	(10)  rule on pretrial motions;
	(11)  recommend the rulings, orders, or judgment to be
	made in a case;
	(12)  regulate proceedings in a hearing;
	(13)  order the attachment of a witness or party who
	fails to obey a subpoena; and
	(14)  take action as necessary and proper for the
	efficient performance of the duties required by the order of
	referral.
	(b)  An associate judge may, in the interest of justice,
	refer a case back to the referring court regardless of whether a
	timely objection to the associate judge hearing the trial on the
	merits or presiding at a jury trial has been made by any party.
	Sec. 54A.109.  WITNESS. (a) A witness appearing before an
	associate judge is subject to the penalties for perjury provided by
	law.
	(b)  A referring court may fine or imprison a witness who:
	(1)  failed to appear before an associate judge after
	being summoned; or
	(2)  improperly refused to answer questions if the
	refusal has been certified to the court by the associate judge.
	Sec. 54A.110.  COURT REPORTER; RECORD. (a) A court reporter
	may be provided during a hearing held by an associate judge
	appointed under this subchapter. A court reporter is required to be
	provided when the associate judge presides over a jury trial.
	(b)  A party, the associate judge, or the referring court may
	provide for a reporter during the hearing if one is not otherwise
	provided.
	(c)  Except as provided by Subsection (a), in the absence of
	a court reporter or on agreement of the parties, the record may be
	preserved by any means approved by the associate judge.
	(d)  The referring court or associate judge may assess the
	expense of preserving the record under Subsection (c) as costs.
	(e)  On appeal of the associate judge's report or proposed
	order, the referring court may consider testimony or other evidence
	in the record if the record is taken by a court reporter.
	Sec. 54A.111.  NOTICE OF DECISION; APPEAL. (a)  After
	hearing a matter, an associate judge shall notify each attorney
	participating in the hearing of the associate judge's decision. An
	associate judge's decision has the same force and effect as an order
	of the referring court unless a party appeals the decision as
	provided by Subsection (b).
	(b)  To appeal an associate judge's decision, other than the
	issuance of a temporary restraining order or temporary injunction,
	a party must file an appeal in the referring court not later than
	the seventh day after the date the party receives notice of the
	decision under Subsection (a).
	(c)  A temporary restraining order issued by an associate
	judge is effective immediately and expires on the 15th day after the
	date of issuance unless, after a hearing, the order is modified or
	extended by the associate judge or referring judge.
	(d)  A temporary injunction issued by an associate judge is
	effective immediately and continues during the pendency of a trial
	unless, after a hearing, the order is modified by a referring judge.
	(e)  A matter appealed to the referring court shall be tried
	de novo and is limited to only those matters specified in the
	appeal. Except on leave of court, a party may not submit on appeal
	any additional evidence or pleadings.
	Sec. 54A.112.  NOTICE OF RIGHT TO DE NOVO HEARING; WAIVER.
	(a) Notice of the right to a de novo hearing before the referring
	court shall be given to all parties.
	(b)  The notice may be given:
	(1)  by oral statement in open court;
	(2)  by posting inside or outside the courtroom of the
	referring court; or
	(3)  as otherwise directed by the referring court.
	(c)  Before the start of a hearing by an associate judge, a
	party may waive the right of a de novo hearing before the referring
	court in writing or on the record.
	Sec. 54A.113.  ORDER OF COURT. (a)  Pending a de novo
	hearing before the referring court, a proposed order or judgment of
	the associate judge is in full force and effect and is enforceable
	as an order or judgment of the referring court, except for an order
	providing for the appointment of a receiver.
	(b)  If a request for a de novo hearing before the referring
	court is not timely filed or the right to a de novo hearing before
	the referring court is waived, the proposed order or judgment of the
	associate judge becomes the order or judgment of the referring
	court only on the referring court's signing the proposed order or
	judgment.
	(c)  An order by an associate judge for the temporary
	detention or incarceration of a witness or party shall be presented
	to the referring court on the day the witness or party is detained
	or incarcerated. The referring court, without prejudice to the
	right to a de novo hearing provided by Section 54A.115, may approve
	the temporary detention or incarceration or may order the release
	of the party or witness, with or without bond, pending a de novo
	hearing. If the referring court is not immediately available, the
	associate judge may order the release of the party or witness, with
	or without bond, pending a de novo hearing or may continue the
	person's detention or incarceration for not more than 72 hours.
	Sec. 54A.114.  JUDICIAL ACTION ON ASSOCIATE JUDGE'S PROPOSED
	ORDER OR JUDGMENT. Unless a party files a written request for a de
	novo hearing before the referring court, the referring court may:
	(1)  adopt, modify, or reject the associate judge's
	proposed order or judgment;
	(2)  hear additional evidence; or
	(3)  recommit the matter to the associate judge for
	further proceedings.
	Sec. 54A.115.  DE NOVO HEARING. (a) A party may request a de
	novo hearing before the referring court by filing with the clerk of
	the referring court a written request not later than the seventh
	working day after the date the party receives notice of the
	substance of the associate judge's decision as provided by Section
	54A.111.
	(b)  A request for a de novo hearing under this section must
	specify the issues that will be presented to the referring court.
	The de novo hearing is limited to the specified issues.
	(c)  Notice of a request for a de novo hearing before the
	referring court shall be given to the opposing attorney in the
	manner provided by Rule 21a, Texas Rules of Civil Procedure.
	(d)  If a request for a de novo hearing before the referring
	court is filed by a party, any other party may file a request for a
	de novo hearing before the referring court not later than the
	seventh working day after the date the initial request was filed.
	(e)  The referring court, after notice to the parties, shall
	hold a de novo hearing not later than the 30th day after the date the
	initial request for a de novo hearing was filed with the clerk of
	the referring court.
	(f)  In the de novo hearing before the referring court, the
	parties may present witnesses on the issues specified in the
	request for hearing. The referring court may also consider the
	record from the hearing before the associate judge, including the
	charge to and verdict returned by a jury, if the record was taken by
	a court reporter.
	(g)  The denial of relief to a party after a de novo hearing
	under this section or a party's waiver of the right to a de novo
	hearing before the referring court does not affect the right of a
	party to file a motion for new trial, a motion for judgment
	notwithstanding the verdict, or other posttrial motions.
	(h)  A party may not demand a second jury in a de novo hearing
	before the referring court if the associate judge's proposed order
	or judgment resulted from a jury trial.
	Sec. 54A.116.  APPELLATE REVIEW. (a) A party's failure to
	request a de novo hearing before the referring court or a party's
	waiver of the right to request a de novo hearing before the
	referring court does not deprive the party of the right to appeal to
	or request other relief from a court of appeals or the supreme
	court.
	(b)  Except as provided by Subsection (c), the date an order
	or judgment by the referring court is signed is the controlling date
	for the purposes of appeal to or request for other relief from a
	court of appeals or the supreme court.
	(c)  The date an agreed order or a default order is signed by
	an associate judge is the controlling date for the purpose of an
	appeal to, or a request for other relief relating to the order from,
	a court of appeals or the supreme court.
	SECTION 6.02.  Subchapter G, Chapter 54, Government Code,
	is transferred to Chapter 54A, Government Code, as added by this
	Act, redesignated as Subchapter C, Chapter 54A, Government Code,
	and amended to read as follows:
	SUBCHAPTER C [G]. STATUTORY PROBATE COURT ASSOCIATE JUDGES
	Sec. 54A.201 [54.601].  DEFINITION. In this subchapter,
	"statutory probate court" has the meaning assigned by Section 3,
	Texas Probate Code.
	Sec. 54A.202.  APPLICABILITY. This subchapter applies to a
	statutory probate court.
	Sec. 54A.203 [54.603].  APPOINTMENT. (a)  After obtaining
	the approval of the commissioners court, the judge of a statutory
	probate court by order may appoint a full-time or part-time [person
	to act as] associate judge to perform the duties authorized by this
	subchapter [for the statutory probate court].
	(b)  If a statutory probate court has jurisdiction in more
	than one county, an associate judge appointed by that court may
	serve only in a county in which the commissioners court has
	authorized the appointment.
	(c)  The commissioners court may authorize the appointment
	of an associate judge for each court or may authorize one or more
	associate judges to share service with two or more courts, if more
	than one statutory probate court exists in a county.
	(d) [(c)]  If an associate judge serves more than one court,
	the associate judge's appointment must be made with the unanimous
	approval of all the judges under whom the associate judge serves.
	[(d)     An associate judge must meet the qualifications to
	serve as a judge of the court to which the associate judge is
	appointed.]
	(e)  An associate judge appointed under this subchapter may
	serve as a master appointed under Section 574.0085, Health and
	Safety Code.
	Sec. 54A.204.  QUALIFICATIONS. To qualify for appointment
	as an associate judge under this subchapter, a person must:
	(1)  be a resident of this state and one of the counties
	the person will serve;
	(2)  have been licensed to practice law in this state
	for at least four years;
	(3)  not have been defeated for reelection to a
	judicial office;
	(4)  not have been removed from office by impeachment,
	by the supreme court, by the governor on address to the legislature,
	by a tribunal reviewing a recommendation of the State Commission on
	Judicial Conduct, or by the legislature's abolition of the judge's
	court; and
	(5)  not have resigned from office after having
	received notice that formal proceedings by the State Commission on
	Judicial Conduct had been instituted as provided in Section 33.022
	and before final disposition of the proceedings.
	Sec. 54A.205 [54.605].  COMPENSATION. (a)  An associate
	judge shall be paid a salary determined [is entitled to the
	compensation set by the appointing judge and approved] by the
	commissioners court of the county in which the associate judge
	serves. [The salary of the associate judge may not exceed the
	salary of the appointing judge.]
	(b)  If an associate judge serves in more than one county,
	the associate judge shall be paid a salary as determined by
	agreement of the commissioners courts of the counties in which the
	associate judge serves.
	(c)  The associate judge's salary is paid from the county
	fund available for payment of officers' salaries. [Except as
	provided by Subsection (c), the compensation of the associate judge
	shall be paid by the county from the county general fund.   The
	compensation must be paid in the same manner that the appointing
	judge's salary is paid.
	[(c)     On the recommendation of the statutory probate court
	judges in the county and subject to the approval of the county
	commissioners court, the county may pay all or part of the
	compensation of the associate judge from the excess contributions
	remitted to the county under Section 25.00212 and deposited in the
	contributions fund created under Section 25.00213.]
	Sec. 54A.206 [54.604].  TERMINATION OF ASSOCIATE JUDGE. (a)
	An associate judge who serves a single court serves at the will of
	the judge of that court.
	(b)  The employment of an associate judge who serves more
	than two courts may only be terminated by a majority vote of all the
	judges of the courts that the associate judge serves.
	(c)  The employment of an associate judge who serves two
	courts may be terminated by either of the judges of the courts that
	the associate judge serves.
	(d)  The appointment of the associate judge terminates if:
	(1)  the appointing judge vacates the judge's office;
	(2)  the associate judge becomes a candidate for
	election to public office; or
	(3)  the commissioners court does not appropriate funds
	in the county's budget to pay the salary of the associate judge.
	Sec. 54A.207 [54.608].  CASES THAT MAY BE REFERRED. (a)
	Except as provided by this section, a judge of a court may refer to
	an associate judge any aspect of a suit over which the probate court
	has jurisdiction, including any matter ancillary to the suit.
	(b)  Unless a party files a written objection to the
	associate judge hearing a trial on the merits, the judge may refer
	the trial to the associate judge. A trial on the merits is any final
	adjudication from which an appeal may be taken to a court of
	appeals.
	(c)  A party must file an objection to an associate judge
	hearing a trial on the merits or presiding at a jury trial not later
	than the 10th day after the date the party receives notice that the
	associate judge will hear the trial. If an objection is filed, the
	referring court shall hear the trial on the merits or preside at a
	jury trial.
	[Sec.   54.606.     OATH. An associate judge must take the
	constitutional oath of office required of appointed officers of
	this state.
	[Sec.   54.607.     MAGISTRATE. An associate judge appointed
	under this subchapter is a magistrate.]
	Sec. 54A.208 [54.609].  METHODS [ORDER] OF REFERRAL.  (a)  A
	case may be referred to an associate judge by an order of referral
	in a specific case or by an omnibus order [In referring a case to an
	associate judge, the judge of the referring court shall render:
	[(1)  an individual order of referral; or
	[(2)  a general order of referral] specifying the class
	and type of cases to be referred [heard by the associate judge].
	(b)  The order of referral may limit the power or duties of an
	associate judge.
	Sec. 54A.209 [54.610].  POWERS OF ASSOCIATE JUDGE. (a)
	Except as limited by an order of referral, an associate judge may:
	(1)  conduct a hearing;
	(2)  hear evidence;
	(3)  compel production of relevant evidence;
	(4)  rule on the admissibility of evidence;
	(5)  issue a summons for the appearance of witnesses;
	(6)  examine a witness;
	(7)  swear a witness for a hearing;
	(8)  make findings of fact on evidence;
	(9)  formulate conclusions of law;
	(10)  rule on pretrial motions;
	(11)  recommend the rulings, orders, or judgment to be
	made [an order to be rendered] in a case;
	(12) [(11)]  regulate all proceedings in a hearing
	before the associate judge;
	(13) order the attachment of a witness or party who
	fails to obey a subpoena; and
	(14) [(12)]  take action as necessary and proper for
	the efficient performance of the [associate judge's] duties
	required by the order of referral.
	(b)  An associate judge may, in the interest of justice,
	refer a case back to the referring court regardless of whether a
	timely objection to the associate judge hearing the trial on the
	merits or presiding at a jury trial has been made by any party.
	[Sec.   54.611.     ATTENDANCE OF BAILIFF. A bailiff shall
	attend a hearing conducted by an associate judge if directed to
	attend by the referring court.
	[Sec.   54.612.     COURT REPORTER. (a)   A court reporter is not
	required during a hearing held by an associate judge appointed
	under this subchapter unless required by other law.
	[(b)     A party, the associate judge, or the referring court
	may provide for a reporter during the hearing.
	[(c)     The record of a hearing before an associate judge may
	be preserved by any means approved by the referring court.
	[(d)     The referring court or associate judge may impose on a
	party the expense of preserving the record as a court cost.]
	Sec. 54A.210 [54.613].  WITNESS. (a)  A witness appearing
	before an associate judge is subject to the penalties for perjury
	provided by law.
	(b)  A referring court may issue attachment against and may
	fine or imprison a witness whose failure [who:
	[(1)  fails] to appear [before an associate judge]
	after being summoned or whose refusal to answer questions has been
	certified to the court [; or
	[(2)     improperly refuses to answer a question if the
	refusal has been certified to the court by the associate judge].
	Sec. 54A.211.  COURT REPORTER; RECORD. (a) A court reporter
	may be provided during a hearing held by an associate judge
	appointed under this subchapter. A court reporter is required to be
	provided when the associate judge presides over a jury trial.
	(b)  A party, the associate judge, or the referring court may
	provide for a reporter during the hearing if one is not otherwise
	provided.
	(c)  Except as provided by Subsection (a), in the absence of
	a court reporter or on agreement of the parties, the record may be
	preserved by any means approved by the associate judge.
	(d)  The referring court or associate judge may access the
	expense of preserving the record as court costs.
	(e)  On appeal of the associate judge's report or proposed
	order, the referring court may consider testimony or other evidence
	in the record if the record is taken by a court reporter.
	Sec. 54A.212 [54.614].  REPORT. (a)  The associate judge's
	report may contain the associate judge's findings, conclusions, or
	recommendations and may be in the form of a proposed order.
	(b)  The associate judge shall prepare a [written] report in
	the form directed by the referring court. The form may be a
	notation on the referring court's docket sheet or in the court's
	jacket.
	(c) [(b)]  After a hearing, the associate judge shall
	provide the parties participating in the hearing notice of the
	substance of the associate judge's report, including any proposed
	order.
	(d) [(c)]  Notice may be given to the parties:
	(1)  in open court, by an oral statement, or by
	providing a copy of the associate judge's written report, including
	any proposed order; [or]
	(2)  by certified mail, return receipt requested; or
	(3)  by facsimile.
	(e) [(d)]  The associate judge shall certify the date of
	mailing of notice by certified mail. Notice is considered given on
	the third day after the date of mailing.
	(f) [(e)]  After a hearing conducted by an associate judge,
	the associate judge shall send the associate judge's signed and
	dated report, including any proposed order, and all other papers
	relating to the case to the referring court.
	Sec. 54A.213 [54.615].  NOTICE OF RIGHT TO DE NOVO HEARING
	[APPEAL]. (a)  An associate judge shall give all parties notice of
	the right to a de novo hearing before [of appeal to the judge of] the
	referring court.
	(b)  The notice may be given:
	(1)  by oral statement in open court;
	(2)  by posting inside or outside the courtroom of the
	referring court; or
	(3)  as otherwise directed by the referring court.
	(c)  Before the start of a hearing by an associate judge, a
	party may waive the right to a de novo hearing before the referring
	court in writing or on the record.
	Sec. 54A.214 [54.616].  ORDER OF COURT. (a)  Pending a de
	novo hearing before [appeal of the associate judge's report to] the
	referring court, the decisions and recommendations of the associate
	judge or a proposed order or judgment of the associate judge has
	[judge's report have] the full force and effect, and is [are]
	enforceable as[,] an order or judgment of the referring court,
	except for an order [orders] providing for [incarceration or for]
	the appointment of a receiver.
	(b)  If a request for a de novo hearing before [an appeal to]
	the referring court is not timely filed or the right to a de novo
	hearing before [an appeal to] the referring court is waived, the
	findings and recommendations of the associate judge become the
	order of the referring court only on the referring court's signing
	of [at the time the judge of the referring court signs] an order
	conforming to the associate judge's report.
	(c)  An order by an associate judge for the temporary
	detention or incarceration of a witness or party shall be presented
	to the referring court on the day the witness or party is detained
	or incarcerated. The referring court, without prejudice to the
	right to a de novo hearing provided by Section 54A.216, may approve
	the temporary detention or incarceration or may order the release
	of the party or witness, with or without bond, pending a de novo
	hearing. If the referring court is not immediately available, the
	associate judge may order the release of the party or witness, with
	or without bond, pending a de novo hearing or may continue the
	person's detention or incarceration for not more than 72 hours.
	Sec. 54A.215 [54.617].  JUDICIAL ACTION ON ASSOCIATE
	JUDGE'S PROPOSED ORDER OR JUDGMENT [REPORT]. Unless a party files a
	written request for a de novo hearing before the referring court
	[notice of appeal], the referring court may:
	(1)  adopt, modify, or reject the associate judge's
	proposed order or judgment [report];
	(2)  hear additional [further] evidence; or
	(3)  recommit the matter to the associate judge for
	further proceedings.
	Sec. 54A.216 [54.618].  DE NOVO HEARING BEFORE [APPEAL TO]
	REFERRING COURT. (a) A party may request a de novo hearing before
	the referring court [appeal an associate judge's report] by filing
	with the clerk of the referring court a written request [notice of
	appeal] not later than the seventh working [third] day after the
	date the party receives notice of the substance of the associate
	judge's report as provided by Section 54A.212 [54.614].
	(b)  A request for a de novo hearing under this section must
	specify the issues that will be presented [An appeal] to the
	referring court. The de novo hearing is limited to the specified
	issues [must be made in writing and specify the findings and
	conclusions of the associate judge to which the party objects. The
	appeal is limited to the findings and conclusions specified in the
	written appeal].
	(c)  In the de novo hearing before the referring court, the
	[The] parties may present witnesses [on appeal to the referring
	court as in a hearing de novo] on the issues specified [raised] in
	the request for hearing [appeal]. The referring court may also
	consider the record from the hearing before the associate judge,
	including the charge to and verdict returned by a jury, if the
	record was taken by a court reporter.
	(d)  Notice of a request for a de novo hearing before [an
	appeal to] the referring court shall [must] be given to the opposing
	attorney in the manner provided by Rule 21a, Texas Rules of Civil
	Procedure.
	(e)  If a request for a de novo hearing before [an appeal to]
	the referring court is filed by a party, any other party may file a
	request for a de novo hearing before [an appeal to] the referring
	court not later than the seventh working day after the date of
	filing of the initial request [appeal].
	(f)  The referring court, after notice to the parties, shall
	hold a de novo hearing [on all appeals] not later than the 30th day
	after the date on which the initial request for a de novo hearing
	[appeal] was filed with the clerk of the referring court[, unless
	all of the parties agree to a later date].
	(g)  The denial of relief to a party after a de novo hearing
	under this section or a party's waiver of the right to a de novo
	hearing before the referring court does not affect the right of a
	party to file a motion for new trial, a motion for judgment
	notwithstanding the verdict, or other posttrial motions [Before the
	start of a hearing conducted by an associate judge, the parties may
	waive the right of appeal to the referring court. The waiver may be
	in writing or on the record].
	(h)  A party may not demand a second jury in a de novo hearing
	before the referring court if the associate judge's proposed order
	or judgment resulted from a jury trial.
	Sec. 54A.217 [54.619].  APPELLATE REVIEW. (a) A party's
	failure to request a de novo hearing before [Failure to appeal to]
	the referring court or a party's waiver of the right to request a de
	novo hearing before[, by waiver or otherwise, the approval by] the
	referring court [of an associate judge's report] does not deprive
	the [a] party of the right to appeal to or request other relief from
	a court of appeals or the supreme court.
	(b)  Except as provided by Subsection (c), the [The] date the
	judge of a referring court signs an order or judgment is the
	controlling date for the purposes of appeal to or request for other
	relief from a court of appeals or the supreme court.
	(c)  The date an agreed order or a default order is signed by
	an associate judge is the controlling date for the purpose of an
	appeal to or a request for other relief relating to the order from a
	court of appeals or the supreme court.
	[Sec.   54.620.     IMMUNITY. An associate judge appointed under
	this subchapter has the judicial immunity of a probate judge. All
	existing immunity granted an associate judge by law, express or
	implied, continues in full force and effect.]
	SECTION 6.03.  Chapter 201, Family Code, is amended by
	adding Subchapter D to read as follows:
	SUBCHAPTER D.  ASSOCIATE JUDGE FOR JUVENILE MATTERS
	Sec. 201.301.  APPLICABILITY. This subchapter applies only
	to an associate judge appointed under this subchapter.
	Sec. 201.302.  APPOINTMENT. (a) A judge of a court that is
	designated as a juvenile court, with the consent and approval of the
	commissioners court of a county in which the court has
	jurisdiction, may appoint a full-time or part-time associate judge
	to perform the duties authorized by this chapter.
	(b)  If a court has jurisdiction in more than one county, an
	associate judge appointed by that court may serve only in a county
	in which the commissioners court has authorized the appointment.
	(c)  If more than one court in a county has been designated as
	a juvenile court the commissioners court may authorize the
	appointment of an associate judge for each court or may authorize
	one or more associate judges to share service with two or more
	courts.
	(d)  If an associate judge serves more than one court, the
	associate judge's appointment must be made with the unanimous
	approval of all the judges under whom the associate judge serves.
	Sec. 201.303.  QUALIFICATIONS. To qualify for appointment
	as an associate judge under this subchapter, a person must meet the
	requirements and qualifications to serve as a judge of the court or
	courts for which the associate judge is appointed.
	Sec. 201.304.  COMPENSATION. (a) An associate judge shall
	be paid a salary determined by the commissioners court of the county
	in which the associate judge serves.
	(b)  If an associate judge serves in more than one county,
	the associate judge shall be paid a salary as determined by
	agreement of the commissioners courts of the counties in which the
	associate judge serves.
	(c)  The associate judge's salary is paid from the county
	fund available for payment of officers' salaries.
	Sec. 201.305.  TERMINATION. (a) An associate judge who
	serves a single court serves at the will of the judge of that court.
	(b)  The employment of an associate judge who serves more
	than two courts may only be terminated by a majority vote of all the
	judges of the courts which the associate judge serves.
	(c)  The employment of an associate judge who serves two
	courts may be terminated by either of the judges of the courts which
	the associate judge serves.
	(d)  To terminate an associate judge's employment, the
	appropriate judges must sign a written order of termination. The
	order must state:
	(1)  the associate judge's name and state bar
	identification number;
	(2)  each court ordering termination; and
	(3)  the date the associate judge's employment ends.
	Sec. 201.306.  CASES THAT MAY BE REFERRED. (a) Except as
	provided by this section, a judge of a juvenile court may refer to
	an associate judge any aspect of a civil case brought:
	(1)  under this title or Title 3; or
	(2)  in connection with Rule 308, Texas Rules of Civil
	Procedure.
	(b)  Unless a party files a written objection to the
	associate judge hearing a trial on the merits, the judge may refer
	the trial to the associate judge. A trial on the merits is any final
	adjudication from which an appeal may be taken to a court of
	appeals.
	(c)  A party must file an objection to an associate judge
	hearing a trial on the merits or presiding at a jury trial not later
	than the 10th day after the date the party receives notice that the
	associate judge will hear the trial. If an objection is filed, the
	referring court shall hear the trial on the merits or preside at a
	jury trial.
	(d)  The requirements of Subsections (b) and (c) apply when a
	judge has authority to refer the trial of a suit under this title,
	Title 1, or Title 4 to an associate judge, master, or other
	assistant judge regardless of whether the assistant judge is
	appointed under this subchapter.
	Sec. 201.307.  METHODS OF REFERRAL. (a) A case may be
	referred to an associate judge by an order of referral in a specific
	case or by a general order of referral specifying the class and
	type of cases to be referred.
	(b)  The order of referral may limit the power or duties of an
	associate judge.
	Sec. 201.308.  POWERS OF ASSOCIATE JUDGE. (a) Except as
	limited by an order of referral, an associate judge may:
	(1)  conduct a hearing;
	(2)  hear evidence;
	(3)  compel production of relevant evidence;
	(4)  rule on the admissibility of evidence;
	(5)  issue a summons for:
	(A)  the appearance of witnesses; and
	(B)  the appearance of a parent who has failed to
	appear before an agency authorized to conduct an investigation of
	an allegation of abuse or neglect of a child after receiving proper
	notice;
	(6)  examine a witness;
	(7)  swear a witness for a hearing;
	(8)  make findings of fact on evidence;
	(9)  formulate conclusions of law;
	(10)  recommend an order to be rendered in a case;
	(11)  regulate all proceedings in a hearing before the
	associate judge;
	(12)  order the attachment of a witness or party who
	fails to obey a subpoena;
	(13)  order the detention of a witness or party found
	guilty of contempt, pending approval by the referring court;
	(14)  without prejudice to the right of appeal under
	Section 201.317, render and sign:
	(A)  a final order agreed to in writing as to both
	form and substance by all parties;
	(B)  a final default order;
	(C)  a temporary order; or
	(D)  a final order in a case in which a party files
	an unrevoked waiver made in accordance with Rule 119, Texas Rules of
	Civil Procedure, that waives notice to the party of the final
	hearing or waives the party's appearance at the final hearing;
	(15)  take action as necessary and proper for the
	efficient performance of the associate judge's duties; and
	(16)  sign a final order that includes a waiver of the
	right of appeal as provided by Section 201.317.
	(b)  An associate judge may, in the interest of justice,
	refer a case back to the referring court regardless of whether a
	timely objection to the associate judge hearing the trial on the
	merits or presiding at a jury trial has been made by any party.
	(c)  An order described by Subsection (a)(14) that is
	rendered and signed by an associate judge constitutes an order of
	the referring court.
	(d)  An answer filed by or on behalf of a party who previously
	filed a waiver described in Subsection (a)(14)(D) revokes the
	waiver.
	Sec. 201.309.  REFEREES. (a)  An associate judge appointed
	under this subchapter may serve as a referee as provided by Sections
	51.04(g) and 54.10.
	(b)  A referee appointed under Section 51.04(g) may be
	appointed to serve as an associate judge under this subchapter.
	Sec. 201.310.  ATTENDANCE OF BAILIFF. A bailiff may attend a
	hearing by an associate judge if directed by the referring court.
	Sec. 201.311.  COURT REPORTER; RECORD. (a) A court reporter
	may be provided during a hearing held by an associate judge
	appointed under this subchapter. A court reporter is required to be
	provided when the associate judge presides over a jury trial or a
	contested final termination hearing.
	(b)  A party, the associate judge, or the referring court may
	provide for a reporter during the hearing if one is not otherwise
	provided.
	(c)  Except as provided by Subsection (a), in the absence of
	a court reporter or on agreement of the parties, the record may be
	preserved by any means approved by the associate judge.
	(d)  The referring court or associate judge may assess the
	expense of preserving the record as costs.
	(e)  On a request for a de novo hearing, the referring court
	may consider testimony or other evidence in the record, if the
	record is taken by a court reporter, in addition to witnesses or
	other matters presented under Section 201.317.
	Sec. 201.312.  WITNESS. (a) A witness appearing before an
	associate judge is subject to the penalties for perjury provided by
	law.
	(b)  A referring court may fine or imprison a witness who:
	(1)  failed to appear before an associate judge after
	being summoned; or
	(2)  improperly refused to answer questions if the
	refusal has been certified to the court by the associate judge.
	Sec. 201.313.  REPORT. (a) The associate judge's report may
	contain the associate judge's findings, conclusions, or
	recommendations and may be in the form of a proposed order. The
	associate judge's report must be in writing and in the form directed
	by the referring court.
	(b)  After a hearing, the associate judge shall provide the
	parties participating in the hearing notice of the substance of the
	associate judge's report, including any proposed order.
	(c)  Notice may be given to the parties:
	(1)  in open court, by an oral statement or by providing
	a copy of the associate judge's written report, including any
	proposed order;
	(2)  by certified mail, return receipt requested; or
	(3)  by facsimile.
	(d)  A rebuttable presumption exists that notice is received
	on the date stated on:
	(1)  the signed return receipt, if notice was provided
	by certified mail; or
	(2)  the confirmation page produced by the facsimile
	machine, if notice was provided by facsimile.
	(e)  After a hearing conducted by an associate judge, the
	associate judge shall send the associate judge's signed and dated
	report, including any proposed order, and all other papers relating
	to the case to the referring court.
	Sec. 201.314.  NOTICE OF RIGHT TO DE NOVO HEARING. (a) An
	associate judge shall give all parties notice of the right to a de
	novo hearing to the judge of the referring court.
	(b)  The notice may be given:
	(1)  by oral statement in open court;
	(2)  by posting inside or outside the courtroom of the
	referring court; or
	(3)  as otherwise directed by the referring court.
	Sec. 201.315.  ORDER OF COURT. (a)  Pending a de novo
	hearing before the referring court, a proposed order or judgment of
	the associate judge is in full force and effect and is enforceable
	as an order or judgment of the referring court, except for an order
	providing for the appointment of a receiver.
	(b)  If a request for a de novo hearing before the referring
	court is not timely filed or the right to a de novo hearing before
	the referring court is waived, the proposed order or judgment of the
	associate judge becomes the order or judgment of the referring
	court only on the referring court's signing the proposed order or
	judgment.
	(c)  An order by an associate judge for the temporary
	detention or incarceration of a witness or party shall be presented
	to the referring court on the day the witness or party  is detained
	or incarcerated. The referring court, without prejudice to the
	right to a de novo hearing provided by Section 201.317, may approve
	the temporary detention or incarceration or may order the release
	of the party or witness, with or without bond, pending a de novo
	hearing. If the referring court is not immediately available, the
	associate judge may order the release of the party or witness, with
	or without bond, pending a de novo hearing or may continue the
	person's detention or incarceration for not more than 72 hours.
	Sec. 201.316.  JUDICIAL ACTION ON ASSOCIATE JUDGE'S PROPOSED
	ORDER OR JUDGMENT. Unless a party files a written request for a de
	novo hearing before the referring court, the referring court may:
	(1)  adopt, modify, or reject the associate judge's
	proposed order or judgment;
	(2)  hear additional evidence; or
	(3)  recommit the matter to the associate judge for
	further proceedings.
	Sec. 201.317.  DE NOVO HEARING. (a) A party may request a de
	novo hearing before the referring court by filing with the clerk of
	the referring court a written request not later than the seventh
	working day after the date the party receives notice of the
	substance of the associate judge's report as provided by Section
	201.313.
	(b)  A request for a de novo hearing under this section must
	specify the issues that will be presented to the referring court.
	The de novo hearing is limited to the specified issues.
	(c)  Notice of a request for a de novo hearing before the
	referring court shall be given to the opposing attorney in the
	manner provided by Rule 21a, Texas Rules of Civil Procedure.
	(d)  If a request for a de novo hearing before the referring
	court is filed by a party, any other party may file a request for a
	de novo hearing before the referring court not later than the
	seventh working day after the date the initial request was filed.
	(e)  The referring court, after notice to the parties, shall
	hold a de novo hearing not later than the 30th day after the date the
	initial request for a de novo hearing was filed with the clerk of
	the referring court.
	(f)  Before the start of a hearing by an associate judge, the
	parties may waive the right of a de novo hearing before the
	referring court in writing or on the record.
	(g)  In the de novo hearing before the referring court, the
	parties may present witnesses on the issues specified in the
	request for hearing. The referring court may also consider the
	record from the hearing before the associate judge, including the
	charge to and verdict returned by a jury, if the record was taken by
	a court reporter.
	(h)  The denial of relief to a party after a de novo hearing
	under this section or a party's waiver of the right to a de novo
	hearing before the referring court does not affect the right of a
	party to file a motion for new trial, a motion for judgment
	notwithstanding the verdict, or other posttrial motions.
	(i)  A party may not demand a second jury in a de novo hearing
	before the referring court if the associate judge's proposed order
	or judgment resulted from a jury trial.
	Sec. 201.318.  APPELLATE REVIEW. (a) A party's failure to
	request a de novo hearing before the referring court or a party's
	waiver of the right to request a de novo hearing before the
	referring court does not deprive the party of the right to appeal to
	or request other relief from a court of appeals or the supreme
	court.
	(b)  Except as provided by Subsection (c), the date an order
	or judgment by the referring court is signed is the controlling date
	for the purposes of appeal to or request for other relief from a
	court of appeals or the supreme court.
	(c)  The date an agreed order or a default order is signed by
	an associate judge is the controlling date for the purpose of an
	appeal to, or a request for other relief relating to the order from,
	a court of appeals or the supreme court.
	Sec. 201.319.  JUDICIAL IMMUNITY. An associate judge
	appointed under this subchapter has the judicial immunity of a
	district judge.
	Sec. 201.320.  VISITING ASSOCIATE JUDGE. (a) If an
	associate judge appointed under this subchapter is temporarily
	unable to perform the judge's official duties because of absence or
	illness, injury, or other disability, a judge of a court having
	jurisdiction of a suit under this title or Title 1 or 4 may appoint a
	visiting associate judge to perform the duties of the associate
	judge during the period of the associate judge's absence or
	disability if the commissioners court of a county in which the court
	has jurisdiction authorizes the employment of a visiting associate
	judge.
	(b)  To be eligible for appointment under this section, a
	person must have served as an associate judge for at least two
	years.
	(c)  Sections 201.001 through 201.017 apply to a visiting
	associate judge appointed under this section.
	SECTION 6.04.  Section 22.110(b), Government Code, is
	amended to read as follows:
	(b)  The court of criminal appeals shall adopt the rules
	necessary to accomplish the purposes of this section.  The rules
	must require each district judge, judge of a statutory county
	court, associate judge appointed under Chapter 54A [54] of this
	code or Chapter 201, Family Code, master, referee, and magistrate
	to complete at least 12 hours of the training within the judge's
	first term of office or the judicial officer's first four years of
	service and provide a method for certification of completion of
	that training.  At least four hours of the training must be
	dedicated to issues related to child abuse and neglect and must
	cover at least two of the topics described in Subsections
	(d)(8)-(12).  At least six hours of the training must be dedicated
	to the training described by Subsections (d)(5), (6), and (7).  The
	rules must require each judge and judicial officer to complete an
	additional five hours of training during each additional term in
	office or four years of service.  At least two hours of the
	additional training must be dedicated to issues related to child
	abuse and neglect.  The rules must exempt from the training
	requirement of this subsection each judge or judicial officer who
	files an affidavit stating that the judge or judicial officer does
	not hear any cases involving family violence, sexual assault, or
	child abuse and neglect.
	SECTION 6.05.  Article 2.09, Code of Criminal Procedure, is
	amended to read as follows:
	Art. 2.09.  WHO ARE MAGISTRATES.  Each of the following
	officers is a magistrate within the meaning of this Code:  The
	justices of the Supreme Court, the judges of the Court of Criminal
	Appeals, the justices of the Courts of Appeals, the judges of the
	District Court, an associate judge appointed under Chapter 54A [the
	magistrates appointed by the judges of the district courts of Bexar
	County, Dallas County, or Tarrant County that give preference to
	criminal cases, the criminal law hearing officers for Harris County
	appointed under Subchapter L, Chapter 54], Government Code, [the
	criminal law hearing officers for Cameron County appointed under
	Subchapter BB, Chapter 54, Government Code, the magistrates
	appointed by the judges of the district courts of Lubbock County,
	Nolan County, or Webb County, the magistrates appointed by the
	judges of the criminal district courts of Dallas County or Tarrant
	County, the masters appointed by the judges of the district courts
	and the county courts at law that give preference to criminal cases
	in Jefferson County, the magistrates appointed by the judges of the
	district courts and the statutory county courts of Brazos County,
	Nueces County, or Williamson County, the magistrates appointed by
	the judges of the district courts and statutory county courts that
	give preference to criminal cases in Travis County,] the county
	judges, the judges of the county courts at law, judges of the county
	criminal courts, the judges of statutory probate courts, [the
	associate judges appointed by the judges of the statutory probate
	courts under Subchapter G, Chapter 54, Government Code,] the
	justices of the peace, and the mayors and recorders and the judges
	of the municipal courts of incorporated cities or towns.
	SECTION 6.06.  Article 102.017(d), Code of Criminal
	Procedure, is amended to read as follows:
	(d)  Except as provided by Subsection (d-2), the clerks of
	the respective courts shall collect the costs and pay them to the
	county or municipal treasurer, as appropriate, or to any other
	official who discharges the duties commonly delegated to the county
	or municipal treasurer, as appropriate, for deposit in a fund to be
	known as the courthouse security fund or a fund to be known as the
	municipal court building security fund, as appropriate.  Money
	deposited in a courthouse security fund may be used only for
	security personnel, services, and items related to buildings that
	house the operations of district, county, or justice courts, and
	money deposited in a municipal court building security fund may be
	used only for security personnel, services, and items related to
	buildings that house the operations of municipal courts.  For
	purposes of this subsection, operations of a district, county, or
	justice court include the activities of associate judges, masters,
	magistrates, referees, hearing officers, criminal law magistrate
	court judges, and masters in chancery appointed under:
	(1)  Section 61.311, Alcoholic Beverage Code;
	(2)  Section 51.04(g) or Chapter 201, Family Code;
	(3)  Section 574.0085, Health and Safety Code;
	(4)  Section 33.71, Tax Code;
	(5)  Chapter 54A [Chapter 54], Government Code;  or
	(6)  Rule 171, Texas Rules of Civil Procedure.
	SECTION 6.07.  Section 54.10(a), Family Code, is amended to
	read as follows:
	(a)  Except as provided by Subsection (e), a hearing under
	Section 54.03, 54.04, or 54.05, including a jury trial, a hearing
	under Chapter 55, including a jury trial, or a hearing under the
	Interstate Compact for Juveniles (Chapter 60) may be held by a
	referee appointed in accordance with Section 51.04(g) or an
	associate judge [a master] appointed under Chapter 54A [54],
	Government Code, provided:
	(1)  the parties have been informed by the referee or
	master that they are entitled to have the hearing before the
	juvenile court judge; and
	(2)  after each party is given an opportunity to
	object, no party objects to holding the hearing before the referee
	or master.
	SECTION 6.08.  A magistrate, master, referee, associate
	judge, or hearing officer appointed as provided by Chapter 54,
	Government Code, before the effective date of this Act, continues
	to serve as an associate judge under Chapter 54A, Government Code,
	as added by this article, with the powers and duties provided by
	that chapter, provided the court for which the magistrate, master,
	referee, associate judge, or hearing officer serves has authority
	to appoint an associate judge under Chapter 54A, Government Code.
	SECTION 6.09.  The changes in law made by this article apply
	to a matter referred to an associate judge on or after the effective
	date of this article. A matter referred to an associate judge
	before the effective date of this article is governed by the law in
	effect on the date the matter was referred to the associate judge,
	and the former law is continued in effect for that purpose.
	SECTION 6.10.  (a)  The following subchapters of Chapter 54,
	Government Code, are repealed:
	(1)  Subchapter A;
	(2)  Subchapter B;
	(3)  Subchapter C;
	(4)  Subchapter D;
	(5)  Subchapter E;
	(6)  Subchapter F;
	(7)  Subchapter H;
	(8)  Subchapter I;
	(9)  Subchapter J;
	(10)  Subchapter K;
	(11)  Subchapter L;
	(12)  Subchapter M;
	(13)  Subchapter N;
	(14)  Subchapter O;
	(15)  Subchapter P;
	(16)  Subchapter Q;
	(17)  Subchapter R;
	(18)  Subchapter S;
	(19)  Subchapter T;
	(20)  Subchapter U;
	(21)  Subchapter V;
	(22)  Subchapter W;
	(23)  Subchapter X;
	(24)  Subchapter Y;
	(25)  Subchapter BB;
	(26)  Subchapter CC;
	(27)  Subchapter FF; and
	(28)  Subchapter GG.
	(b)  The heading to Chapter 54, Government Code, is repealed.
	ARTICLE 7.  COURT ADMINISTRATION
	SECTION 7.01.  Section 74.005, Government Code, is amended
	to read as follows:
	Sec. 74.005.  APPOINTMENT OF [REGIONAL] PRESIDING JUDGES OF
	ADMINISTRATIVE JUDICIAL REGIONS.  (a)  The chief justice of the
	supreme court [governor], with the advice and consent of the
	senate, shall appoint one judge in each administrative judicial
	region as presiding judge of the region.
	(b)  On the death, resignation, removal, or expiration of the
	term of office of a presiding judge, the chief justice of the
	supreme court [governor] immediately shall appoint or reappoint a
	presiding judge.
	SECTION 7.02.  Section 74.050, Government Code, is amended
	to read as follows:
	Sec. 74.050.  SUPPORT STAFF [ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT].  (a)
	The presiding judge may employ, directly or through a contract with
	another governmental entity, a full-time or part-time
	administrative assistant and up to three full-time equivalent staff
	attorneys.
	(b)  An administrative assistant [must have the
	qualifications established by rule of the supreme court.
	[(c)  An administrative assistant] shall aid the presiding
	judge in carrying out the judge's duties under this chapter. The
	administrative assistant shall:
	(1)  perform the duties that are required by the
	presiding judge and by the rules of administration;
	(2)  conduct correspondence for the presiding judge;
	(3)  under the direction of the presiding judge, make
	an annual report of the activities of the administrative region and
	special reports as provided by the rules of administration to the
	supreme court, which shall be made in the manner directed by the
	supreme court; and
	(4)  attend to other matters that are prescribed by the
	council of judges.
	(c) [(d)]  An administrative assistant, with the approval of
	the presiding judge, may purchase the necessary office equipment,
	stamps, stationery, and supplies and employ additional personnel as
	authorized by the presiding judge.
	(d) [(e)]  An administrative assistant or staff attorney is
	entitled to receive the compensation from the state provided by the
	General Appropriations Act, from county funds, or from any public
	or private grant.
	(e)  A staff attorney may provide assistance to a district
	judge for a specific case at the direction of the judicial committee
	for additional resources.
	(f)  The office of court administration shall assist the
	presiding judges in:
	(1)  monitoring the compliance of staff attorneys with
	any job performance standards, uniform practices adopted by the
	presiding judges, and federal and state laws and policies;
	(2)  addressing the training needs and resource
	requirements of the staff attorneys;
	(3)  conducting annual performance evaluations for the
	staff attorneys based on written personnel performance standards
	adopted by the presiding judges; and
	(4)  receiving, investigating, and resolving
	complaints about particular staff attorneys based on a uniform
	process adopted by the presiding judges.
	SECTION 7.03.  Section 74.093(c), Government Code, is
	amended to read as follows:
	(c)  The rules may provide for:
	(1)  the selection and authority of a presiding judge
	of a division or branch of the courts as provided by Subsection
	(b)(2);
	(2)  assigning courts a [giving] preference for [to] a
	specified class of cases, such as civil, criminal, juvenile, child
	protection, or family law, or other cases requiring special
	judicial attention;
	(3)  other strategies for managing cases that require
	special judicial attention;
	(4)  a coordinated response for the transaction of
	essential judicial functions in the event of a disaster; and
	(5) [(2)]  any other matter necessary to carry out this
	chapter or to improve the administration and management of the
	court system and its auxiliary services.
	SECTION 7.04.  Chapter 74, Government Code, is amended by
	adding Subchapter J to read as follows:
	SUBCHAPTER J. ADDITIONAL RESOURCES FOR CERTAIN CASES
	Sec. 74.251.  APPLICABILITY OF SUBCHAPTER.  This subchapter
	does not apply to:
	(1)  a criminal matter;
	(2)  a case in which judicial review is sought under
	Subchapter G, Chapter 2001; or
	(3)  a case that has been transferred by the judicial
	panel on multidistrict litigation to a district court for
	consolidated or coordinated pretrial proceedings under Subchapter
	H.
	Sec. 74.252.  RULES TO GUIDE DETERMINATION OF WHETHER CASE
	REQUIRES ADDITIONAL RESOURCES. (a) The supreme court shall adopt
	rules under which courts, presiding judges of the administrative
	judicial regions, and the judicial committee for additional
	resources may determine whether a case requires additional
	resources to ensure efficient judicial management of the case.
	(b)  In developing the rules, the supreme court shall include
	considerations regarding whether a case involves or is likely to
	involve:
	(1)  a large number of parties who are separately
	represented by counsel;
	(2)  coordination with related actions pending in one
	or more courts in other counties of this state or in one or more
	United States district courts;
	(3)  numerous pretrial motions that present difficult
	or novel legal issues that will be time-consuming to resolve;
	(4)  a large number of witnesses or substantial
	documentary evidence;
	(5)  substantial postjudgment supervision;
	(6)  a trial that will last more than four weeks; and
	(7)  a substantial additional burden on the trial
	court's docket and the resources available to the trial court to
	hear the case.
	Sec. 74.253.  JUDICIAL DETERMINATION. (a)  On the motion of
	a party in a case, or on the court's own motion, the judge of the
	court in which the case is pending shall review the case and
	determine whether, under rules adopted by the supreme court under
	Section 74.252, the case will require additional resources to
	ensure efficient judicial management.  The judge is not required to
	conduct an evidentiary hearing for purposes of making the
	determination but may, in the judge's discretion, direct the
	attorneys for the parties to the case and the parties to appear
	before the judge for a conference to provide information to assist
	the judge in making the determination.
	(b)  On determining that a case will require additional
	resources as provided by Subsection (a), the judge shall:
	(1)  notify the presiding judge of the administrative
	judicial region in which the court is located about the case; and
	(2)  request any specific additional resources that are
	needed, including the assignment of a judge under this chapter.
	(c)  If the presiding judge of the administrative judicial
	region agrees that, in accordance with the rules adopted by the
	supreme court under Section 74.252, the case will require
	additional resources to ensure efficient judicial management, the
	presiding judge shall:
	(1)  use resources previously allotted to the presiding
	judge; or
	(2)  submit a request for specific additional resources
	to the judicial committee for additional resources.
	Sec. 74.254.  JUDICIAL COMMITTEE FOR ADDITIONAL RESOURCES.
	(a) The judicial committee for additional resources is composed
	of:
	(1)  the chief justice of the supreme court; and
	(2)  the nine presiding judges of the administrative
	judicial regions.
	(b)  The chief justice of the supreme court serves as
	presiding officer.  The office of court administration shall
	provide staff support to the committee.
	(c)  On receipt of a request for additional resources from a
	presiding judge of an administrative judicial region under Section
	74.253, the committee shall determine whether the case that is the
	subject of the request requires additional resources in accordance
	with the rules adopted under Section 74.252. If the committee
	determines that the case does require additional resources, the
	committee shall make available the resources requested by the trial
	judge to the extent funds are available for those resources under
	the General Appropriations Act and to the extent the committee
	determines the requested resources are appropriate to the
	circumstances of the case.
	(d)  Subject to Subsections (c) and (f), additional
	resources the committee may make available under this section
	include:
	(1)  the assignment of an active or retired judge under
	this chapter, subject to the consent of the judge of the court in
	which the case for which the resources are provided is pending;
	(2)  additional legal, administrative, or clerical
	personnel;
	(3)  information and communication technology,
	including case management software, video teleconferencing, and
	specially designed courtroom presentation hardware or software to
	facilitate presentation of the evidence to the trier of fact;
	(4)  specialized continuing legal education;
	(5)  an associate judge;
	(6)  special accommodations or furnishings for the
	parties;
	(7)  other services or items determined necessary to
	try the case; and
	(8)  any other resources the committee considers
	appropriate.
	(e)  Notwithstanding any provision of Subchapter C, a
	justice or judge to whom Section 74.053(d) applies may not be
	assigned under Subsection (d).
	(f)  The judicial committee for additional resources may not
	provide additional resources under this subchapter in an amount
	that is more than the amount appropriated for this purpose.
	Sec. 74.255.  COST OF ADDITIONAL RESOURCES. The cost of
	additional resources provided for a case under this subchapter
	shall be paid by the state and may not be taxed against any party in
	the case for which the resources are provided or against the county
	in which the case is pending.
	Sec. 74.256.  NO STAY OR CONTINUANCE PENDING DETERMINATION.
	The filing of a motion under Section 74.253 in a case is not grounds
	for a stay or continuance of the proceedings in the case in the
	court in which the case is pending during the period the motion or
	request is being considered by:
	(1)  the judge of that court;
	(2)  the presiding judge of the administrative judicial
	region; or
	(3)  the judicial committee for additional resources.
	Sec. 74.257.  APPELLATE REVIEW. A determination made by a
	trial court judge, the presiding judge of an administrative
	judicial region, or the judicial committee for additional resources
	under this subchapter is not appealable or subject to review by
	mandamus.
	SECTION 7.05.  (a) The Texas Supreme Court shall request the
	president of the State Bar of Texas to appoint a task force to
	consider and make recommendations regarding the rules for
	determining whether civil cases pending in trial courts require
	additional resources for efficient judicial management required by
	Section 74.252, Government Code, as added by this Act. The
	president of the State Bar of Texas shall ensure that the task force
	has diverse representation and includes judges of trial courts and
	attorneys licensed to practice law in this state who regularly
	appear in civil cases before courts in this state. The task force
	shall provide recommendations on the rules to the Texas Supreme
	Court not later than November 1, 2009.
	(b)  The Texas Supreme Court shall:
	(1)  consider the recommendations of the task force
	provided as required by Subsection (a) of this section; and
	(2)  adopt the rules required by Section 74.252,
	Government Code, as added by this Act, not later than January 1,
	2010.
	SECTION 7.06.  The changes in law made by this article apply
	to cases pending on or after January 1, 2010.
	ARTICLE 8. GRANT PROGRAMS
	SECTION 8.01.  Subchapter C, Chapter 72, Government Code, is
	amended by adding Section 72.029 to read as follows:
	Sec. 72.029.  GRANTS FOR COURT SYSTEM ENHANCEMENTS. (a) The
	office shall develop and administer, except as provided by
	Subsection (c), a program to provide grants from available funds to
	counties for initiatives that will enhance their court systems or
	otherwise carry out the purposes of this chapter.
	(b)  To be eligible for a grant under this section, a county
	must:
	(1)  use the grant money to implement initiatives that
	will enhance the county's court system or otherwise carry out the
	purposes of this chapter; and
	(2)  apply for the grant in accordance with procedures
	developed by the office and comply with any other requirements of
	the office.
	(c)  The judicial committee for additional resources shall
	determine whether to award a grant to a county that meets the
	eligibility requirements prescribed by Subsection (b).
	(d)  If the judicial committee for additional resources
	awards a grant to a county, the office shall:
	(1)  direct the comptroller to distribute the grant
	money to the county; and
	(2)  monitor the county's use of the grant money.
	SECTION 8.02.  Subchapter A, Chapter 22, Government Code, is
	amended by adding Section 22.016 to read as follows:
	Sec. 22.016.  GRANTS FOR CHILD PROTECTION. (a)  In this
	section, "commission" means the permanent judicial commission for
	children, youth, and families established by the supreme court.
	(b)  The commission shall develop and administer a program to
	provide grants from available funds for initiatives that will
	improve safety and permanency outcomes, enhance due process, or
	increase the timeliness of resolution in child protection cases.
	(c)  To be eligible for a grant under this section, a
	prospective recipient must:
	(1)  use the grant money to improve safety or
	permanency outcomes, enhance due process, or increase timeliness of
	resolution in child protection cases; and
	(2)  apply for the grant in accordance with procedures
	developed by the commission and comply with any other requirements
	of the supreme court.
	(d)  If the commission awards a grant, the commission shall:
	(1)  direct the comptroller to distribute the grant
	money; and
	(2)  monitor the use of the grant money.
	ARTICLE 9.  STUDY BY OFFICE OF COURT ADMINISTRATION OF THE TEXAS
	JUDICIAL SYSTEM
	SECTION 9.01.  In this article, "office of court
	administration" means the Office of Court Administration of the
	Texas Judicial System.
	SECTION 9.02.  (a) The office of court administration shall
	study the district courts and statutory county courts of this state
	to determine overlapping jurisdiction in civil cases in which the
	amount in controversy is more than $200,000.  The study must
	determine the feasibility, efficiency, and potential cost of
	converting to district courts those statutory county courts with
	jurisdiction in civil cases in which the amount in controversy is
	more than $200,000.
	(b)  Not later than October 1, 2010, the office of court
	administration shall submit a report regarding the conversion of
	statutory county courts to district courts to the governor, the
	lieutenant governor, the speaker of the house of representatives,
	the chairs of the standing committees of the senate and house of
	representatives with primary jurisdiction over the judicial
	system, and the commissioners court of any county with a statutory
	county court with jurisdiction in civil cases in which the amount in
	controversy is more than $200,000.
	(c)  Not later than January 1, 2011, a county with a
	statutory county court shall notify the office of court
	administration whether the statutory county court prefers to remain
	a statutory county court with a reduced jurisdictional limit or
	prefers to convert to a district court.  The office of court
	administration shall submit a report to the governor, the
	lieutenant governor, the speaker of the house of representatives,
	and the chairs of the standing committees of the senate and house of
	representatives with primary jurisdiction over the judicial system
	outlining the statutory county courts that prefer to remain county
	courts with a reduced jurisdictional limit and the statutory county
	courts that prefer to convert to district courts.
	ARTICLE 10.  GENERAL EFFECTIVE DATE
	SECTION 10.01.  Except as otherwise provided by this Act,
	this Act takes effect September 1, 2009.