The bill amends the Government Code to establish new bond requirements for judges of statutory county courts and county judges who preside over guardianship and probate proceedings. Specifically, it mandates that these judges must execute a bond of not less than $500,000, replacing the previous tiered structure that set lower bond amounts based on county population. The bond is payable to the county treasurer and is conditioned on the judges faithfully performing their duties, including those specified in the Estates Code.

Additionally, the bill clarifies that the bond requirements do not apply to judges who do not preside over guardianship proceedings, judges of statutory probate courts who meet certain insurance or self-insurance criteria, and judges presiding over county criminal courts. The changes are set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Government Code 26.001 (Government Code 26)