The bill amends various sections of the Government Code to enhance the discipline and accountability of judges through the State Commission on Judicial Conduct. Key provisions include the requirement for courts to conduct oral arguments via teleconferencing, the establishment of specific timelines for hearing motions for summary judgment, and the introduction of a new definition of "official misconduct." The bill also expands the criteria for "wilful or persistent conduct" inconsistent with a judge's duties, introduces a statute of limitations for filing complaints against judges, and imposes administrative penalties for individuals who file false complaints. Additionally, the commission is mandated to maintain detailed records of complaints and provide timely notifications to judges regarding their status.

Further amendments focus on the administration and compensation of judges, including a significant increase in the base salary for district court judges from $140,000 to $182,000, adjustments to the salary structure for appellate justices, and new reporting requirements for judges regarding their hours spent on judicial duties. The bill also modifies the Judicial Retirement System, recalculating annuities for those who resume service and increasing contribution rates for members. Overall, the bill aims to improve judicial transparency, streamline the disciplinary process, and ensure fair compensation for judges while enhancing the integrity of the judiciary. The bill is set to take effect on September 1, 2025, with some provisions contingent upon voter approval of a related constitutional amendment.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Government Code 33.001, Government Code 33.0211, Government Code 33.0212, Government Code 33.0213, Government Code 33.022, Government Code 33.034, Government Code 33.037, Government Code 74.055, Government Code 659.012, Government Code 665.052, Government Code 814.103, Government Code 834.102 (Government Code 33, Government Code 74, Government Code 659, Government Code 665, Government Code 814, Government Code 834)
House Committee Report: Government Code 22.302, Government Code 33.001, Government Code 33.0211, Government Code 33.0212, Government Code 33.0213, Government Code 33.022, Government Code 33.023, Government Code 33.032, Government Code 33.033, Government Code 33.034, Government Code 33.037, Government Code 73.003, Government Code 74.055, Government Code 659.012, Government Code 665.052, Government Code 814.103, Government Code 820.053, Government Code 834.102, Government Code 837.102, Government Code 837.103, Government Code 840.1025, Government Code 840.1027 (Government Code 33, Government Code 840, Government Code 74, Government Code 659, Government Code 22, Government Code 665, Government Code 814, Government Code 820, Government Code 837, Government Code 73, Government Code 834)