The bill amends various sections of the Government Code to enhance the discipline and transparency of judges through the State Commission on Judicial Conduct. Key provisions include the requirement for courts to conduct oral arguments via teleconferencing technology, the establishment of specific timelines for hearing motions for summary judgment, and the introduction of new definitions such as "official misconduct." The commission is granted authority to impose administrative penalties for false complaints, with specified monetary amounts based on the number of false complaints filed. Additionally, the bill mandates the maintenance of detailed files on complaints, timely notifications to judges regarding actions taken, and the preparation of annual compliance reports.

Significant changes also include the removal of provisions for private sanctions and the previous requirement for the commission to inform the legislature about complaints. New insertions establish a detailed notification process for judges regarding investigations and the creation of a judicial transparency information system. The bill further addresses the administration and compensation of judges, raising the annual base salary for district court judges and adjusting the compensation structure for justices of the Court of Appeals and the Supreme Court. It also modifies the eligibility requirements for retired judges seeking appointment and recalculates annuities for those who resume service, ensuring that their annuity reflects the highest annual state salary earned. The effective date for certain provisions is set for September 1, 2025, with some contingent upon a 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 659, Government Code 814, Government Code 834, Government Code 74, Government Code 33, Government Code 665)
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 659, Government Code 814, Government Code 834, Government Code 73, Government Code 840, Government Code 74, Government Code 33, Government Code 22, Government Code 665, Government Code 820, Government Code 837)