The bill, S.B. No. 1576, amends the qualifications for masters, magistrates, referees, and associate judges in Texas. It introduces a new Subchapter A under Chapter 54 of the Government Code, which specifies that, generally, these judicial appointees must have been licensed to practice law in Texas for at least five years prior to their appointment. However, for certain positions listed in the bill, a minimum of two years of legal practice is required. Additionally, the bill modifies existing qualifications by removing the requirement for residency and four years of legal practice for various magistrate positions, while also establishing that the commissioners court will determine the minimum qualifications for magistrate positions.

The bill also updates specific sections of the Government Code to reflect these changes, including the qualifications for criminal law hearing officers and associate judges. Notably, it removes previous stipulations that required appointees to have served as justices of the peace or municipal court judges, and it clarifies that the qualifications for associate judges now require at least five years of legal practice. The changes will apply only to those appointed after the bill's effective date of September 1, 2025, ensuring that current appointees are governed by the law in effect at the time of their appointment.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Government Code 54.302, Government Code 54.652, Government Code 54.802, Government Code 54.853, Government Code 33.022, Government Code 54.902, Government Code 54.972, Government Code 54.1173, Government Code 54.1353, Government Code 54.1501, Government Code 54.1804, Government Code 54.1851, Government Code 54.1953, Government Code 54.2202, Government Code 54.2402, Government Code 54.2602, Government Code 54.2702, Government Code 54.2802, Government Code 54.2807 (Government Code 54, Government Code 33)