The bill, H.B. No. 4388, amends the Government Code and the Local Government Code to clarify the responsibilities and limitations of individuals holding judicial office in Texas. It introduces new provisions that prohibit a person in a judicial role from abandoning or relinquishing their judicial authority and duties as defined by the Texas Constitution, state statutes, or the Code of Judicial Conduct. Additionally, it establishes that judicial officers are subject to specific constitutional provisions and ethical guidelines regardless of the jurisdiction of the court they serve.

Furthermore, the bill adds a new section to the Local Government Code that explicitly prohibits county commissioners' courts from delegating judicial authority or duties unless specifically authorized by law. This aims to ensure that judicial responsibilities remain intact and are not improperly transferred to other entities. The provisions outlined in this bill are set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Government Code 21.001 (Government Code 21)