H.B. No. 2064 aims to strengthen the disciplinary framework for judges by the State Commission on Judicial Conduct, introducing clearer definitions of "wilful or persistent conduct that is clearly inconsistent with the proper performance of a judge's duties." The bill specifies failures to meet statutory or court-ordered deadlines as part of this conduct. It also requires the commission to maintain comprehensive complaint files, including additional documentation and timely notifications to judges regarding investigations. To deter false complaints, the bill establishes escalating fines for individuals who knowingly file such complaints. Additionally, if a public reprimand is issued against a judge for violations of the Code of Criminal Procedure, key state officials, including the governor and legislative leaders, must be notified.

The bill further amends the Government Code to enhance judicial accountability by suspending judges convicted of felonies or misdemeanors involving official misconduct without pay during the appeal process. It mandates quarterly reporting by district court judges on their judicial activities and requires the presiding judge of each administrative judicial region to compile and submit this information for annual reporting to state officials. The bill also modifies eligibility criteria for retired judges to ensure those with misconduct histories are excluded from potential assignments and increases the minimum annual base salary for district court judges from $140,000 to $161,000. Importantly, any future salary increases will not affect retirement annuities for judges who retired before September 1, 2025. The bill is set to take effect on September 1, 2025, and includes provisions for the State Commission on Judicial Conduct and the Texas Supreme Court to adopt necessary implementation rules.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Government Code 330.001, 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 834, Government Code 659, Government Code 330, Government Code 74, Government Code 33, Government Code 814)