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TexasSB 66489th Legislature Regular SessionSenate

Relating to qualifications, training, removal, and supervision of certain masters, magistrates, referees, associate judges, and hearing officers.

Sponsored By: David Cook, Joan Huffman (Republican)

Signed by Governor

Courts--County & StatutoryCourts--JudgesCourts--PersonnelOccupational Regulation--Other Trades & ProfessionsMAGISTRATESSTAFF DEVELOPMENT & TRAININGCOURT ADMINISTRATION, OFFICE OFJUDICIAL CONDUCT, STATE COMMISSION ON

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.

Stronger oversight of appointed court officers

These rules cover court officers appointed under Chapter 54 or 54A on or after September 1, 2025. Officers who set, adjust, or revoke bail bonds must complete Article 17.024 training, in addition to other required training. Local administrative judges must ensure covered officers within their jurisdiction follow Chapter 54 and Article 15.17 criminal-procedure rules. They must also supervise officers whose work includes Article 15.17 duties. Violations must go to the county commissioners court, regional presiding judge, and Office of Court Administration. Judges must also notify the State Commission on Judicial Conduct when they find the referring court at fault. For Chapter 54 appointees, the law adds removal under Article V, Section 24 of the Texas Constitution, alongside existing methods.

Eligibility limits for appointed court officers

Beginning September 1, 2025, most covered Chapter 54 appointees must live in Texas and in their appointment county. They generally need five years of Texas law licensure and good standing with the State Bar. Appointments under Sections 54.991, 54.1231, and 54.1501 require two years instead. People who lost their judicial reelection in the immediately preceding election cannot qualify. Disqualifications also cover removal by impeachment, the Texas Supreme Court, the governor on legislative address, or a judicial-conduct tribunal. The law also bars people whose courts the legislature abolished, or who resigned while formal judicial-conduct proceedings were pending after notice. Earlier appointees remain under the rules in effect when they were appointed.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsors

  • David Cook

    House

  • Joan Huffman

    Republican • Senate

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 363 • No: 0

House vote • 5/20/2025

Record vote

Yes: 142 • No: 0

House vote • 5/19/2025

Record vote

Yes: 145 • No: 0

Senate vote • 4/9/2025

Record vote

Yes: 30 • No: 0

Senate vote • 4/9/2025

Record vote

Yes: 30 • No: 0

House vote • Unknown

Committee vote: Criminal Jurisprudence

Yes: 9 • No: 0

Senate vote • Unknown

Committee vote: Criminal Justice

Yes: 7 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Effective on 9/1/25

    5/30/2025House

  2. Signed by the Governor

    5/30/2025House

  3. Sent to the Governor

    5/21/2025House

  4. Signed in the House

    5/21/2025House

  5. Signed in the Senate

    5/21/2025Senate

  6. Reported enrolled

    5/20/2025Senate

  7. House passage reported

    5/20/2025Senate

  8. Statement(s) of vote recorded in Journal

    5/20/2025House

  9. Record vote (RV#3001)

    5/20/2025House

  10. Passed

    5/20/2025House

  11. Read 3rd time

    5/20/2025House

  12. Statement(s) of vote recorded in Journal

    5/19/2025House

  13. Record vote (RV#2926)

    5/19/2025House

  14. Passed to 3rd reading

    5/19/2025House

  15. Read 2nd time

    5/19/2025House

  16. Placed on Major State Calendar

    5/19/2025House

  17. Considered in Calendars

    5/15/2025House

  18. Committee report sent to Calendars

    5/10/2025House

  19. Committee report distributed

    5/10/2025House

  20. Comte report filed with Committee Coordinator

    5/9/2025House

  21. Reported favorably w/o amendment(s)

    5/6/2025House

  22. Testimony taken/registration(s) recorded in committee

    5/6/2025House

  23. Considered in public hearing

    5/6/2025House

  24. Scheduled for public hearing on . . .

    5/6/2025House

  25. Referred to Criminal Jurisprudence

    4/22/2025House

Bill Text

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