H.B. No. 2920 amends Section 27.055 of the Government Code regarding the appointment of special or temporary justices of the peace in Texas. The bill specifies that if a justice of the peace is disqualified, sick, or absent, the commissioners court, rather than the county judge, will appoint a qualified person to try the case if the parties cannot agree. Additionally, the bill allows the commissioners court to appoint a temporary justice if a justice is unable to perform their duties due to various reasons, including emergencies or disabilities. The temporary justice will receive compensation equivalent to that of the regular justice and will have the same rights and powers, except for making personnel decisions.

Furthermore, the bill introduces a requirement that the appointment of a special or temporary justice of the peace must be unanimous among the commissioners court members. It also expands the criteria for appointing temporary justices in counties with specific population and geographical characteristics. The changes made by this Act will only apply to appointments made after its effective date, which could be immediate or set for September 1, 2025, depending on legislative approval.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Government Code 27.055 (Government Code 27)