S.B. No. 387 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, the bill mandates that these judges must execute a bond of at least $500,000, replacing the previous tiered structure that set lower bond amounts based on county population. The bill also clarifies that the bond is conditioned on the judges faithfully performing their duties, particularly those related to the Estates Code.

Additionally, the bill specifies that certain judges are exempt from these bond requirements, including those who do not preside over guardianship proceedings, judges of statutory probate courts who have alternative bonding arrangements, 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)
Senate Committee Report: Government Code 26.001 (Government Code 26)
Engrossed: Government Code 26.001 (Government Code 26)
House Committee Report: Government Code 26.001 (Government Code 26)
Enrolled: Government Code 26.001 (Government Code 26)