The bill, H.B. No. 5079, 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 required duration of legal practice is reduced to two years. Additionally, the bill removes previous requirements that mandated residency and a minimum of four years of legal practice for various magistrate positions.

The bill also modifies existing qualifications for magistrates and other judicial roles by eliminating the requirement for a four-year legal practice period and residency in the state for certain positions. It specifies that to qualify as an associate judge, individuals must have been licensed to practice law for at least five years and have relevant experience in guardianship or protective services proceedings. 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 54, Government Code 33)