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 establishes 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 specific positions outlined in the bill, such as those under Sections 54.991, 54.1231, 54.1501, 54.1851, 54.2001, 54.2301, and 54.2802, the requirement is reduced to two years of legal practice. Additionally, the bill modifies existing qualifications by removing the four-year licensing requirement for various magistrate positions and instead emphasizes residency and other criteria.

The bill also clarifies that to qualify as an associate judge, individuals must have been licensed to practice law for at least five years, with specific provisions regarding residency and prior judicial conduct. Notably, the bill eliminates previous requirements that mandated candidates to have served as justices of the peace or municipal court judges. The changes will apply only to those appointed after the bill's effective date of September 1, 2025, ensuring that current appointees are not affected by the new qualifications.

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 33, Government Code 54)