The bill, S.B. No. 1222, amends various sections of the Government Code to allow for the appointment of former or retired justices of appellate courts as visiting judges in statutory probate courts. Key provisions include the presiding judge's authority to assign a former or retired justice of an appellate court to hear cases in statutory probate courts, alongside existing provisions for former or retired judges of statutory probate courts. The bill also establishes eligibility criteria for these justices, including requirements related to their professional conduct and experience, as well as stipulations regarding their compensation, which will be equivalent to that of a statutory probate court judge in the relevant county.

Additionally, the bill outlines the process for assigning judges in cases of recusal or disqualification, ensuring that a former or retired justice of an appellate court can be appointed under specific circumstances. The amendments aim to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the judicial process in probate courts by expanding the pool of qualified judges available for assignment. The act is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Government Code 25.0022, Government Code 25.002201, Government Code 25.00255 (Government Code 25)