S.B. No. 664 amends the Government Code to establish new qualifications, training requirements, and removal procedures for various judicial positions in Texas, including masters, magistrates, referees, associate judges, and hearing officers. The bill introduces a new Subchapter A under Chapter 54, detailing specific eligibility criteria for appointment, such as residency, a minimum of five years of legal practice, and guidelines regarding prior judicial conduct. It also mandates that individuals involved in bail duties complete specified training as outlined in the Code of Criminal Procedure. Additionally, the bill clarifies the responsibilities of local administrative judges in supervising these officials and reporting any compliance violations.

The legislation revises existing qualifications for magistrates and hearing officers by removing outdated criteria and streamlining the requirements. This includes eliminating the necessity for certain prior judicial experience and adjusting the minimum years of legal practice required for various positions. The changes will take effect for new appointees after September 1, 2025, ensuring that current appointees remain under the laws in effect at their time of appointment. S.B. No. 664 has received unanimous support in both the Senate and the House and is now awaiting the Governor's approval.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Government Code 54.1173, Government Code 54.1353, Government Code 54.1501, Government Code 54.1851, Government Code 54.1953, Government Code 54.2202, Government Code 54.2402, Government Code 54.2702, Government Code 54.2802, Government Code 54.2807, Government Code 74.092 (Government Code 74, Government Code 54)
Senate Committee Report: Government Code 54.1173, Government Code 54.1353, Government Code 54.1501, Government Code 54.1851, Government Code 54.1953, Government Code 54.2202, Government Code 54.2402, Government Code 54.2702, Government Code 54.2802, Government Code 54.2807, Government Code 33.022, Government Code 74.092 (Government Code 74, Government Code 33, Government Code 54)
Engrossed: Government Code 54.1173, Government Code 54.1353, Government Code 54.1501, Government Code 54.1851, Government Code 54.1953, Government Code 54.2202, Government Code 54.2402, Government Code 54.2702, Government Code 54.2802, Government Code 54.2807, Government Code 33.022, Government Code 74.092 (Government Code 74, Government Code 33, Government Code 54)
House Committee Report: Government Code 54.1173, Government Code 54.1353, Government Code 54.1501, Government Code 54.1851, Government Code 54.1953, Government Code 54.2202, Government Code 54.2402, Government Code 54.2702, Government Code 54.2802, Government Code 54.2807, Government Code 33.022, Government Code 74.092 (Government Code 74, Government Code 33, Government Code 54)
Enrolled: Government Code 54.1173, Government Code 54.1353, Government Code 54.1501, Government Code 54.1851, Government Code 54.1953, Government Code 54.2202, Government Code 54.2402, Government Code 54.2702, Government Code 54.2802, Government Code 54.2807, Government Code 33.022, Government Code 74.092 (Government Code 74, Government Code 33, Government Code 54)