The bill, H.B. No. 1928, introduces new provisions regarding the reimbursement of costs associated with the assignment of statutory probate court judges in Texas. Specifically, it adds Section 352.054 to the Estates Code, which mandates that a judge assigned to hear a contested matter must order the estate to reimburse the county for any compensation and expenses incurred in accordance with the newly added Section 25.0022(o-1) of the Government Code. This section stipulates that if a party files a motion for the assignment of a judge and it is granted, the judge is required to ensure that the county is reimbursed for its costs from the estate and the parties involved in the proceeding.

Additionally, the bill amends Subsection (p) of Section 25.0022 to clarify that the county responsible for the judge's service will pay the additional compensation from its general fund, subject to the new reimbursement requirements. The provisions of this bill will only apply to motions filed on or after its effective date of September 1, 2025, ensuring that any motions filed prior will be governed by the existing law at that time.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Government Code 25.0022 (Government Code 25)