The bill amends several sections of the Government Code regarding the assignment of retired and former justices and judges in Texas. It establishes new eligibility criteria for these individuals to be assigned to active service in appellate courts. Specifically, it reduces the required active service duration from 96 months to 72 months, mandates that the justice or judge must not have been publicly reprimanded or censured, and requires them to certify their willingness not to represent clients in certain courts for two years. Additionally, it introduces a requirement for justices and judges to certify their willingness not to hear cases involving current or former clients during their assignment.

The bill also updates the definition of "retired judge" and modifies the eligibility criteria for being named on a list of retired or former judges. Similar to the previous amendments, it reduces the required active service duration to 72 months and includes the same certification requirements regarding public reprimands and conflicts of interest. The changes apply only to assignments made after the bill's effective date, ensuring that prior assignments remain governed by the law in effect at that time. The act is set to take effect 91 days after the end of the legislative session.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Government Code 74.003, Government Code 74.041, Government Code 74.055 (Government Code 74)
House Committee Report: Government Code 74.003, Government Code 74.041, Government Code 74.055 (Government Code 74)
Engrossed: Government Code 74.003, Government Code 74.041, Government Code 74.055 (Government Code 74)