The bill, S.B. No. 302, introduces provisions regarding the reimbursement of costs associated with the assignment of statutory probate court judges in Texas. It adds Section 352.054 to the Estates Code, which mandates that a judge assigned to hear a contested matter must order the estate to reimburse the county for any compensation and expenses incurred, as outlined in Section 25.0022(o-1) of the Government Code. This new section aims to ensure that counties are compensated for the costs associated with judicial assignments in probate proceedings.

Additionally, the bill amends Section 25.0022 of the Government Code by adding Subsection (o-1), which specifies that when a motion for the assignment of a statutory probate court judge is granted, the judge must order reimbursement for the county's expenses from the estate and the parties involved. It also clarifies how these costs should be equitably apportioned. The bill further modifies Subsection (p) to indicate that the county will pay additional compensation to judges assigned outside their county of residence, subject to the new reimbursement provisions. The act is set to take effect on September 1, 2025, and applies only to motions filed after this date.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Government Code 25.0022 (Government Code 25)