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 technology, the establishment of specific timelines for hearing motions for summary judgment, and the introduction of a new definition for "official misconduct." Additionally, the bill sets a statute of limitations for complaints filed with the commission, allowing for dismissal after seven years unless good cause is shown, and imposes penalties for individuals who file false complaints. The commission is also mandated to maintain detailed records of complaints and notify judges of actions taken against them, thereby improving transparency within the judicial system.

Further amendments focus on the administration and compensation of judges, including the establishment of electronic submission systems for information collection and the requirement for the Supreme Court to adopt performance reporting rules. The bill increases the base salary for district court judges and modifies retirement benefits, ensuring that judges who return to service after retirement can rejoin the retirement system under specific conditions. It also recalculates annuities for those who have resumed service, reflecting the highest salary earned while in office. Overall, the bill aims to streamline judicial processes, enhance accountability, and ensure fair compensation for judges while providing necessary protections during investigations.

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 665, Government Code 814, Government Code 33, Government Code 834, Government Code 74, Government Code 659)
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 665, Government Code 22, Government Code 814, Government Code 33, Government Code 834, Government Code 74, Government Code 840, Government Code 659, Government Code 820, Government Code 837, Government Code 73)