88R21825 AMF-D
	By: Leach, et al.	H.B. No. 3474
	Substitute the following for H.B. No. 3474:
	By:  Leach	C.S.H.B. No. 3474

	A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
	AN ACT
	relating to the operation and administration of and practices and
	procedures related to proceedings in the judicial branch of state
	government and the state of the judiciary; establishing a civil
	penalty; increasing certain court costs; authorizing fees.
	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
	ARTICLE 1.  APPELLATE AND DISTRICT COURTS
	SECTION 1.001.  Subchapter D, Chapter 22, Government Code,
	is amended by adding Section 22.3015 to read as follows:
	Sec. 22.3015.  EXPENSES OF APPELLATE COURT JUDGE OR JUSTICE.
	(a)  A justice of the supreme court, a judge of the court of criminal
	appeals, or a justice of a court of appeals engaged in the discharge
	of official duties in a county other than the justice's or judge's
	county of residence is entitled to traveling and other necessary
	expenses, as provided by Chapter 660.
	(b)  A justice of the supreme court, a judge of the court of
	criminal appeals, or a justice of a court of appeals is entitled to
	receive from the state the actual and necessary postage, telegraph,
	and telephone expenses incurred in the discharge of official
	duties.
	(c)  The expenses shall be paid by the state on a sworn
	itemized account showing the expenses.
	SECTION 1.002.  (a)  The heading to Section 24.384,
	Government Code, is amended to read as follows:
	Sec. 24.384.  205TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT ([CULBERSON,] EL
	PASO[,] AND HUDSPETH COUNTIES).
	(b)  Section 24.384(a), Government Code, is amended to read
	as follows:
	(a)  The 205th Judicial District is composed of [Culberson,]
	El Paso[,] and Hudspeth counties.
	(c)  Section 24.539, Government Code, is amended to read as
	follows:
	Sec. 24.539.  394TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT (BREWSTER, CULBERSON,
	[HUDSPETH,] JEFF DAVIS, AND PRESIDIO COUNTIES). (a) The 394th
	Judicial District is composed of Brewster, Culberson, [Hudspeth,]
	Jeff Davis, and Presidio counties.
	(b)  The terms of the 394th District Court begin:
	(1)  in Brewster County on the first Monday in March and
	the third Monday in September;
	(2)  in Culberson County on the third Monday in October
	and the first Monday in April;
	(3)  [in Hudspeth County on the third Monday in March
	and the first Monday in September;
	[(4)]  in Jeff Davis County on the second Mondays in
	January and July; and
	(4) [(5)]  in Presidio County on the third Monday after
	the first Mondays in January and July.
	(d)  The local administrative district judge shall transfer
	all cases from Culberson County that are pending in the 205th
	District Court on September 1, 2023, to the 394th District Court.
	(e)  The local administrative district judge shall transfer
	all cases from Hudspeth County that are pending in the 394th
	District Court on September 1, 2023, to the 205th District Court.
	(f)  When a case is transferred from a district court to
	another district court as provided by Subsections (d) and (e) of
	this section, all processes, writs, bonds, recognizances, or other
	obligations issued from the transferring court are returnable to
	the court to which the case is transferred as if originally issued
	by that court.  The obligees in all bonds and recognizances taken in
	and for a court from which a case is transferred, and all witnesses
	summoned to appear in a court from which a case is transferred, are
	required to appear before the court to which a case is transferred
	as if originally required to appear before the court to which the
	transfer is made.
	SECTION 1.003.  (a)  Effective January 1, 2025, Subchapter
	C, Chapter 24, Government Code, is amended by adding Section
	24.600201 to read as follows:
	Sec. 24.600201.  477TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT (DENTON COUNTY).
	The 477th Judicial District is composed of Denton County.
	(b)  The 477th Judicial District is created on January 1,
	2025.
	SECTION 1.004.  (a)  Subchapter C, Chapter 24, Government
	Code, is amended by adding Sections 24.60031, 24.60032, and
	24.60033 to read as follows:
	Sec. 24.60031.  486TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT (HARRIS COUNTY).
	(a)  The 486th Judicial District is composed of Harris County.
	(b)  The 486th District Court shall give preference to
	criminal cases.
	Sec. 24.60032.  487TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT (HARRIS COUNTY).
	(a)  The 487th Judicial District is composed of Harris County.
	(b)  The 487th District Court shall give preference to
	criminal cases.
	Sec. 24.60033.  488TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT (HARRIS COUNTY).
	(a)  The 488th Judicial District is composed of Harris County.
	(b)  The 488th District Court shall give preference to
	criminal cases.
	(b)  The 486th, 487th, and 488th Judicial Districts are
	created on September 1, 2023.
	SECTION 1.005.  (a)  Effective January 1, 2024, Subchapter
	C, Chapter 24, Government Code, is amended by adding Section
	24.60034 to read as follows:
	Sec. 24.60034.  489TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT (KAUFMAN COUNTY).
	The 489th Judicial District is composed of Kaufman County.
	(b)  The 489th Judicial District is created on January 1,
	2024.
	SECTION 1.006.  (a)  Subchapter C, Chapter 24, Government
	Code, is amended by adding Section 24.60038 to read as follows:
	Sec. 24.60038.  493RD JUDICIAL DISTRICT (COLLIN COUNTY).
	The 493rd Judicial District is composed of Collin County.
	(b)  The 493rd Judicial District is created on September 1,
	2023.
	SECTION 1.007.  (a)  Effective September 1, 2024, Subchapter
	C, Chapter 24, Government Code, is amended by adding Section
	24.60039 to read as follows:
	Sec. 24.60039.  494TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT (COLLIN COUNTY).
	The 494th Judicial District is composed of Collin County.
	(b)  The 494th Judicial District is created on September 1,
	2024.
	SECTION 1.008.  (a)  Effective September 1, 2024, Subchapter
	C, Chapter 24, Government Code, is amended by adding Sections
	24.60040, 24.60041, and 24.60042 to read as follows:
	Sec. 24.60040.  495TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT (HARRIS COUNTY).
	(a)  The 495th Judicial District is composed of Harris County.
	(b)  The 495th District Court shall give preference to
	criminal cases.
	Sec. 24.60041.  496TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT (HARRIS COUNTY).
	(a)  The 496th Judicial District is composed of Harris County.
	(b)  The 496th District Court shall give preference to
	criminal cases.
	Sec. 24.60042.  497TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT (HARRIS COUNTY).
	(a)  The 497th Judicial District is composed of Harris County.
	(b)  The 497th District Court shall give preference to
	criminal cases.
	(b)  The 495th, 496th, and 497th Judicial Districts are
	created on September 1, 2024.
	SECTION 1.009.  (a)  Subchapter C, Chapter 24, Government
	Code, is amended by adding Section 24.6009 to read as follows:
	Sec. 24.6009.  465TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT (BASTROP COUNTY).
	The 465th Judicial District is composed of Bastrop County.
	(b)  The 465th Judicial District is created on September 1,
	2023.
	SECTION 1.010.  (a)  Subchapter C, Chapter 24, Government
	Code, is amended by adding Section 24.60095 to read as follows:
	Sec. 24.60095.  472ND JUDICIAL DISTRICT (BRAZOS COUNTY).
	(a) The 472nd Judicial District is composed of Brazos County.
	(b)  The 472nd District Court has primary responsibility for
	cases involving civil matters, family law matters, and juvenile
	matters.
	(b)  The 472nd Judicial District is created on September 1,
	2023.
	SECTION 1.011.  Section 659.012(b), Government Code, is
	amended to read as follows:
	(b)  A judge or justice for whom the amount of a state base
	salary is prescribed by Subsection (a) is entitled to an annual
	salary from the state in the amount equal to:
	(1)  110 percent of the state base salary paid in
	accordance with Subsection (a) for the judge's or justice's
	position, beginning with the pay period that begins after the judge
	or justice accrues four years of:
	(A)  contributing service credit in the Judicial
	Retirement System of Texas Plan One or the Judicial Retirement
	System of Texas Plan Two;
	(B)  service as a judge of a statutory county
	court, multicounty statutory county court, or statutory probate
	court or as a district attorney, criminal district attorney, or
	county attorney; or
	(C)  combined contributing service credit and
	service as provided by Paragraphs (A) and (B); and
	(2)  120 percent of the state base salary paid in
	accordance with Subsection (a) for the judge's or justice's
	position, beginning with the pay period that begins after the judge
	or justice accrues eight years of:
	(A)  contributing service credit in the Judicial
	Retirement System of Texas Plan One or the Judicial Retirement
	System of Texas Plan Two;
	(B)  service as a judge of a statutory county
	court, multicounty statutory county court, or statutory probate
	court or as a district attorney, criminal district attorney, or
	county attorney; or
	(C)  combined contributing service credit and
	service as provided by Paragraphs (A) and (B).
	ARTICLE 2. STATUTORY COUNTY COURTS
	SECTION 2.001.  Section 25.0005(a), Government Code, is
	amended to read as follows:
	(a)  A statutory county court judge, other than a statutory
	county court judge who engages in the private practice of law, shall
	be paid a total annual salary set by the commissioners court at an
	amount that is not less than $1,000 less than the sum of the annual
	salary as set by the General Appropriations Act in accordance with
	Section 659.012 paid to a district judge with comparable years of
	service as the statutory county court judge and any state or county
	contributions and supplements paid to a district judge in the
	county, other than contributions received as compensation under
	Section 74.051. A statutory county court judge's total annual
	salary includes any state or county contributions and supplements
	paid to the judge. For purposes of this subsection, the years of
	service of a statutory county court judge include any years of
	service as:
	(1)  an appellate court, district court, multicounty
	statutory county court, or statutory probate court justice or
	judge; or
	(2)  a district attorney, criminal district attorney,
	or county attorney.
	SECTION 2.002.  Section 25.0023(a), Government Code, is
	amended to read as follows:
	(a)  The commissioners court shall set the total annual
	salary of each judge of a statutory probate court at an amount that
	is at least equal to the sum of the annual salary as set by the
	General Appropriations Act in accordance with Section 659.012 paid
	to a district judge with comparable years of service as the
	statutory probate court judge and any state or county contributions
	and supplements paid to a district judge in the county, other than
	contributions received as compensation under Section 74.051. A
	statutory probate court judge's total annual salary includes any
	state or county contributions and supplements paid to the judge,
	other than contributions paid under Section 25.0022(e). For
	purposes of this subsection, the years of service of a statutory
	probate court judge include any years of service as:
	(1)  an appellate court, district court, multicounty
	statutory county court, or statutory county court justice or judge;
	or
	(2)  a district attorney, criminal district attorney,
	or county attorney.
	SECTION 2.003.  (a)  Sections 25.0062(a) and (b), Government
	Code, are amended to read as follows:
	(a)  In addition to the jurisdiction provided by Section
	25.0003 and other law, a county court at law of Aransas County has
	concurrent jurisdiction with the district court in:
	(1)  family law cases and proceedings; [and]
	(2)  felony cases to conduct arraignments, conduct
	pretrial hearings, and accept guilty pleas; and
	(3)  civil cases in which the matter in controversy
	exceeds the maximum amount provided by Section 25.0003.
	(b)  The district clerk serves as clerk of a county court at
	law in felony cases, in [and] family law cases and proceedings, and
	in civil cases in which the matter in controversy exceeds $250,000.
	The [and the] county clerk serves as clerk of a county court at law
	in all other cases. The district clerk shall establish a separate
	docket for a county court at law. The commissioners court shall
	provide the deputy clerks, bailiffs, and other personnel necessary
	to operate a county court at law.
	(b)  Sections 25.0062(a) and (b), Government Code, as
	amended by this section, apply only to a case filed or proceeding
	commenced on or after September 1, 2023. A case filed or proceeding
	commenced before September 1, 2023, is governed by the law in effect
	on the date the case was filed or the proceeding was commenced, and
	the former law is continued in effect for that purpose.
	SECTION 2.004.  (a)  Section 25.0171(c), Government Code, is
	amended to read as follows:
	(c)  Bexar County also has the following statutory probate
	courts:
	(1)  Probate Court No. 1 of Bexar County, Texas; [and]
	(2)  Probate Court No. 2 of Bexar County, Texas; and
	(3)  Probate Court No. 3 of Bexar County, Texas.
	(b)  The Probate Court No. 3 of Bexar County, Texas, is
	created on September 1, 2023.
	SECTION 2.005.  (a)  Section 25.0173, Government Code, is
	amended by amending Subsections (a) and (o) and adding Subsection
	(p) to read as follows:
	(a)  A statutory probate court in Bexar County has the
	general jurisdiction of a probate court as provided by Section
	25.0021.  Probate Courts Nos. 1, [and] 2, and 3 have eminent domain
	jurisdiction and jurisdiction to decide the issue of title to real
	or personal property.  Notwithstanding the local rules adopted
	under Section 74.093, the county clerk shall docket all eminent
	domain cases equally among [in] Probate Courts Nos. [Court No.] 1,
	[and Probate Court No.] 2, and 3.
	(o)  Notwithstanding the local rules adopted under Section
	74.093, the county clerk shall:
	(1)  docket all mental health matters in Probate Court
	No. 1; and
	(2)  assign equally among the statutory probate courts
	in Bexar County and [shall] docket at random all other matters and
	proceedings filed in the statutory probate courts in Bexar County
	[even-numbered probate cases in Probate Court No. 2 and all
	odd-numbered probate cases in Probate Court No. 1].
	(p)  Notwithstanding Section 25.0022(h), in the absence,
	disqualification, or incapacity of a statutory probate judge in
	Bexar County or on the judge's request, the statutory probate
	judges in Bexar County may sit and act for each other in any probate
	matter or proceeding.  A statutory probate judge in Bexar County
	may:
	(1)  hear and determine any matter or proceeding
	pending in another statutory probate court in Bexar County; or
	(2)  enter any order in the matter or proceeding that
	the judge of the other statutory probate court in Bexar County may
	enter.
	(b)  Section 25.0173(j), Government Code, is repealed.
	(c)  Notwithstanding Section 25.0173, Government Code, as
	amended by this section, the county clerk for Bexar County shall
	assign to Probate Court No. 3 of Bexar County, Texas, one-third of
	all cases pending on September 1, 2023, in Probate Court No. 1 of
	Bexar County, Texas, and Probate Court No. 2 of Bexar County,
	Texas, that were filed before January 1, 2020.
	SECTION 2.006.  (a)  Section 25.0331, Government Code, is
	amended by amending Subsection (a) and adding Subsection (a-1) to
	read as follows:
	(a)  Cameron County has the following statutory county
	courts:
	(1)  County Court at Law No. 1 of Cameron County;
	(2)  County Court at Law No. 2 of Cameron County;
	(3)  County Court at Law No. 3 of Cameron County; and
	(4)  [County Court at Law No. 4 of Cameron County; and
	[(5)]  County Court at Law No. 5 of Cameron County.
	(a-1)  Cameron County has one statutory probate court, the
	Probate Court No. 1 of Cameron County.
	(b)  The County Court at Law No. 4 of Cameron County is
	redesignated as the Probate Court No. 1 of Cameron County effective
	September 1, 2023.
	SECTION 2.007.  (a)  Section 25.0332(a), Government Code, is
	amended to read as follows:
	(a)  In addition to the jurisdiction provided by Section
	25.0003 and other law, a county court at law in Cameron County has[:
	[(1) concurrent with the county court, the probate
	jurisdiction provided by general law for county courts; and
	[(2)] concurrent jurisdiction with the district court
	in civil cases in which the amount in controversy exceeds $500 but
	does not exceed $1 million, excluding interest.
	(b)  Subchapter C, Chapter 25, Government Code, is amended by
	adding Section 25.0333 to read as follows:
	Sec. 25.0333.  CAMERON COUNTY PROBATE COURT PROVISIONS. (a)
	A statutory probate court in Cameron County has the jurisdiction of
	a probate court as provided by Section 25.0021.
	(b)  A statutory probate court in Cameron County has
	jurisdiction over mental health cases diverted from the criminal
	justice system in the county.
	(c)  Section 25.0332(b), Government Code, is repealed.
	(d)  The judge of the County Court at Law No. 4 of Cameron
	County shall transfer all active cases over which the court loses
	jurisdiction under this section and that are pending in the court on
	September 1, 2023, to a district court, county court at law, or
	county court in the county with jurisdiction over the case.
	(e)  The local administrative statutory county court judge
	shall transfer any active probate matter that is pending in a
	statutory county court in Cameron County on September 1, 2023, to
	Probate Court No. 1 of Cameron County.
	(f)  When a case is transferred as provided by Subsection (d)
	or (e) of this section, all processes, writs, bonds, recognizances,
	or other obligations issued from the transferring court are
	returnable to the court to which the case is transferred as if
	originally issued by that court.  The obligees on all bonds and
	recognizances taken in and for a court from which a case is
	transferred, and all witnesses summoned to appear in a court from
	which a case is transferred, are required to appear before the court
	to which a case is transferred as if originally required to appear
	before that court.
	SECTION 2.008.  (a)  Section 25.0592(l), Government Code, is
	amended to read as follows:
	(l)  Sections 25.0006 and 25.0007(b) [25.0007] do not apply
	to a county court at law in Dallas County.
	(b)  Section 25.0592(l), Government Code, as amended by this
	section, applies only to a jury impaneled on or after September 1,
	2023.
	SECTION 2.009.  Section 25.0932, Government Code, is amended
	by amending Subsection (a) and adding Subsection (b) to read as
	follows:
	(a)  In addition to the jurisdiction provided by Section
	25.0003 and other law, a county court at law in Grayson County has:
	(1)  original concurrent jurisdiction with the justice
	court in all civil and criminal matters over which the justice court
	has jurisdiction; and
	(2)  concurrent jurisdiction with the district court in
	family law cases and proceedings.
	(b)  The district clerk serves as clerk of a county court at
	law in family law cases and proceedings, and the county clerk serves
	as clerk of the court in all other cases.
	SECTION 2.010.  (a)  Effective October 1, 2023, Section
	25.1721, Government Code, is amended to read as follows:
	Sec. 25.1721.  MONTGOMERY COUNTY.  (a) Montgomery County
	has the following statutory county courts:
	(1)  County Court at Law No. 1 of Montgomery County;
	(2)  [County Court at Law No. 2 of Montgomery County;
	[(3)]  County Court at Law No. 3 of Montgomery County;
	(3) [(4)]  County Court at Law No. 4 of Montgomery
	County;
	(4) [(5)]  County Court at Law No. 5 of Montgomery
	County; and
	(5) [(6)]  County Court at Law No. 6 of Montgomery
	County.
	(b)  Montgomery County has one statutory probate court, the
	Probate Court No. 1 of Montgomery County.
	(b)  The County Court at Law No. 2 of Montgomery County is
	redesignated as the Probate Court No. 1 of Montgomery County
	effective October 1, 2023.
	(c)  Effective October 1, 2023, the judge of the County Court
	at Law No. 2 of Montgomery County is the judge of the Probate Court
	No. 1 of Montgomery County.  Unless otherwise removed, the judge
	serves until December 31, 2026, and until the judge's successor is
	elected and has qualified.  In the 2026 general election and every
	four years following that election, the qualified voters of the
	county shall elect a judge of the Probate Court No. 1 of Montgomery
	County for a regular term of four years.
	SECTION 2.011.  (a)  Effective October 1, 2023, Subchapter
	C, Chapter 25, Government Code, is amended by adding Section
	25.1723 to read as follows:
	Sec. 25.1723.  MONTGOMERY COUNTY PROBATE COURT PROVISIONS.
	(a)  In this section, "remote proceeding" means a proceeding before
	a court in which one or more of the participants, including a judge,
	party, attorney, witness, court reporter, or other individual,
	attends the proceeding remotely through the use of technology.
	(b)  A statutory probate court of Montgomery County has
	concurrent jurisdiction with the district court, regardless of the
	amount in controversy or the relief sought, in:
	(1)  disputes relating to the creation of a
	constructive trust;
	(2)  declaratory judgment actions;
	(3)  actions in which the only relief sought is a writ
	of injunction; and
	(4)  actions to appoint a receiver under any law,
	including Section 11.402, Business Organizations Code.
	(c)  A statutory probate court of Montgomery County has
	eminent domain jurisdiction, including the jurisdiction provided
	to a district court under Sections 21.002 and 21.003, Property
	Code, regardless of the amount in controversy or the remedy sought.
	All eminent domain actions, cases, matters, or proceedings arising
	under Chapter 21, Property Code, or under Section 251.101,
	Transportation Code, shall be filed and docketed in a statutory
	probate court.
	(d)  A statutory probate court of Montgomery County may
	conduct docket matters at any location in the county as the
	statutory probate court judge considers necessary for the
	protection of wards or mental health respondents or as otherwise
	provided by law.
	(e)  A statutory probate court of Montgomery County may:
	(1)  conduct a hearing or other proceeding as a remote
	proceeding without the consent of the parties unless the United
	States Constitution or Texas Constitution requires consent; and
	(2)  allow or require a party, attorney, witness, court
	reporter, or any other individual to participate in a remote
	proceeding, including a deposition, hearing, or other proceeding
	under this title.
	(f)  A judge of a statutory probate court in Montgomery
	County and a judge of a district court or statutory county court in
	Montgomery County may exchange benches and may sit and act for each
	other in any matter pending before the court.
	(g)  The county clerk of Montgomery County serves as clerk of
	a statutory probate court.
	(h)  A statutory probate court of Montgomery County may
	appoint as a court investigator an employee of the court or another
	department in the county to comply with Section 25.0025.
	(i)  In addition to the uses authorized by Section 135.159,
	Local Government Code, Montgomery County may use the fees collected
	under Section 135.102, Local Government Code, and deposited into
	the judicial education and support fund to provide staff for the
	statutory probate courts and for court-related purposes for the
	support of the statutory probate courts.
	(b)  The judge of the County Court at Law No. 2 of Montgomery
	County shall transfer all active cases over which the court loses
	jurisdiction under this section and that are pending in the court on
	October 1, 2023, to a district court, county court at law, or county
	court in the county with jurisdiction over the case.
	(c)  The local administrative statutory county court judge
	shall transfer any active probate matter that is pending in a
	statutory county court in Montgomery County on October 1, 2023, to
	Probate Court No. 1 of Montgomery County.
	(d)  When a case is transferred as provided by Subsection (b)
	or (c) of this section, all processes, writs, bonds, recognizances,
	or other obligations issued from the transferring court are
	returnable to the court to which the case is transferred as if
	originally issued by that court.  The obligees on all bonds and
	recognizances taken in and for a court from which a case is
	transferred, and all witnesses summoned to appear in a court from
	which a case is transferred, are required to appear before the court
	to which a case is transferred as if originally required to appear
	before that court.
	SECTION 2.012.  (a)  Effective October 1, 2023, Section
	25.2291(c), Government Code, is amended to read as follows:
	(c)  Travis County has the following [one] statutory probate
	courts:
	(1)  [court, the] Probate Court No. 1 of Travis County;
	and
	(2)  Probate Court No. 2 of Travis County.
	(b)  The Probate Court No. 2 of Travis County is created on
	October 1, 2023.
	SECTION 2.013.  (a)  Effective October 1, 2023, Section
	25.2293, Government Code, is amended by adding Subsections (d),
	(e), (h), and (k) to read as follows:
	(d)  Probate Court No. 2 of Travis County has primary
	responsibility for mental health matters.
	(e)  The county clerk shall docket:
	(1)  all mental health matters in Probate Court No. 2,
	notwithstanding the local rules adopted under Section 74.093;
	(2)  all odd-numbered probate, guardianship, and trust
	cases, and related cases, as defined by the local rules, in Probate
	Court No. 1; and
	(3)  all even-numbered probate, guardianship, and
	trust cases, and related cases, as defined by the local rules, in
	Probate Court No. 2.
	(h)  The county clerk shall appoint a deputy clerk for each
	statutory probate court. A deputy clerk serves at the pleasure of
	the judge of the court to which the deputy clerk is assigned. A
	deputy clerk must take the constitutional oath of office, and the
	county clerk may require the deputy clerk to furnish a bond in an
	amount, conditioned and payable, as required by law. A deputy clerk
	acts in the name of the county clerk and may perform any other
	service required by the judge of a statutory probate court. A
	deputy clerk shall attend all sessions of the court to which the
	deputy clerk is assigned.
	(k)  In case of the absence, disqualification, or incapacity
	of a judge of a statutory probate court of Travis County, or for any
	other reason, the judges of the statutory probate courts of Travis
	County may sit and act for each other in any matter or proceeding
	pending in either court.
	(b)  Effective October 1, 2023, Section 25.2293(m),
	Government Code, is repealed.
	SECTION 2.014.  (a) Section 25.2391, Government Code, is
	amended to read as follows:
	Sec. 25.2391.  WALLER COUNTY. (a) Waller County has the
	following [one] statutory county courts:
	(1)  [court, the] County Court at Law No. 1 of Waller
	County; and
	(2)  County Court at Law No. 2 of Waller County.
	(b)  The county courts at law [County Court at Law] of Waller
	County sit [sits] in Hempstead.
	(b)  On September 1, 2023, the County Court at Law of Waller
	County is redesignated County Court at Law No. 1 of Waller County.
	(c)  The judge of the County Court at Law of Waller County is
	the judge of County Court at Law No. 1 of Waller County.
	(d)  This section does not affect the term of office of a
	judge of a court redesignated by this section. The judge, unless
	otherwise removed as provided by law, continues to serve for the
	term for which the judge was elected.
	(e)  The County Court at Law No. 2 of Waller County is created
	on September 1, 2023.
	SECTION 2.015.  Section 25.2392, Government Code, is amended
	by adding Subsection (b) to read as follows:
	(b)  County Court at Law No. 2 has the jurisdiction provided
	by the constitution and by general law for district courts,
	including jurisdiction in felony criminal cases.
	SECTION 2.016.  (a) Subchapter C, Chapter 25, Government
	Code, is amended by adding Section 25.2491 to read as follows:
	Sec. 25.2491.  WILSON COUNTY. Wilson County has one
	statutory county court, the County Court at Law of Wilson County.
	(b)  The County Court at Law of Wilson County is created on
	September 1, 2023.
	SECTION 2.017.  Section 25.2607(d), Government Code, is
	amended to read as follows:
	(d)  Notwithstanding Section 25.0015, the state shall
	annually compensate the administrative county of a multicounty
	statutory county court for the salary of the judge of the
	multicounty statutory county court in an amount equal to 100
	percent of the state [base] salary paid to a district judge with
	comparable years of service as the multicounty statutory county
	court judge, as set by the General Appropriations Act in accordance
	with Section 659.012 [659.012(a)]. For purposes of this subsection,
	the years of service of a multicounty statutory county court judge
	include any years of service as:
	(1)  an appellate court, district court, statutory
	county court, or statutory probate court justice or judge; or
	(2)  a district attorney, criminal district attorney,
	or county attorney.
	SECTION 2.018.  (a) Subchapter F, Chapter 25, Government
	Code, is amended by adding Sections 25.2703 and 25.2704 to read as
	follows:
	Sec. 25.2703.  2ND MULTICOUNTY COURT AT LAW (BEE, LIVE OAK,
	AND MCMULLEN COUNTIES).  Bee, Live Oak, and McMullen Counties have a
	multicounty statutory county court composed of those counties, the
	2nd Multicounty Court at Law.
	Sec. 25.2704.  2ND MULTICOUNTY COURT AT LAW PROVISIONS. (a)
	In addition to the jurisdiction provided by Section 25.0003 and
	other law, the 2nd Multicounty Court at Law has concurrent
	jurisdiction with the district courts, except in civil cases in
	which the matter in controversy exceeds the amount provided by
	Section 25.0003(c)(1).
	(b)  Bee County is the administrative county for the 2nd
	Multicounty Court at Law.
	(c)  Bee, Live Oak, and McMullen Counties shall enter into an
	interlocal agreement allocating the financial obligations of each
	county in relation to the county court at law and the budget,
	powers, and duties of the court and salaries of court personnel.
	(d)  If the counties served by the county court at law are
	unable to reach an agreement under Subsection (c) before the first
	day of the fiscal year for a county served by the court, each county
	shall pay to the court's administrative county a share of the
	court's administrative and operational costs for the fiscal year
	based on the proportion of the court's caseload originating in the
	county during the preceding year. A county is entitled to
	compensation from the state under Section 25.0015 in proportion to
	the amount paid under this subsection.
	(e)  The district clerk serves as clerk of the county court
	at law in matters of concurrent jurisdiction with the district
	court, and the county clerk serves as clerk of the county court at
	law in all other cases.
	(f)  Sections 25.0006, 25.0008, and 74.054(b) do not apply to
	the county court at law.
	(g)  Notwithstanding Section 74.121(b)(1), in matters of
	concurrent jurisdiction, the judge of the 2nd Multicounty Court at
	Law and the judges of the district courts in Bee, Live Oak, and
	McMullen Counties may exchange benches and courtrooms and may
	transfer cases between their dockets in the same manner that judges
	of district courts exchange benches and courtrooms and transfer
	cases under Section 24.003.
	(b)  The 2nd Multicounty Court at Law is created on September
	1, 2023.
	ARTICLE 3. JUSTICE COURTS
	SECTION 3.001.  Section 154.005, Local Government Code, is
	amended by adding Subsection (a-1) to read as follows:
	(a-1)  A justice of the peace who receives any fee,
	commission, or payment authorized under Subsection (a) during a
	calendar year shall submit to the Texas Ethics Commission a report
	on the total amount of fees, commissions, and payments received
	under that subsection during the year. The report must be filed not
	later than May 1 of the following year and is public information for
	purposes of Chapter 552, Government Code.
	SECTION 3.002.  (a) Section 92.0563(e), Property Code, is
	amended to read as follows:
	(e)  A justice court may not award a judgment under this
	section, including an order of repair, that exceeds $20,000
	[$10,000], excluding interest and costs of court.
	(b)  Section 92.0563(e), Property Code, as amended by this
	section, applies only to a cause of action that accrues on or after
	September 1, 2023. A cause of action that accrues before that date
	is governed by the law in effect immediately before that date, and
	that law is continued in effect for that purpose.
	ARTICLE 4. CRIMINAL LAW MAGISTRATES
	SECTION 4.001.  Article 2.09, Code of Criminal Procedure, is
	amended to read as follows:
	Art. 2.09.  WHO ARE MAGISTRATES. Each of the following
	officers is a magistrate within the meaning of this Code: The
	justices of the Supreme Court, the judges of the Court of Criminal
	Appeals, the justices of the Courts of Appeals, the judges of the
	District Court, the magistrates appointed by the judges of the
	district courts of Bexar County, Dallas County, or Tarrant County
	that give preference to criminal cases, the criminal law hearing
	officers for Harris County appointed under Subchapter L, Chapter
	54, Government Code, the criminal law hearing officers for Cameron
	County appointed under Subchapter BB, Chapter 54, Government Code,
	the magistrates or associate judges appointed by the judges of the
	district courts of Lubbock County, Nolan County, or Webb County,
	the magistrates appointed by the judges of the criminal district
	courts of Dallas County or Tarrant County, the associate judges
	appointed by the judges of the district courts and the county courts
	at law that give preference to criminal cases in Jefferson County,
	the magistrates appointed by the judges of the district courts and
	statutory county courts in Denton County, the magistrates appointed
	by the judges of the district courts and statutory county courts in
	Grayson County, the associate judges appointed by the judges of the
	district courts and the statutory county courts of Brazos County,
	Nueces County, or Williamson County, the magistrates appointed by
	the judges of the district courts and statutory county courts that
	give preference to criminal cases in Travis County, the criminal
	magistrates appointed by the Brazoria County Commissioners Court,
	the criminal magistrates appointed by the Burnet County
	Commissioners Court, the magistrates appointed by the El Paso
	Council of Judges, the county judges, the judges of the county
	courts at law, judges of the county criminal courts, the judges of
	statutory probate courts, the associate judges appointed by the
	judges of the statutory probate courts under Chapter 54A,
	Government Code, the associate judges appointed by the judge of a
	district court under Chapter 54A, Government Code, the magistrates
	appointed under Subchapter JJ, Chapter 54, Government Code, the
	magistrates appointed by the Collin County Commissioners Court, the
	magistrates appointed by the Fort Bend County Commissioners Court,
	the justices of the peace, and the mayors and recorders and the
	judges of the municipal courts of incorporated cities or towns.
	SECTION 4.002.  Article 4.01, Code of Criminal Procedure, is
	amended to read as follows:
	Art. 4.01.  WHAT COURTS HAVE CRIMINAL JURISDICTION. The
	following courts have jurisdiction in criminal actions:
	1.  The Court of Criminal Appeals;
	2.  Courts of appeals;
	3.  The district courts;
	4.  The criminal district courts;
	5.  The magistrates appointed by the judges of the
	district courts of Bexar County, Dallas County, Tarrant County, or
	Travis County that give preference to criminal cases and the
	magistrates appointed by the judges of the criminal district courts
	of Dallas County or Tarrant County;
	6.  The county courts;
	7.  All county courts at law with criminal
	jurisdiction;
	8.  County criminal courts;
	9.  Justice courts;
	10.  Municipal courts;
	11.  The magistrates appointed by the judges of the
	district courts of Lubbock County;
	12.  The magistrates appointed by the El Paso Council
	of Judges;
	13.  The magistrates appointed by the Collin County
	Commissioners Court;
	14.  The magistrates appointed by the Brazoria County
	Commissioners Court or the local administrative judge for Brazoria
	County; [and]
	15.  The magistrates appointed by the judges of the
	district courts of Tom Green County;
	16.  The magistrates appointed by the judges of the
	district and statutory county courts of Denton County; and
	17.  The magistrates appointed by the judges of the
	district and statutory county courts of Grayson County.
	SECTION 4.003.  Chapter 54, Government Code, is amended by
	adding Subchapter RR to read as follows:
	SUBCHAPTER RR.  GRAYSON COUNTY CRIMINAL MAGISTRATES
	Sec. 54.2701.  AUTHORIZATION; APPOINTMENT; ELIMINATION.
	(a) The Commissioners Court of Grayson County may authorize the
	judges of the district and statutory county courts in Grayson
	County to appoint one or more part-time or full-time magistrates to
	perform the duties authorized by this subchapter.
	(b)  The judges of the district and statutory county courts
	in Grayson County by a unanimous vote may appoint magistrates as
	authorized by the Commissioners Court of Grayson County.
	(c)  An order appointing a magistrate must be signed by the
	local presiding judge of the district courts serving Grayson
	County, and the order must state:
	(1)  the magistrate's name; and
	(2)  the date the magistrate's employment is to begin.
	(d)  An authorized magistrate's position may be eliminated
	on a majority vote of the Commissioners Court of Grayson County.
	Sec. 54.2702.  QUALIFICATIONS; OATH OF OFFICE. (a) To be
	eligible for appointment as a magistrate, a person must be a
	resident of this state and:
	(1)  have served as a justice of the peace or municipal
	court judge for at least four years before the date of appointment;
	or
	(2)  have been licensed to practice law in this state
	for at least four years before the date of appointment.
	(b)  A magistrate appointed under Section 54.2701 must take
	the constitutional oath of office required of appointed officers of
	this state.
	Sec. 54.2703.  COMPENSATION. A magistrate is entitled to
	the salary determined by the Commissioners Court of Grayson County.
	Sec. 54.2704.  JURISDICTION. A magistrate has concurrent
	criminal jurisdiction with the judges of the justice of the peace
	courts of Grayson County.
	Sec. 54.2705.  POWERS AND DUTIES. (a)  The Commissioners
	Court of Grayson County shall establish the powers and duties of a
	magistrate appointed under this subchapter.  Except as otherwise
	provided by the commissioners court, a magistrate has the powers of
	a magistrate under the Code of Criminal Procedure and other laws of
	this state and may administer an oath for any purpose.
	(b)  A magistrate shall give preference to performing the
	duties of a magistrate under Article 15.17, Code of Criminal
	Procedure.
	(c)  The commissioners court may designate one or more
	magistrates to hold regular hearings to:
	(1)  give admonishments;
	(2)  set and review bail and conditions of release;
	(3)  appoint legal counsel; and
	(4)  determine other routine matters relating to
	preindictment or pending cases within those courts' jurisdiction.
	(d)  In the hearings described by Subsection (c), a
	magistrate shall give preference to the case of an individual held
	in county jail.
	(e)  A magistrate may inquire into a defendant's intended
	plea to the charge and set the case for an appropriate hearing
	before a judge or master.
	Sec. 54.2706.  JUDICIAL IMMUNITY. A magistrate has the same
	judicial immunity as a district judge.
	Sec. 54.2707.  WITNESSES. (a)  A witness who is sworn and
	who appears before a magistrate is subject to the penalties for
	perjury and aggravated perjury provided by law.
	(b)  A referring court may fine or imprison a witness or
	other court participant for failure to appear after being summoned,
	refusal to answer questions, or other acts of direct contempt
	before a magistrate.
	SECTION 4.004.  Chapter 54, Government Code, is amended by
	adding Subchapter SS to read as follows:
	SUBCHAPTER SS.  DENTON COUNTY CRIMINAL LAW MAGISTRATE COURT
	Sec. 54.2801.  CREATION. The Denton County Criminal Law
	Magistrate Court is a court with the jurisdiction provided by this
	subchapter.
	Sec. 54.2802.  APPOINTMENT; OVERSIGHT.  (a)  The district
	court judges with jurisdiction in Denton County and the judges of
	the criminal statutory county courts of Denton County shall appoint
	one or more judges to preside over the criminal law magistrate
	court.  An appointed judge must:
	(1)  serve Denton County as a district court judge, a
	criminal statutory county court judge, an associate judge of a
	court with criminal jurisdiction, a magistrate, including a jail
	magistrate, a judge of a municipal court of record, or a justice of
	the peace;
	(2)  be a licensed attorney in good standing with the
	State Bar of Texas;
	(3)  be authorized to access criminal history records
	under state and federal law;
	(4)  have completed training necessary to serve as a
	magistrate in Denton County, as determined by the district court
	judges with jurisdiction in Denton County and the judges of the
	criminal statutory county courts of Denton County; and
	(5)  meet the qualifications under Section 54.2807.
	(b)  The district court judges with jurisdiction in Denton
	County and the judges of the criminal statutory county courts of
	Denton County shall:
	(1)  designate to oversee the criminal law magistrate
	court either:
	(A)  one district court judge and one criminal
	statutory county court judge; or
	(B)  a criminal law magistrate court associate
	judge appointed under Section 54.2805; and
	(2)  supervise the magistrate court to ensure the
	magistrates appointed give preference to duties under Chapters 14,
	15, 16, 17, and 18, Code of Criminal Procedure.
	(c)  The magistrates of the criminal law magistrate court
	shall comply with the standing orders and directives regarding
	criminal cases of the district court judges with jurisdiction in
	Denton County and the judges of the criminal statutory county
	courts of Denton County, including a presiding criminal judge of
	Denton County.
	Sec. 54.2803.  JURISDICTION.  (a)  Except as provided by
	Subsection (b), the criminal law magistrate court has the criminal
	jurisdiction provided for magistrates by the constitution and laws
	of this state in all criminal cases:
	(1)  alleging an offense other than an offense
	punishable only as a Class C misdemeanor;
	(2)  for which a magistrate or judge has determined
	there is probable cause to believe the defendant committed the
	crime alleged;
	(3)  in which the defendant has been released or is
	confined in the Denton County jail; and
	(4)  in which either:
	(A)  the defendant has not yet been charged by
	information or indictment; or
	(B)  the judge presiding over the case has
	specifically authorized the criminal law magistrate to take certain
	actions.
	(b)  The criminal law magistrate court and the criminal law
	magistrate court associate judge do not have jurisdiction to:
	(1)  hear a trial on the merits of an offense, except as
	provided by Section 54.2811(c); or
	(2)  take any action not specifically authorized by an
	order of referral from the judge presiding in a criminal case in
	which the defendant has been charged by information or indictment.
	(c)  The magisterial duties in a criminal case shall be
	transferred to the criminal law magistrate court:
	(1)  on request of a presiding judge in a criminal case
	for which the defendant has been charged by information or
	indictment; or
	(2)  after a defendant has been transferred to the
	custody of the Denton County jail or released from custody on bond
	in Denton County.
	Sec. 54.2804.  POWERS AND DUTIES. The criminal law
	magistrate court may:
	(1)  determine probable cause for purposes of an arrest
	or search;
	(2)  issue an order of commitment, a warrant of arrest,
	or an order of protection;
	(3)  perform the duty of a magistrate under Chapters
	14, 15, 16, 17, and 18, Code of Criminal Procedure;
	(4)  reduce or modify a bond, find a bond ordered by
	another judge or magistrate to be insufficient, or require
	conditions of a bond;
	(5)  hear any motion filed in a case over which the
	court has jurisdiction;
	(6)  administer oaths; and
	(7)  perform an action on a proceeding referred to the
	magistrate under Section 54.2811.
	Sec. 54.2805.  CRIMINAL LAW MAGISTRATE COURT ASSOCIATE
	JUDGE. The district court judges with jurisdiction in Denton
	County and the judges of the criminal statutory county courts of
	Denton County may, with the approval of the Commissioners Court of
	Denton County and two-thirds of the district court and criminal
	statutory county court judges, appoint a district or criminal
	statutory county court judge qualified under Section 54.2807 as the
	criminal law magistrate court associate judge to:
	(1)  serve the district and criminal county courts of
	Denton County;
	(2)  oversee the criminal law magistrate court; and
	(3)  recommend for appointment full-time and part-time
	jail magistrates.
	Sec. 54.2806.  JAIL MAGISTRATE. (a)  The district court
	judges with jurisdiction in Denton County and the judges of the
	criminal statutory county courts of Denton County may, with the
	approval of the Commissioners Court of Denton County, appoint by
	joint standing order one or more full-time jail magistrates
	qualified to serve under Section 54.2807.
	(b)  A jail magistrate has the jurisdiction provided by the
	constitution and laws of this state for magistrates for criminal
	cases in which the defendant is in the custody of Denton County jail
	and has not yet been charged with a criminal offense by complaint,
	information, or indictment.
	(c)  A jail magistrate shall ensure timely compliance with
	Article 15.17, Code of Criminal Procedure, in all cases within the
	magistrate's jurisdiction, give preference to performing the
	duties of a magistrate under that article, and perform the
	following duties:
	(1)  consider sworn complaints or affidavits
	establishing probable cause and entering orders of release or
	commitment;
	(2)  conduct hearings under Article 15.17, Code of
	Criminal Procedure, provide warnings, and advise a defendant of the
	defendant's right to counsel;
	(3)  determine if a defendant is indigent and in need of
	appointed counsel;
	(4)  set, adjust, or revoke a bond;
	(5)  set the conditions of bond;
	(6)  conduct an examining trial;
	(7)  issue search and arrest warrants;
	(8)  issue magistrate's orders of emergency protection;
	and
	(9)  with the express authorization of a justice of the
	peace, exercise concurrent criminal jurisdiction with the justice
	of the peace to dispose as provided by law of cases filed in the
	precinct of the authorizing justice of the peace, except for a trial
	on the merits following a plea of not guilty.
	(d)  A jail magistrate may be assigned additional duties by
	the criminal law magistrate court associate judge appointed under
	Section 54.2805.
	(e)  A jail magistrate has the express authority and duty to:
	(1)  order the release of defendant due to an
	extraordinary medical condition;
	(2)  consider information and make inquiries regarding
	a defendant's mental health;
	(3)  issue orders or writs as necessary for the
	evaluation, treatment, and accommodation of a defendant's mental
	health issue; and
	(4)  communicate with the Denton County local mental
	health authority or another qualified mental health professional to
	provide continuing care to a defendant.
	(f)  In addition to the full-time jail magistrates appointed
	under Subsection (a), the district court judges with jurisdiction
	in Denton County and the judges of the criminal statutory county
	courts of Denton County may appoint or engage by joint standing
	order one or more part-time jail magistrates to serve as a jail
	magistrate as assigned.  A part-time jail magistrate must be
	qualified to serve as a magistrate in the county under Section
	54.2807 and be a sitting district, statutory county, or municipal
	court judge or a justice of the peace in Denton County.
	Sec. 54.2807.  QUALIFICATIONS. To be eligible for
	appointment as the criminal law magistrate court associate judge, a
	jail magistrate, or another magistrate in the criminal law
	magistrate court, a person must:
	(1)  have been a resident of Denton County for at least
	two years preceding the person's appointment; and
	(2)  have been licensed to practice law in this state
	for at least four years.
	Sec. 54.2808.  COMPENSATION. A criminal law magistrate
	court associate judge, a jail magistrate, and each other magistrate
	in the criminal law magistrate court shall be paid a total annual
	salary set by the Commissioners Court of Denton County.  The salary
	shall be paid in a manner and from a fund determined by the
	commissioners court.
	Sec. 54.2809.  JUDICIAL IMMUNITY. A criminal law magistrate
	court associate judge, a jail magistrate, and each other magistrate
	in the criminal law magistrate court has the same judicial immunity
	as a district judge.
	Sec. 54.2810.  TERMINATION OF SERVICES. (a)  Except as
	provided by Subsection (b), a criminal law magistrate court
	associate judge, a jail magistrate, and each other magistrate in
	the criminal law magistrate court may be terminated by a two-thirds
	vote of the district court judges with jurisdiction in Denton
	County and the judges of the criminal statutory county courts of
	Denton County.
	(b)  A part-time jail magistrate serves solely at the
	discretion of a criminal law magistrate court associate judge
	appointed under Section 54.2805 or of the district court judge and
	criminal statutory county court judge designated to oversee the
	criminal law magistrate court under Section 54.2802(b).
	Sec. 54.2811.  PROCEEDING THAT MAY BE REFERRED. (a)  A
	district court judge with jurisdiction in Denton County, the judge
	of a criminal statutory county court of Denton County, or the judge
	of the juvenile court of Denton County may refer to the criminal law
	magistrate court the following matters in a criminal case:
	(1)  a negotiated plea of guilty or no contest before
	the court;
	(2)  a bond forfeiture, remittitur, and related
	proceedings;
	(3)  a pretrial motion;
	(4)  a writ of habeas corpus;
	(5)  an examining trial;
	(6)  jury selection;
	(7)  an occupational driver's license;
	(8)  a waiver of extradition or a related matter under
	Chapter 51, Code of Criminal Procedure;
	(9)  the issuance of search warrants, including a
	search warrant under Article 18.02(a)(10), Code of Criminal
	Procedure, notwithstanding Article 18.01(c), Code of Criminal
	Procedure;
	(10)  a petition for an order of expunction under
	Chapter 55, Code of Criminal Procedure;
	(11)  an asset forfeiture hearing as provided by
	Chapter 59, Code of Criminal Procedure;
	(12)  a civil commitment matter under Subtitle C, Title
	7, Health and Safety Code;
	(13)  setting, adjusting, or revoking bond;
	(14)  the conduct of initial juvenile detention
	hearings or any other matter in a juvenile case if referred by the
	judge of the juvenile court of the county and approved by the Denton
	County Juvenile Board; and
	(15)  any other matter the judge considers necessary
	and proper.
	(b)  Except as limited by an order of referral, the criminal
	law magistrate court associate judge may:
	(1)  conduct a hearing;
	(2)  hear evidence;
	(3)  compel production of relevant evidence;
	(4)  rule on the admissibility of evidence;
	(5)  issue a summons for the appearance of witnesses;
	(6)  examine a witness;
	(7)  swear a witness for a hearing;
	(8)  make findings of fact on evidence;
	(9)  formulate conclusions of law;
	(10)  rule on pretrial motions;
	(11)  recommend the rulings, orders, or judgment to be
	made in a case;
	(12)  regulate proceedings in a hearing before the
	associate judge;
	(13)  accept a negotiated plea of guilty or no contest
	made before the court and:
	(A)  enter a finding of guilty and impose or
	suspend the sentence; or
	(B)  defer adjudication of guilt;
	(14)  select a jury;
	(15)  accept a negotiated plea in a probation
	revocation;
	(16)  conduct a contested probation revocation
	hearing;
	(17)  sign a dismissal in a misdemeanor case; and
	(18)  perform any act and take any measure necessary
	and proper for the efficient performance of the duties required by
	the order of referral.
	(c)  Notwithstanding Section 54.2803(b), the judge of the
	juvenile court of Denton County may refer to the criminal law
	magistrate court associate judge any proceeding over which the
	juvenile court has exclusive original jurisdiction under Title 3,
	Family Code, including any matter ancillary to that proceeding.
	The criminal law magistrate court associate judge may accept a plea
	of guilty for a misdemeanor or felony or a plea of true from a
	defendant or juvenile, regardless of the classification of the
	offense charged or the conduct alleged.
	(d)  The criminal law magistrate court associate judge may
	sign a motion to dismiss submitted by an attorney representing the
	state on cases referred to the judge, or on dockets called by the
	judge, and may consider unadjudicated cases at sentencing under
	Section 12.45, Penal Code.
	(e)  A criminal law magistrate, including the criminal law
	magistrate court associate judge, has all of the powers of a
	magistrate under the laws of this state and may administer an oath
	for any purpose.
	Sec. 54.2812.  ORDER OF REFERRAL. (a)  To refer one or more
	cases to the criminal law magistrate court or the criminal law
	magistrate court associate judge, a judge must issue a written
	order of referral that specifies the magistrate court's duties.
	(b)  An order of referral may:
	(1)  limit the powers of the magistrate court and
	direct the magistrate to report only on specific issues, perform
	particular acts, or receive and report on evidence only;
	(2)  set the time and place for the hearing;
	(3)  prescribe a closing date for the hearing;
	(4)  provide a date for filing the magistrate's
	findings;
	(5)  designate proceedings for more than one case over
	which the magistrate shall preside;
	(6)  direct the magistrate to call the court's docket;
	and
	(7)  set forth general powers and limitations or
	authority of the magistrate applicable to any case referred.
	Sec. 54.2813.  FORFEITURES.  Bail bonds and personal bonds
	may be forfeited by the criminal law magistrate court or the
	criminal law magistrate court associate judge in the manner
	provided by Chapter 22, Code of Criminal Procedure, and those
	forfeitures shall be filed with:
	(1)  the district clerk if associated with a felony
	case;
	(2)  the county clerk if associated with a Class A or
	Class B misdemeanor case; or
	(3)  the justice court clerk associated with the Class
	C misdemeanor case in which the bond was originally filed.
	Sec. 54.2814.  PAPERS TRANSMITTED TO JUDGE.  At the
	conclusion of the proceedings, a magistrate or the criminal law
	magistrate court associate judge shall transmit to the referring
	court any papers relating to the case, including the magistrate's
	findings, conclusions, orders, recommendations, or other action
	taken.
	Sec. 54.2815.  JUDICIAL ACTION.  (a)  A referring court may
	modify, correct, reject, reverse, or recommit for further
	information any action taken by the magistrate or the criminal law
	magistrate court associate judge.
	(b)  If the referring court does not modify, correct, reject,
	reverse, or recommit an action of the magistrate or the criminal law
	magistrate court associate judge, the action becomes the decree of
	the referring court.
	Sec. 54.2816.  EXCHANGE OF BENCHES.  (a)  The judges of the
	criminal law magistrate court may exchange benches and may sit and
	act for each other in any proceeding pending in the criminal law
	magistrate court.
	(b)  When conducting a capias pro fine hearing for any court,
	the criminal law magistrate court acts in the same capacity and with
	the same authority as the judge who issued the capias pro fine.
	Sec. 54.2817.  COURT REPORTER.  At the request of a party in
	a criminal case, the criminal law magistrate court shall provide a
	court reporter to record the proceedings before the magistrate.
	Sec. 54.2818.  WITNESS. (a)  A witness who appears before
	the criminal law magistrate court and is sworn is subject to the
	penalties for perjury provided by law.
	(b)  A referring court may issue attachment against and may
	fine or imprison a witness whose failure to appear after being
	summoned or whose refusal to answer questions has been certified to
	the referring court.
	Sec. 54.2819.  CLERK.  (a)  The district clerk serves as
	clerk of the criminal law magistrate court, except that after a
	Class A or Class B misdemeanor is filed in the county court at law
	and assigned to the magistrate court, the county clerk serves as
	clerk for that misdemeanor case.
	(b)  The district clerk shall establish a docket and keep the
	minutes for the cases filed in or transferred to the magistrate
	court.  The district clerk shall perform any other duties that local
	administrative rules require in connection with the implementation
	of this subchapter.  The local administrative judge shall ensure
	that the duties required under this subsection are performed.  To
	facilitate the duties associated with serving as the clerk of the
	magistrate court, the district clerk and the deputies of the
	district clerk may serve as deputy county clerks at the discretion
	of the district clerk.
	(c)  The clerk of the case shall include as part of the record
	on appeal a copy of the order and local administrative rule under
	which a magistrate court acted.
	Sec. 54.2820.  COSTS.  (a)  When the district clerk is the
	clerk under this subchapter, the district clerk shall charge the
	same court costs for cases filed in, transferred to, or assigned to
	the criminal law magistrate court that are charged in the district
	courts.
	(b)  When the county clerk is the clerk under this
	subchapter, the county clerk shall charge the same court costs for
	cases filed in, transferred to, or assigned to the magistrate court
	that are charged in the county courts.
	ARTICLE 5.  ASSOCIATE JUDGES AND VISITING JUDGES
	SECTION 5.001.  (a)  Sections 201.005(a) and (d), Family
	Code, are amended to read as follows:
	(a)  Except as provided by this section, a judge of a court
	may refer to an associate judge any aspect of a suit or action,
	including any matter ancillary to the suit or action, over which the
	court has jurisdiction under:
	(1)  this title;
	(2)  [,] Title 1;
	(3)  [,] Chapter 35, 35A, or 45;
	(4)  [, or] Title 4;
	(5)  Subchapter A, Chapter 7B, Code of Criminal
	Procedure; or
	(6)  Chapter 24A, Property Code [, including any matter
	ancillary to the suit].
	(d)  The requirements of Subsections (b) and (c) shall apply
	whenever a judge has authority to refer the trial of a suit or
	action described by Subsection (a) [under this title, Title 1,
	Chapter 45, or Title 4] to an associate judge, master, or other
	assistant judge regardless of whether the assistant judge is
	appointed under this subchapter.
	(b)  Sections 201.005(a) and (d), Family Code, as amended by
	this section, apply only to a suit or application filed on or after
	September 1, 2023.  A suit or application filed before September 1,
	2023, is governed by the law in effect on the date the suit or
	application was filed, and the former law is continued in effect for
	that purpose.
	SECTION 5.002.  Section 201.113, Family Code, is amended to
	read as follows:
	Sec. 201.113.  VISITING ASSOCIATE JUDGE. (a) The [If an
	associate judge appointed under this subchapter is temporarily
	unable to perform the associate judge's official duties because of
	absence resulting from family circumstances, illness, injury,
	disability, or military service, or if there is a vacancy in the
	position of associate judge, the] presiding judge of an [the]
	administrative judicial region [in which the associate judge serves
	or the vacancy occurs] may assign [appoint] a visiting associate
	judge for Title IV-D cases to perform the duties of an [the]
	associate judge appointed under this subchapter only if:
	(1)  the associate judge is temporarily unable to
	perform the associate judge's official duties because of absence
	resulting from:
	(A)  illness;
	(B)  injury;
	(C)  disability;
	(D)  personal emergency;
	(E)  military service;
	(F)  vacation; or
	(G)  attendance at a continuing legal education
	program;
	(2)  the associate judge requests assistance due to a
	heavy workload or a pandemic-related emergency; or
	(3)  a vacancy occurs in the position of associate
	judge.
	(b)  The presiding judge of an administrative judicial
	region may assign a visiting associate judge under Subsection (a)
	during the period the associate judge is unable to perform the
	associate judge's duties, during the period assistance is needed to
	manage the associate judge's workload, or until another associate
	judge is appointed to fill the vacancy.
	(c) [(b)]  A person is not eligible for assignment
	[appointment] under this section unless the person has served as a
	master or associate judge under this chapter, a district judge, or a
	statutory county court judge for at least two years before the date
	of assignment [appointment].
	(d) [(c)]  A visiting associate judge assigned [appointed]
	under this section is subject to each provision of this chapter that
	applies to an associate judge serving under a regular appointment
	under this subchapter. A visiting associate judge assigned
	[appointed] under this section is entitled to compensation to be
	determined by a majority vote of the presiding judges of the
	administrative judicial regions through use of funds under this
	subchapter. A visiting associate judge is not considered to be a
	state employee for any purpose.
	(e) [(d)]  Section 2252.901, Government Code, does not apply
	to the assignment [appointment] of a visiting associate judge under
	this section.
	SECTION 5.003.  Section 201.208, Family Code, is amended to
	read as follows:
	Sec. 201.208.  ASSIGNMENT OF JUDGES AND [APPOINTMENT OF]
	VISITING ASSOCIATE JUDGES. (a) This chapter does not limit the
	authority of a presiding judge to assign a judge eligible for
	assignment under Chapter 74, Government Code, to assist in
	processing cases in a reasonable time.
	(b)  The [If an associate judge appointed under this
	subchapter is temporarily unable to perform the associate judge's
	official duties because of absence resulting from family
	circumstances, illness, injury, disability, or military service,
	or if there is a vacancy in the position of associate judge, the]
	presiding judge of an [the] administrative judicial region [in
	which the associate judge serves or the vacancy occurs] may appoint
	a visiting associate judge to perform the duties of an [the]
	associate judge appointed under this subchapter only if:
	(1)  the associate judge is temporarily unable to
	perform the associate judge's official duties because of absence
	resulting from:
	(A)  illness;
	(B)  injury;
	(C)  disability;
	(D)  personal emergency;
	(E)  military service;
	(F)  vacation; or
	(G)  attendance at a continuing legal education
	program;
	(2)  the associate judge requests assistance due to a
	heavy workload or a pandemic-related emergency; or
	(3)  a vacancy occurs in the position of associate
	judge.
	(c)  The presiding judge of an administrative judicial
	region may assign a visiting associate judge under Subsection (b)
	during the period the associate judge is unable to perform the
	associate judge's duties, during the period assistance is needed to
	manage the associate judge's workload, or until another associate
	judge is appointed to fill the vacancy.
	(d) [(c)]  A person is not eligible for assignment
	[appointment] under this section unless the person has served as a
	master or associate judge under this chapter, a district judge, or a
	statutory county court judge for at least two years before the date
	of assignment [appointment].
	(e) [(d)]  A visiting associate judge assigned [appointed]
	under this section is subject to each provision of this chapter that
	applies to an associate judge serving under a regular appointment
	under this subchapter. A visiting associate judge assigned
	[appointed] under this section is entitled to compensation, to be
	determined by a majority vote of the presiding judges of the
	administrative judicial regions, through use of funds under this
	subchapter. A visiting associate judge is not considered to be a
	state employee for any purpose.
	(f) [(e)]  Section 2252.901, Government Code, does not apply
	to the assignment [appointment] of a visiting associate judge under
	this section.
	SECTION 5.004.  Subtitle D, Title 2, Government Code, is
	amended by adding Chapter 54B to read as follows:
	CHAPTER 54B.  ASSOCIATE JUDGES IN CERTAIN COUNTIES
	SUBCHAPTER A.  ASSOCIATE JUDGES IN DUVAL COUNTY
	Sec. 54B.001.  APPOINTMENT.  The judge of the 229th District
	Court, with the approval of the Commissioners Court of Duval
	County, may appoint a full-time or a part-time associate judge to
	perform the duties authorized by this subchapter.
	Sec. 54B.002.  QUALIFICATIONS.  To be eligible for
	appointment as an associate judge, a person must:
	(1)  be a resident of this state and Duval County; and
	(2)  meet the requirements and qualifications to serve
	as a judge of the court to which the person is appointed.
	Sec. 54B.003.  COMPENSATION.  (a)  An associate judge is
	entitled to the compensation set by the Commissioners Court of
	Duval County.
	(b)  The salary shall be paid from the county fund available
	for payments of officers' salaries.
	(c)  This section does not apply to an associate judge
	appointed under Chapter 54A of this code or Section 201.001, Family
	Code.
	Sec. 54B.004.  PRIVATE PRACTICE. A part-time associate
	judge may engage in the private practice of law, unless restricted
	on a finding that it is not in the public interest by the appointing
	judge.
	Sec. 54B.005.  TERMINATION OF SERVICES.  (a)  An associate
	judge serves at the will of the judge of the 229th District Court.
	(b)  This section does not apply to an associate judge
	appointed under Chapter 54A of this code or Section 201.001, Family
	Code.
	Sec. 54B.006.  REFERRAL OF CASE. (a) The appointing judge
	may refer to an associate judge any aspect of a civil or criminal
	case involving a matter over which the referring court has
	jurisdiction in Duval County.
	(b)  After notice to all parties of the time and place of
	hearing, an associate judge may preside over any hearing,
	including:
	(1)  for a civil case, proceedings involving:
	(A)  a temporary order in an action or suit for
	support by one spouse against another;
	(B)  a motion or suit to modify a temporary or
	final order;
	(C)  temporary orders in a suit affecting the
	parent-child relationship;
	(D)  an application for a temporary injunction
	related to temporary possession or use of property;
	(E)  habeas corpus, including any hearing
	authorized by the Family Code;
	(F)  a motion to transfer;
	(G)  a motion of contempt for failure or refusal
	to obey a temporary or final order;
	(H)  an action brought under Chapter 159, Family
	Code;
	(I)  an action for the protection of the family;
	(J)  a matter on which the parties agree;
	(K)  a matter in which a party is entitled to a
	default judgment;
	(L)  a divorce action in which a waiver of
	citation is on file;
	(M)  a friendly suit; and
	(N)  any other matter in the jurisdiction of the
	court, including a pretrial motion, discovery, a summary judgment,
	and other matters governed by the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure;
	and
	(2)  for a criminal case, proceedings involving:
	(A)  a negotiated plea of guilty or nolo
	contendere;
	(B)  a bond forfeiture;
	(C)  a pretrial motion;
	(D)  a postconviction writ of habeas corpus;
	(E)  an examining trial; and
	(F)  any other matter that the judge considers
	proper.
	(c)  A judge may not refer to an associate judge any criminal
	case for trial on the merits in which a jury trial has been
	requested.
	(d)  Unless a party files a written objection to the
	associate judge hearing the trial, the appointing judge may refer
	to an associate judge a trial on the merits. If an objection is
	filed, the trial on the merits shall be heard by the referring
	court.
	(e)  A trial on the merits is a final adjudication from which
	an appeal may be taken to a court of appeals.
	(f)  An associate judge may not conduct a contested trial on
	the merits to terminate parental rights unless the affected parties
	give written consent to the contested trial by the associate judge.
	Unless written consent is given by the affected parties to a
	contested trial on the merits, any order terminating parental
	rights issued pursuant to an associate judge's report resulting
	from the contested trial is void.
	(g)  On appointment of an associate judge, any pending or
	future cases may be referred to the associate judge.
	Sec. 54B.007.  ORDER OF REFERRAL. (a)  To refer cases to an
	associate judge, the referring court must issue an order of
	referral.
	(b)  The order of referral may limit the power or duties of an
	associate judge.
	Sec. 54B.008.  POWERS. Except as limited by an order of
	referral, an associate judge may:
	(1)  conduct a hearing;
	(2)  hear evidence;
	(3)  compel production of relevant evidence;
	(4)  rule on admissibility of evidence;
	(5)  issue summons for the appearance of witnesses;
	(6)  examine witnesses;
	(7)  swear witnesses for hearings;
	(8)  make findings of fact on evidence;
	(9)  formulate conclusions of law;
	(10)  recommend the judgment to be made in a case;
	(11)  regulate all proceedings in a hearing before the
	associate judge;
	(12)  rule on all criminal pretrial motions; and
	(13)  perform any act and take any measure necessary
	and proper for the efficient performance of the associate judge's
	duties.
	Sec. 54B.009.  ATTENDANCE OF BAILIFF. A bailiff shall
	attend a hearing held by an associate judge if directed by the
	referring court.
	Sec. 54B.010.  WITNESS. (a)  A witness appearing before an
	associate judge is subject to the penalties for perjury provided by
	law.
	(b)  A referring court may issue attachment against and may
	fine or imprison a witness whose failure to appear before an
	associate judge after being summoned or whose refusal to answer
	questions has been certified to the court.
	Sec. 54B.011.  REPORT TRANSMITTED TO COURT; NOTICE.  (a) At
	the conclusion of any hearing conducted by an associate judge and on
	the preparation of an associate judge's report, the associate judge
	shall transmit to the referring court:
	(1)  all papers relating to the case; and
	(2)  the associate judge's signed and dated report.
	(b)  After the associate judge's report has been signed, the
	associate judge shall give notice of the substance of the report to
	the parties participating in the hearing.
	(c)  The associate judge's report may contain the associate
	judge's findings, conclusions, or recommendations.  The associate
	judge's report must be in writing in a form as the referring court
	may direct.  The form may be a notation on the referring court's
	docket sheet.
	(d)  The notice required under Subsection (b) may be given in
	open court or may be given by certified mail, return receipt
	requested.  If the notice is given by certified mail, the associate
	judge shall certify the date of mailing and the notice is considered
	to have been given on the third day after the date of mailing.
	Sec. 54B.012.  NOTICE OF RIGHT TO APPEAL.  An associate judge
	shall give all parties notice of the right of appeal to the judge of
	the referring court. The notice may be given:
	(1)  at the hearing;
	(2)  by posting the notice inside or outside the
	courtroom of the referring court; or
	(3)  as otherwise directed by the referring court.
	Sec. 54B.013.  EFFECT OF ASSOCIATE JUDGE'S REPORT PENDING
	APPEAL.  Pending appeal of the associate judge's report to the
	referring court, the associate judge's findings, conclusions, and
	recommendations are in full force and effect and are enforceable as
	an order of the referring court, except for the orders providing for
	incarceration or for the appointment of a receiver.
	Sec. 54B.014.  JUDICIAL ACTION ON ASSOCIATE JUDGE'S REPORT.
	After the associate judge's report is filed, and unless the parties
	have filed a written notice of appeal to the referring court, the
	referring court may:
	(1)  adopt, approve, or reject the associate judge's
	report;
	(2)  hear further evidence; or
	(3)  recommit the matter for further proceedings as the
	referring court considers proper and necessary in the particular
	circumstances of the case.
	Sec. 54B.015.  DECREE OR ORDER OF COURT. If an appeal to the
	referring court is not filed or the right to an appeal to the
	referring court is waived, the associate judge's findings,
	conclusions, and recommendations become the decree or order of the
	referring court only on the referring court's signing a decree or
	order conforming to the associate judge's report.
	Sec. 54B.016.  APPEAL TO REFERRING COURT. (a)  Any party is
	entitled to a hearing by the judge of the referring court if, not
	later than three days, computed in the manner provided by Rule 4,
	Texas Rules of Civil Procedure, after the date the associate judge
	gives the notice required by Section 54B.011, an appeal of the
	associate judge's report is filed with the referring court.
	(b)  The first day of the appeal time to the referring courts
	begins on the day after the day on which the associate judge gives
	the notice required by Section 54B.011.
	(c)  An appeal to the referring court shall be in writing and
	must specify the associate judge's findings, conclusions, and
	recommendations to which the party objects.  The appeal is limited
	to the findings, conclusions, and recommendations specified in the
	written appeal.
	(d)  On appeal to the referring court, the parties may
	present witnesses as in a hearing de novo on the issues raised in
	the appeal.
	(e)  Notice of any appeal to the referring court shall be
	given to opposing counsel in the manner provided by Rule 21a, Texas
	Rules of Civil Procedure.
	(f)  If an appeal to the referring court is filed by a party,
	any other party may file an appeal to the referring court not later
	than the seventh day after the date the initial appeal was filed.
	(g)  The referring court, after notice to the parties, shall
	hold a hearing on all appeals not later than the 30th day after the
	date on which the initial appeal was filed with the referring court.
	(h)  Before a hearing before an associate judge, the parties
	may waive the right of appeal to the referring court. The waiver
	may be in writing or on the record.
	Sec. 54B.017.  APPELLATE REVIEW.  (a) Failure to appeal to
	the referring court, by waiver or otherwise, on the approval by the
	referring court of an associate judge's report does not deprive any
	party of the right to appeal to or request other relief from a court
	of appeals or the supreme court.
	(b)  The date of the signing of an order or judgment by the
	referring court is the controlling date for the purposes of an
	appeal to or a request for other relief from a court of appeals or
	the supreme court.
	Sec. 54B.018.  JURY TRIAL DEMANDED.  If a jury trial is
	demanded and a jury fee paid in a trial on the merits, the associate
	judge shall refer any matters requiring a jury back to the referring
	court for a full trial before the court and jury.
	Sec. 54B.019.  INAPPLICABILITY OF SUBCHAPTER TO MASTERS
	APPOINTED UNDER RULE 171.  Masters appointed by the referring court
	under Rule 171, Texas Rules of Civil Procedure, have all the duties
	and powers set forth in the order of appointment and are not
	governed by this subchapter.
	Sec. 54B.020.  IMMUNITY.  An associate judge appointed under
	this subchapter has the judicial immunity of a district judge.
	Sec. 54B.021.  COURT REPORTER.  (a)  A court reporter is not
	required during a hearing held by an associate judge appointed
	under this subchapter.
	(b)  A party, the associate judge, or the referring court may
	provide for a court reporter during the hearing.  The record may be
	preserved by any other means approved by the associate judge.
	(c)  The referring court or associate judge may impose on a
	party as costs the expense of preserving the record.
	SECTION 5.005.  Section 602.007, Government Code, is amended
	to read as follows:
	Sec. 602.007.  FILING OF OATH MADE BY CERTAIN JUDICIAL
	OFFICERS AND JUDICIAL APPOINTEES. The oath made and signed
	statement executed as required by Section 1, Article XVI, Texas
	Constitution, by any of the following judicial officers and
	judicial appointees shall be filed with the secretary of state:
	(1)  an officer appointed by the supreme court, the
	court of criminal appeals, or the State Bar of Texas; [and]
	(2)  an associate judge appointed under Subchapter B or
	C, Chapter 201, Family Code; and
	(3)  a retired or former judge on the list maintained by
	the presiding judge of an administrative judicial region under
	Section 74.055.
	ARTICLE 6. PROSECUTING ATTORNEYS
	SECTION 6.001.  Section 41.013, Government Code, is amended
	to read as follows:
	Sec. 41.013.  COMPENSATION OF CERTAIN PROSECUTORS. (a)
	Except as otherwise provided by law, a district attorney or
	criminal district attorney is entitled to receive from the state
	annual compensation in an amount equal to at least 80 percent of the
	state annual salary as set by the General Appropriations Act in
	accordance with Section 659.012 paid to a district judge with
	comparable years of service as the district attorney or criminal
	district attorney.
	(b)  For purposes of this section, the years of service of a
	district attorney or criminal district attorney include any years
	of service as:
	(1)  a district attorney, criminal district attorney,
	or county attorney; or
	(2)  an appellate court justice, district judge, judge
	of a statutory county court, judge of a multicounty statutory
	county court, or judge or justice of a statutory probate court.
	SECTION 6.002.  Section 46.003, Government Code, is amended
	by adding Subsection (a-1) to read as follows:
	(a-1)  For purposes of this section, the years of service of
	the state prosecuting attorney or a state prosecutor include any
	years of service as:
	(1)  a county attorney; or
	(2)  an appellate court justice, district judge, judge
	of a statutory county court, judge of a multicounty statutory
	county court, or judge or justice of a statutory probate court.
	ARTICLE 7. STATE OF THE JUDICIARY MESSAGE
	SECTION 7.001.  Section 21.004(a), Government Code, is
	amended to read as follows:
	(a)  At a convenient time at the commencement of each regular
	session of the legislature, the chief justice of the supreme court
	shall deliver an [a written or] oral state of the judiciary message
	to a joint session of the house of representatives and the senate
	evaluating the accessibility of the courts to the citizens of the
	state and the future directions and needs of the courts of the
	state.
	ARTICLE 8. GRAND JURIES
	SECTION 8.001.  Article 19A.052, Code of Criminal Procedure,
	is amended to read as follows:
	Art. 19A.052.  QUALIFIED PERSONS SUMMONED. On directing the
	sheriff or clerk of the district court to summon grand jurors, the
	court shall instruct the sheriff or clerk of the district court to
	not summon a person to serve as a grand juror who does not possess
	the qualifications prescribed by law.
	SECTION 8.002.  Article 19A.053, Code of Criminal Procedure,
	is amended to read as follows:
	Art. 19A.053.  ADDITIONAL QUALIFIED PERSONS SUMMONED. (a)
	If fewer than 16 persons summoned to serve as grand jurors are found
	to be in attendance and qualified to serve, the court shall order
	the sheriff or clerk of the district court to summon an additional
	number of persons considered necessary to constitute a grand jury
	of 12 grand jurors and four alternate grand jurors.
	(b)  The sheriff or clerk of the district court shall summon
	the additional prospective grand jurors under Subsection (a) in
	person to attend before the court immediately.
	SECTION 8.003.  Article 19A.101, Code of Criminal Procedure,
	is amended to read as follows:
	Art. 19A.101.  GRAND JUROR QUALIFICATIONS. (a) A person may
	be selected or serve as a grand juror only if the person:
	(1)  is at least 18 years of age;
	(2)  is a citizen of the United States;
	(3)  is a resident of this state and of the county in
	which the person is to serve;
	(4)  is qualified under the constitution and other laws
	to vote in the county in which the grand jury is sitting, regardless
	of whether the person is registered to vote;
	(5)  is of sound mind and good moral character;
	(6)  is able to read and write;
	(7)  has never [not] been convicted of misdemeanor
	theft or a felony;
	(8)  is not under indictment or other legal accusation
	for misdemeanor theft or a felony;
	(9)  is not related within the third degree by
	consanguinity or second degree by affinity, as determined under
	Chapter 573, Government Code, to any person selected to serve or
	serving on the same grand jury;
	(10)  has not served as a grand juror in the year before
	the date on which the term of court for which the person has been
	selected as a grand juror begins; and
	(11)  is not a complainant in any matter to be heard by
	the grand jury during the term of court for which the person has
	been selected as a grand juror.
	(b)  On the third business day of each month, the clerk of the
	district court shall prepare a list of persons who in the preceding
	month were disqualified from serving as a grand juror based on the
	person's citizenship or indictment or conviction for misdemeanor
	theft or a felony and send a copy of the list to:
	(1)  the secretary of state; and
	(2)  the prosecuting attorney for the court to which
	the grand jurors were summoned for investigation into whether any
	person made a false claim concerning the person's qualification
	under Subsection (a)(2), (7), or (8).
	SECTION 8.004.  Articles 19A.052, 19A.053, and 19A.101, Code
	of Criminal Procedure, as amended by this article, apply only to the
	summoning of grand jurors on or after September 1, 2023. The
	summoning of grand jurors before September 1, 2023, is governed by
	the law in effect immediately before September 1, 2023, and the
	former law is continued in effect for that purpose.
	ARTICLE 9. JURORS AND JURY SERVICE
	SECTION 9.001.  Section 61.001(a), Government Code, is
	amended to read as follows:
	(a)  Except as provided by Subsection (c), a person who
	reports for jury service in response to the process of a court is
	entitled to receive as reimbursement for travel and other expenses
	an amount:
	(1)  not less than $20 [$6] for the first day or
	fraction of the first day the person is in attendance in court in
	response to the process and discharges the person's duty for that
	day; and
	(2)  not less than $58 [$40] for each day or fraction of
	each day the person is in attendance in court in response to the
	process after the first day and discharges the person's duty for
	that day.
	SECTION 9.002.  Section 61.0015(a), Government Code, is
	amended to read as follows:
	(a)  The state shall reimburse a county $52 [$34] a day for
	the reimbursement paid under Section 61.001 to a person who reports
	for jury service in response to the process of a court for each day
	or fraction of each day after the first day in attendance in court
	in response to the process.
	SECTION 9.003.  Sections 61.003(a) and (b), Government Code,
	are amended to read as follows:
	(a)  Each [After jury service is concluded, each] person who
	reports [reported] for jury service shall be [personally] provided
	the opportunity, either through a written form or electronically,
	to direct [a form letter that when signed by the person directs] the
	county treasurer or a designated county employee to donate all,
	[or] a specific amount designated by the person, or the entire
	amount divided among the funds, programs, and county entities
	listed in this subsection of the person's daily reimbursement under
	this chapter to:
	(1)  the compensation to victims of crime fund
	established under Subchapter J, Chapter 56B, Code of Criminal
	Procedure;
	(2)  the child welfare, child protective services, or
	child services board of the county appointed under Section 264.005,
	Family Code, that serves abused and neglected children;
	(3)  any program selected by the commissioners court
	that is operated by a public or private nonprofit organization and
	that provides shelter and services to victims of family violence;
	(4)  any other program approved by the commissioners
	court of the county, including a program established under Article
	56A.205, Code of Criminal Procedure, that offers psychological
	counseling in criminal cases involving graphic evidence or
	testimony;
	(5)  a veterans treatment court program established by
	the commissioners court as provided by Chapter 124; or
	(6)  a veterans county service office established by
	the commissioners court as provided by Subchapter B, Chapter 434.
	(b)  The county treasurer or a designated county employee
	shall collect any information provided under Subsection (a) [each
	form letter] directing the county treasurer to donate the
	reimbursement of a person who reports for jury service.
	SECTION 9.004.  Sections 62.001(a) and (b), Government Code,
	are amended to read as follows:
	(a)  The jury wheel must be reconstituted by using, as the
	source:
	(1)  the names of all persons on the current voter
	registration lists from all the precincts in the county; and
	(2)  all names on a current list to be furnished by the
	Department of Public Safety, showing the citizens of the county
	who:
	(A)  hold a valid Texas driver's license or a
	valid personal identification card or certificate issued by the
	department; and
	(B)  are not disqualified from jury service under
	Section 62.102(1), (2), or (8) [(7)].
	(b)  Notwithstanding Subsection (a), the names of persons
	listed on a register of persons exempt from jury service may not be
	placed in the jury wheel, as provided by Sections 62.108, [and]
	62.109, 62.113, 62.114, and 62.115.
	SECTION 9.005.  Section 62.0111(b), Government Code, is
	amended to read as follows:
	(b)  A plan adopted under Subsection (a) may allow for a
	prospective juror to provide information to the county officer
	responsible for summoning jurors or for the county officer to
	provide information to the prospective juror by computer or
	automated telephone system, including:
	(1)  information that permits the court to determine
	whether the prospective juror is qualified for jury service under
	Section 62.102;
	(2)  information that permits the court to determine
	whether the prospective juror is exempt from jury service under
	Section 62.106;
	(3)  submission of a request by the prospective juror
	for a postponement of or excuse from jury service under Section
	62.110;
	(4)  information for jury assignment under Section
	62.016, including:
	(A)  the prospective juror's postponement status;
	(B)  if the prospective juror could potentially
	serve on a jury in a justice court, the residency of the prospective
	juror; and
	(C)  if the prospective juror could potentially
	serve on a jury in a criminal matter, whether the prospective juror
	has been convicted of misdemeanor theft;
	(5)  completion and submission by the prospective juror
	of the written juror [jury summons] questionnaire under Section
	62.0132;
	(6)  the prospective juror's electronic mail address;
	and
	(7)  notification to the prospective juror by
	electronic mail of:
	(A)  whether the prospective juror is qualified
	for jury service;
	(B)  the status of the exemption, postponement, or
	judicial excuse request of the prospective juror; or
	(C)  whether the prospective juror has been
	assigned to a jury panel.
	SECTION 9.006.  Section 62.012(b), Government Code, is
	amended to read as follows:
	(b)  On receiving the notice from the judge, the clerk shall
	immediately write on the jury list the date that the prospective
	jurors are to be summoned to appear and shall either:
	(1)  summon the prospective jurors directly in the same
	manner a sheriff or constable would summon a juror under Section
	62.013; or
	(2)  deliver the jury list to:
	(A) [(1)]  the sheriff, for a county or district
	court jury; or
	(B) [(2)]  the sheriff or constable, for a justice
	court jury.
	SECTION 9.007.  The heading to Section 62.013, Government
	Code, is amended to read as follows:
	Sec. 62.013.  SUMMONS FOR JURY SERVICE BY CLERK, SHERIFF, OR
	CONSTABLE.
	SECTION 9.008.  Sections 62.013(a) and (b), Government Code,
	are amended to read as follows:
	(a)  Except as provided by Section 62.014, the clerk,
	sheriff, or constable, on receipt of a jury list from a county or
	district clerk, shall immediately notify the persons whose names
	are on the list to appear for jury service on the date designated by
	the judge.
	(b)  The clerk, sheriff, or constable shall notify each
	prospective juror to appear for jury service:
	(1)  by an oral summons; or
	(2)  if the judge ordering the summons so directs, by a
	written summons sent by registered mail or certified mail, return
	receipt requested, or by first class mail to the address on the jury
	wheel card or the address on the current voter registration list of
	the county.
	SECTION 9.009.  Sections 62.0131(b) and (c), Government
	Code, are amended to read as follows:
	(b)  The model must include:
	(1)  the option to provide:
	(A)  the exemptions and restrictions governing
	jury service under Subchapter B; or
	(B)  the electronic address of the court's
	Internet website on which is posted the exemptions and restrictions
	governing jury service under Subchapter B; [and]
	(2)  the information under Chapter 122, Civil Practice
	and Remedies Code, relating to the duties of an employer with regard
	to an employee who is summoned for jury service;
	(3)  notice of the contempt action to which the person
	summoned for jury service is subject under Section 62.0141 for
	failure to comply with the jury summons; and
	(4)  the option to:
	(A)  include in the jury summons the juror
	questionnaire required by Section 62.0132;
	(B)  provide the electronic address of the court's
	Internet website from which the juror questionnaire may be easily
	printed; or
	(C)  in counties in which the district and
	criminal district judges adopted a plan for an electronic jury
	selection method under Section 62.011, provide the electronic
	address of the court's Internet website for the prospective juror
	to access and complete the juror questionnaire.
	(c)  A written jury summons must conform with the model
	established under this section and must be 3-1/2 by 5 inches or
	larger in size.
	SECTION 9.010.  The heading to Section 62.0132, Government
	Code, is amended to read as follows:
	Sec. 62.0132.  JUROR [WRITTEN JURY SUMMONS] QUESTIONNAIRE.
	SECTION 9.011.  Sections 62.0132(c) and (d), Government
	Code, are amended to read as follows:
	(c)  The questionnaire must require a person to provide
	biographical and demographic information that is relevant to
	service as a jury member, including the person's:
	(1)  name, sex, race, and age;
	(2)  residence address and mailing address;
	(3)  education level, occupation, and place of
	employment;
	(4)  marital status and the name, occupation, and place
	of employment of the person's spouse; [and]
	(5)  citizenship status and county of residence; and
	(6)  any electronic address.
	(d)  Except as provided by this subsection, a person who has
	received a [written] jury summons shall complete and submit a juror
	[jury summons] questionnaire when the person reports for jury duty.
	If the district and criminal district judges of a county adopt a
	plan for an electronic jury selection method under Section 62.011,
	the county may allow a person to complete and submit a juror [jury
	summons] questionnaire on the court's Internet website as
	authorized under Section 62.0111(b)(5).
	SECTION 9.012.  The heading to Section 62.014, Government
	Code, is amended to read as follows:
	Sec. 62.014.  SUMMONS FOR JURY SERVICE BY CLERKS, SHERIFFS,
	OR BAILIFFS.
	SECTION 9.013.  Section 62.014(a), Government Code, is
	amended to read as follows:
	(a)  In a county with at least nine district courts, the
	district judges may direct that prospective jurors be summoned for
	jury service by the clerk, the sheriff, or [by] a bailiff, or an
	assistant or deputy bailiff, in charge of the central jury room and
	the general panel of the county.
	SECTION 9.014.  Section 62.0145, Government Code, is amended
	to read as follows:
	Sec. 62.0145.  REMOVAL OF CERTAIN PERSONS FROM POOL OF
	PROSPECTIVE JURORS.  Except as provided by Section 62.0146, if a
	written summons for jury service sent by a clerk, sheriff,
	constable, or bailiff is undeliverable, the county or district
	clerk may remove from the jury wheel the jury wheel card for the
	person summoned or the district clerk, or in a county with a
	population of at least 1.7 million and in which more than 75 percent
	of the population resides in a single municipality, a bailiff
	appointed as provided under Section 62.019, may remove the person's
	name from the record of names for selection of persons for jury
	service under Section 62.011.
	SECTION 9.015.  Section 62.0146, Government Code, is amended
	to read as follows:
	Sec. 62.0146.  UPDATING ADDRESSES OF CERTAIN PERSONS IN POOL
	OF PROSPECTIVE JURORS. If a written summons for jury service sent
	by a clerk, sheriff, constable, or bailiff is returned with a
	notation from the United States Postal Service of a change of
	address for the person summoned, the county or district clerk may
	update the jury wheel card to reflect the person's new address.
	SECTION 9.016.  Section 62.015(b), Government Code, is
	amended to read as follows:
	(b)  If the court at any time does not have a sufficient
	number of prospective jurors present whose names are on the jury
	lists and who are not excused by the judge from jury service, the
	judge shall order the clerk, sheriff, or constable to summon
	additional prospective jurors to provide the requisite number of
	jurors for the panel. The names of additional jurors to be summoned
	by the clerk, sheriff, or constable to fill a jury panel shall be
	drawn from the jury wheel under orders of the judge. Additional
	jurors summoned to fill a jury panel shall be discharged when their
	services are no longer required.
	SECTION 9.017.  Section 62.016(d), Government Code, is
	amended to read as follows:
	(d)  The clerk or sheriff shall notify the persons whose
	names are drawn from the jury wheel to appear before the designated
	judge for jury service. The judge shall hear the excuses of the
	prospective jurors and swear them in for jury service for the week
	for which they are to serve as jurors.
	SECTION 9.018.  Section 62.017(d), Government Code, is
	amended to read as follows:
	(d)  The clerk or sheriff shall notify the persons whose
	names are drawn from the jury wheel to appear before the designated
	judge for jury service. The judge shall hear the excuses of the
	prospective jurors and swear them in for jury service for the week
	for which they are to serve as jurors.
	SECTION 9.019.  Section 62.0175(d), Government Code, is
	amended to read as follows:
	(d)  The clerk or sheriff shall notify the persons whose
	names are drawn from the jury wheel to appear before the district
	judge for jury service.  The judge shall hear the excuses of the
	prospective jurors and swear them in for jury service for the week
	for which they are to serve as jurors.
	SECTION 9.020.  Section 62.106(a), Government Code, is
	amended to read as follows:
	(a)  A person qualified to serve as a petit juror may
	establish an exemption from jury service if the person:
	(1)  is over 75 [70] years of age;
	(2)  has legal custody of a child younger than 12 years
	of age and the person's service on the jury requires leaving the
	child without adequate supervision;
	(3)  is a student of a public or private secondary
	school;
	(4)  is a person enrolled and in actual attendance at an
	institution of higher education;
	(5)  is an officer or an employee of the senate, the
	house of representatives, or any department, commission, board,
	office, or other agency in the legislative branch of state
	government;
	(6)  is summoned for service in a county with a
	population of at least 200,000, unless that county uses a jury plan
	under Section 62.011 and the period authorized under Section
	62.011(b)(5) exceeds two years, and the person has served as a petit
	juror in the county during the 24-month period preceding the date
	the person is to appear for jury service;
	(7)  is the primary caretaker of a person who is unable
	to care for himself or herself;
	(8)  except as provided by Subsection (b), is summoned
	for service in a county with a population of at least 250,000 and
	the person has served as a petit juror in the county during the
	three-year period preceding the date the person is to appear for
	jury service; or
	(9)  is a member of the United States military forces
	serving on active duty and deployed to a location away from the
	person's home station and out of the person's county of residence.
	SECTION 9.021.  Section 62.107(c), Government Code, is
	amended to read as follows:
	(c)  A person who files a statement with a clerk of the court,
	as provided by Subsection (a), claiming an exemption because the
	person is over 75 [70] years of age, may also claim the permanent
	exemption on that ground authorized by Section 62.108 by including
	in the statement filed with the clerk a declaration that the person
	desires the permanent exemption. Promptly after a statement
	claiming a permanent exemption on the basis of age is filed, the
	clerk of the court with whom it is filed shall have a copy delivered
	to the voter registrar of the county.
	SECTION 9.022.  Sections 62.108(a), (b), (c), and (e),
	Government Code, are amended to read as follows:
	(a)  A person who is entitled to exemption from jury service
	because the person is over 75 [70] years of age may establish a
	permanent exemption on that ground as provided by this section or
	Section 62.107.
	(b)  A person may claim a permanent exemption:
	(1)  by filing with the voter registrar of the county,
	by mail or personal delivery, a signed statement affirming that the
	person is over 75 [70] years of age and desires a permanent
	exemption on that ground; or
	(2)  in the manner provided by Section 62.107(c).
	(c)  The voter registrar of the county shall maintain a
	current register indicating the name of each person who has claimed
	and is entitled to a permanent exemption from jury service because
	the person is over 75 [70] years of age.
	(e)  A person who has claimed a permanent exemption from jury
	service because the person is over 75 [70] years of age may rescind
	the exemption at any time by filing a signed request for the
	rescission with the voter registrar of the county. Rescission of a
	permanent exemption does not affect the right of a person who is
	over 75 [70] years of age to claim permanent exemption at a later
	time.
	SECTION 9.023.  Section 62.109(c), Government Code, is
	amended to read as follows:
	(c)  The clerk of the district court shall promptly notify
	the voter registrar of the county of the name and address of each
	person permanently exempted [and state whether the exemption is
	permanent or for a specified period].  The voter registrar shall
	maintain a current register showing [separately] the name and
	address of each person permanently exempt from jury service under
	this section [and the name and address of each person exempt from
	jury service under this section for a specified period].
	SECTION 9.024.  Subchapter B, Chapter 62, Government Code,
	is amended by adding Section 62.115 to read as follows:
	Sec. 62.115.  COMPILATION OF LIST OF CONVICTED PERSONS. (a)
	The clerk of the court shall maintain a list of the name and address
	of each person who is disqualified under this subchapter from jury
	service because the person was convicted of misdemeanor theft or a
	felony.
	(b)  A person who was convicted of misdemeanor theft or a
	felony shall be permanently disqualified from serving as a juror. A
	person is exempt from this section if the person:
	(1)  was placed on deferred adjudication and received a
	dismissal and discharge in accordance with Article 42A.111, Code of
	Criminal Procedure;
	(2)  was placed on community supervision and the period
	of community supervision was terminated early under Article
	42A.701, Code of Criminal Procedure; or
	(3)  was pardoned or has had the person's civil rights
	restored.
	(c)  The district clerk may remove from the jury wheel the
	jury wheel card for the person whose name appears on the list.
	(d)  On the third business day of each month, the clerk shall
	send to the secretary of state a copy of the list of persons
	disqualified because of a conviction of misdemeanor theft or a
	felony in the preceding month.
	SECTION 9.025.  Section 62.411(a), Government Code, is
	amended to read as follows:
	(a)  In addition to other methods of jury selection provided
	by this chapter, a justice of the peace may issue a writ commanding
	the clerk, sheriff, or constable to immediately summon a venire
	from which six qualified persons may be selected for jury service
	if:
	(1)  a jury case is pending for trial at a term of
	justice court; or
	(2)  the court does not have a sufficient number of
	prospective jurors present whose names are on the jury list and who
	are not excused from jury service.
	SECTION 9.026.  Section 62.412(c), Government Code, is
	amended to read as follows:
	(c)  A justice of the peace may command the clerk, sheriff,
	or constable to immediately summon additional persons for jury
	service in the justice court if the number of qualified jurors,
	including persons summoned under Section 62.016, is less than the
	number necessary for the justice court to conduct its proceedings.
	SECTION 9.027.  Sections 62.0111(c) and 62.0132(b),
	Government Code, are repealed.
	SECTION 9.028.  Sections 62.106(a), 62.107(c), and
	62.108(a), (b), (c), and (e), Government Code, as amended by this
	article, apply only to an exemption from jury service for a person
	who is summoned to appear for service on or after September 1, 2023.
	An exemption from jury service for a person who is summoned to
	appear for service before September 1, 2023, is covered by the law
	in effect when the person was summoned, and that law is continued in
	effect for that purpose.
	ARTICLE 10.  COURT REPORTERS AND INTERPRETERS
	SECTION 10.001.  Section 52.041, Government Code, is amended
	to read as follows:
	Sec. 52.041.  APPOINTMENT OF OFFICIAL COURT REPORTER. (a)
	Each judge of a court of record shall appoint an official court
	reporter. An official court reporter is a sworn officer of the
	court and holds office at the pleasure of the court.
	(b)  The judges of two or more courts of record that are not
	located in the same judicial district on agreement may jointly
	appoint an official court reporter to serve the courts.
	(c)  Notwithstanding any other law, two or more judges of
	courts of record may appoint a certified shorthand reporter to
	serve each court as an official court reporter of the court. A
	certified shorthand reporter appointed under this subsection may
	serve as an official court reporter for more than one county and be
	an employee of more than one county.
	(d)  An official court reporter may remotely serve any court
	to which the official court reporter is appointed.
	SECTION 10.002.  Section 52.042, Government Code, is amended
	by adding Subsection (e) to read as follows:
	(e)  A deputy court reporter may remotely serve any court to
	which the official court reporter is appointed.
	SECTION 10.003.  Section 52.054, Government Code, is amended
	by adding Subsection (a-1) to read as follows:
	(a-1)  A county responsible for payment of the salary of an
	official court reporter jointly appointed in accordance with
	Section 52.041(b) to serve courts of record in two or more counties
	that are not in the same judicial district shall pay a portion of
	the reporter's salary in an amount equal to the proportion that
	county's population bears to the combined population of all the
	counties responsible for payment of the salary.
	SECTION 10.004.  Section 52.055(d), Government Code, is
	amended to read as follows:
	(d)  The expenses reimbursed under this section are subject
	to annual limitations based on the size of the judicial district.
	Except as provided by Subsection (d-1), a court reporter may not
	receive more than the maximum reimbursement amount set for the
	reporter's judicial district in any one year. The maximum
	reimbursement amount is as follows:
	(1)  if the judicial district contains two counties,
	the maximum reimbursement amount is $400 or a greater amount set by
	the commissioners court of the county for which the expenses were
	incurred;
	(2)  if the judicial district contains three counties,
	the maximum reimbursement amount is $800 or a greater amount set by
	the commissioners court of the county for which the expenses were
	incurred;
	(3)  if the judicial district contains four counties,
	the maximum reimbursement amount is $1,400 or a greater amount set
	by the commissioners court of the county for which the expenses were
	incurred; and
	(4)  if the judicial district contains five or more
	counties, the maximum reimbursement amount is $2,000 or a greater
	amount set by the commissioners court of the county for which the
	expenses were incurred.
	SECTION 10.005.  Section 52.056(a), Government Code, is
	amended to read as follows:
	(a)  An official or deputy court reporter of a judicial
	district who is required to leave the county of the reporter's [his]
	residence to report proceedings as a substitute for the official
	court reporter of another county is entitled to reimbursement for
	actual and necessary travel expenses and a per diem allowance of $30
	or the amount provided by the travel per diem policy of the county
	for which the expenses were incurred, whichever is greater, for
	each day or part of a day spent outside the reporter's [his] county
	of residence in the performance of duties as a substitute. These
	fees are in addition to the visiting reporter's regular salary.
	SECTION 10.006.  Section 52.058(b), Government Code, is
	amended to read as follows:
	(b)  Travel expenses reimbursed under this section may not
	exceed the mileage reimbursement rate established by the county [25
	cents per mile] for the use of private conveyances, traveling the
	shortest practical route.
	SECTION 10.007.  Sections 57.001(1) and (9), Government
	Code, are amended to read as follows:
	(1)  "Certified court interpreter" means an individual
	who is a qualified interpreter as defined in Article 38.31, Code of
	Criminal Procedure, or Section 21.003, Civil Practice and Remedies
	Code, or is qualified in accordance with the communication access
	realtime translation services eligibility requirements established
	by the Office of Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services of the Health and
	Human Services Commission, [certified under Subchapter B by the
	Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services] to interpret
	court proceedings for a hearing-impaired individual.
	(9)  "Certified CART provider" means an individual who
	holds a certification to provide communication access realtime
	translation services at an advanced or master level, including:
	(A)  a level I through level V certificate of
	competency issued by the Texas Court Reporters Association;
	(B)  a certified realtime reporter, certified
	realtime captioner, or other equivalent certified CART provider
	certificate of competency issued by the National Court Reporters
	Association; or
	(C)  a certificate of competency issued by another
	certification association selected by the department.
	SECTION 10.008.  (a)  Section 154.051, Government Code, is
	amended by amending Subsection (a) and adding Subsection (f-1) to
	read as follows:
	(a)  The Court Reporters Certification Advisory Board is
	established as an advisory board to the commission. The advisory
	board is composed of at least nine [seven] members appointed by the
	supreme court as follows:
	(1)  one active district judge presiding over a court
	that employs an official court reporter;
	(2)  one active attorney licensed in this state who has
	been a practicing member of the State Bar for more than the five
	years immediately preceding the attorney's appointment to the
	advisory board;
	(3)  two certified shorthand [active official court]
	reporters actively engaged in the practice of official court [who
	have practiced shorthand] reporting in this state for more than the
	five years immediately preceding their appointment to the advisory
	board;
	(4)  two [active] certified shorthand reporters
	actively engaged in the practice of [who work on a freelance basis
	and who have practiced] shorthand reporting on a freelance basis
	for more than the five years immediately preceding their
	appointment to the advisory board; [and]
	(5)  one certified shorthand reporter actively engaged
	in practice as a captioner in this state for more than the five
	years immediately preceding the captioner's appointment to the
	advisory board; and
	(6)  two certified shorthand reporters who:
	(A)  own a shorthand reporting firm in this state;
	and
	(B)  have owned and [one representative of a
	shorthand reporting firm that has] operated [as] a shorthand
	reporting firm in this state for more than the five [three] years
	immediately preceding their [the representative's] appointment to
	the advisory board.
	(f-1)  Not later than the 90th day before the expiration of
	an advisory board member's term, the commission:
	(1)  shall post on the commission's Internet website
	notice of the availability of the membership position;
	(2)  shall accept resumes from and conduct interviews
	of any qualified individuals interested in appointment to the
	position; and
	(3)  may recommend to the supreme court one or more of
	the qualified individuals for appointment to the advisory board.
	(b)  As soon as practicable after the effective date of this
	Act, the Texas Supreme Court shall appoint two additional members
	of the Court Reporters Certification Advisory Board in accordance
	with Section 154.051(a), Government Code, as amended by this
	article.
	(c)  Section 154.051, Government Code, as amended by this
	article, modifying the qualifications of members of the Court
	Reporters Certification Advisory Board does not affect the
	entitlement of a member serving on the advisory board immediately
	before September 1, 2023, to continue to carry out the member's
	functions for the remainder of the member's term.  Section 154.051,
	Government Code, as amended by this article, applies only to a
	member appointed or reappointed on or after September 1, 2023.  This
	article does not prohibit a person who is a member of the advisory
	board before that date from being reappointed to the advisory board
	if the person has the qualifications required for membership under
	Section 154.051, Government Code, as amended by this article.
	SECTION 10.009.  Sections 154.105(b), (c), and (d),
	Government Code, are amended to read as follows:
	(b)  A certified shorthand reporter may administer oaths to
	witnesses[:
	[(1) anywhere in this state;
	[(2) in a jurisdiction outside this state if:
	[(A) the reporter is at the same location as the
	witness; and
	[(B) the witness is or may be a witness in a case
	filed in this state; and
	[(3) at any location authorized in a reciprocity
	agreement between this state and another jurisdiction under Section
	152.202(b).
	[(c)  Notwithstanding Subsection (b), a shorthand reporter
	may administer an oath as provided under this subsection to a person
	who is or may be a witness in a case filed in this state] without
	being at the same location as the witness[:
	[(1) if the reporter is physically located in this
	state at the time the oath is administered; or
	[(2) as authorized in a reciprocity agreement between
	this state and another jurisdiction under Section 152.202(b) if:
	[(A) the witness is at a location in the other
	jurisdiction; and
	[(B) the reporter is at a location in the same
	jurisdiction as the witness].
	(c) [(d)]  The identity of a witness who is not in the
	physical presence of a certified shorthand reporter may be proven
	by:
	(1)  a statement under oath on the record by a party to
	the case stating that the party has actual knowledge of the
	witness's identity;
	(2)  a statement on the record by an attorney for a
	party to the case, or an attorney for the witness, verifying the
	witness's identity;
	(3)  a statement on the record by a notary who is in the
	presence of the witness verifying the witness's identity; or
	(4)  the witness's presentation for inspection by the
	court reporter of an official document issued by this state,
	another state, a federal agency, or another jurisdiction that
	verifies the witness's identity.
	SECTION 10.010.  The heading to Section 154.112, Government
	Code, is amended to read as follows:
	Sec. 154.112.  EMPLOYMENT OF NONCERTIFIED PERSON FOR
	SHORTHAND REPORTING; CIVIL PENALTY.
	SECTION 10.011.  Section 154.112, Government Code, is
	amended by amending Subsection (b) and adding Subsections (d), (e),
	(f), (g), and (h) to read as follows:
	(b)  A person who is not certified as a court reporter may
	engage in shorthand reporting to report an oral deposition only if:
	(1)  the uncertified person delivers an affidavit to
	the parties or to their counsel before [present at] the deposition
	begins stating that a certified shorthand reporter is not
	available; or
	(2)  the parties or their counsel stipulate on the
	record at the beginning of the deposition that a certified
	shorthand reporter is not available.
	(d)  The person shall file the affidavit described by
	Subsection (b)(1) with the court as part of the certification
	required by Rule 203.2, Texas Rules of Civil Procedure.
	(e)  In addition to any other remedy authorized by law, the
	commission may:
	(1)  collect a civil penalty in an amount not to exceed
	$1,000 from a person who fails to comply with Subsection (b)(1) or
	(d); and
	(2)  seek injunctive relief for a second or subsequent
	violation of Subsection (b)(1) or (d) to prohibit the person from
	engaging in shorthand reporting unless the person is certified as a
	court reporter under this chapter.
	(f)  The commission shall collect a civil penalty assessed
	under Subsection (e)(1) following the same procedures the
	commission uses in taking disciplinary action against a certified
	court reporter for violating the laws and rules applicable to the
	reporter.
	(g)  The attorney general, a county or district attorney
	whose jurisdiction includes the location at which a deposition is
	taken, or legal counsel the commission designates may represent the
	commission for purposes of collecting the civil penalty or
	obtaining the injunctive relief.
	(h)  In an action authorized by this section, the commission
	may obtain reasonable attorney's fees, expenses, and costs incurred
	in obtaining the civil penalty or injunctive relief.
	SECTION 10.012.  Section 154.105(e), Government Code, is
	repealed.
	SECTION 10.013.  As soon as practicable after the effective
	date of this Act, the Texas Supreme Court shall revise the Texas
	Rules of Civil Procedure as the court determines necessary to
	conform to the changes in law made by this Act to Section 154.112,
	Government Code.
	ARTICLE 11. DEPOSITION, TRANSCRIPTION, AND INTERPRETATION
	SERVICES
	SECTION 11.001.  The heading to Section 20.001, Civil
	Practice and Remedies Code, is amended to read as follows:
	Sec. 20.001.  PERSONS WHO MAY TAKE A DEPOSITION ON WRITTEN
	QUESTIONS.
	SECTION 11.002.  Sections 20.001(b), (c), and (d), Civil
	Practice and Remedies Code, are amended to read as follows:
	(b)  A deposition on written questions of a witness who is
	alleged to reside or to be outside this state, but inside the United
	States, may be taken in another state by:
	(1)  a clerk of a court of record having a seal;
	(2)  a commissioner of deeds appointed under the laws
	of this state; or
	(3)  any notary public.
	(c)  A deposition on written questions of a witness who is
	alleged to reside or to be outside the United States may be taken
	by:
	(1)  a minister, commissioner, or charge d'affaires of
	the United States who is a resident of and is accredited in the
	country where the deposition is taken;
	(2)  a consul general, consul, vice-consul, commercial
	agent, vice-commercial agent, deputy consul, or consular agent of
	the United States who is a resident of the country where the
	deposition is taken; or
	(3)  any notary public.
	(d)  A deposition on written questions of a witness who is
	alleged to be a member of the United States Armed Forces or of a
	United States Armed Forces Auxiliary or who is alleged to be a
	civilian employed by or accompanying the armed forces or an
	auxiliary outside the United States may be taken by a commissioned
	officer in the United States Armed Forces or United States Armed
	Forces Auxiliary or by a commissioned officer in the United States
	Armed Forces Reserve or an auxiliary of it. If a deposition on
	written questions appears on its face to have been taken as provided
	by this subsection and the deposition or any part of it is offered
	in evidence, it is presumed, absent pleading and proof to the
	contrary, that the person taking the deposition as a commissioned
	officer was a commissioned officer on the date that the deposition
	was taken, and that the deponent was a member of the authorized
	group of military personnel or civilians.
	SECTION 11.003.  Section 51.601, Government Code, is amended
	to read as follows:
	Sec. 51.601.  COURT REPORTER SERVICE FUND. (a) [(c)] The
	commissioners court of the county shall administer the court
	reporter service fund to assist in the payment of
	court-reporter-related services, that may include maintaining an
	adequate number of court reporters to provide services to the
	courts, obtaining court reporter transcription services,
	closed-caption transcription machines, Braille transcription
	services, or other transcription services, including a court
	reporter's preparation of an appellate record under the Texas Rules
	of Appellate Procedure and Rule 145, Texas Rules of Civil
	Procedure, to comply with state or federal laws, or providing any
	other service related to the functions of a court reporter.
	(b) [(d)]  The commissioners court shall, in administering
	the court reporter service fund, assist any court in which a case is
	filed that requires the payment of the court reporter service fee.
	SECTION 11.004.  Sections 52.047(c), (e), and (g),
	Government Code, are amended to read as follows:
	(c)  On payment of the fee or as provided by the [Rule
	40(a)(3) or 53(j),] Texas Rules of Appellate Procedure, the person
	requesting the transcript is entitled to the original and one copy
	of the transcript. The person may purchase additional copies for a
	fee per page that does not exceed one-third of the original cost per
	page.
	(e)  If an objection is made to the amount of these
	additional fees, the judge shall set a reasonable fee. If the
	person applying for the transcript is entitled to a transcript
	without charge under the [Rule 40(a)(3) or 53(j),] Texas Rules of
	Appellate Procedure, the court reporter may not charge any
	additional fees under Subsection (d).
	(g)  Notwithstanding the [Rule 53(j),] Texas Rules of
	Appellate Procedure, an official court reporter who is required to
	prepare a transcript in a criminal case without charging a fee is
	not entitled to payment for the transcript from the state or county
	if the county paid a substitute court reporter to perform the
	official court reporter's regular duties while the transcript was
	being prepared. To the extent that this subsection conflicts with
	the Texas Rules of Appellate Procedure, this subsection controls.
	Notwithstanding Sections 22.004 and 22.108(b), the supreme court or
	the court of criminal appeals may not amend or adopt rules in
	conflict with this subsection.
	SECTION 11.005.  The heading to Section 57.002, Government
	Code, is amended to read as follows:
	Sec. 57.002.  APPOINTMENT OF INTERPRETER OR CART PROVIDER;
	CART PROVIDER LIST; PAYMENT OF INTERPRETER COSTS.
	SECTION 11.006.  Section 57.002, Government Code, is amended
	by adding Subsections (g), (h), and (i) to read as follows:
	(g)  A party to a proceeding in a court who files a statement
	of inability to afford payment of court costs under Rule 145, Texas
	Rules of Civil Procedure, is not required to provide an interpreter
	at the party's expense or pay the costs associated with the services
	of an interpreter appointed under this section that are incurred
	during the course of the action, unless the statement has been
	contested and the court has ordered the party to pay costs pursuant
	to Rule 145. Nothing in this subsection is intended to apply to
	interpreter services or other auxiliary aids for individuals who
	are deaf, hard of hearing, or have communication disabilities,
	which shall be provided to those individuals free of charge
	pursuant to federal and state laws.
	(h)  Each county auditor, or other individual designated by
	the commissioners court of a county, in consultation with the
	district and county clerks shall submit to the Office of Court
	Administration of the Texas Judicial System, in the manner
	prescribed by the office, information on the money the county spent
	during the preceding fiscal year to provide court-ordered
	interpretation services in civil and criminal proceedings. The
	information must include:
	(1)  the number of interpreters appointed;
	(2)  the number of interpreters appointed for parties
	or witnesses who are indigent;
	(3)  the amount of money the county spent to provide
	court-ordered interpretation services; and
	(4)  for civil proceedings, whether a party to the
	proceeding filed a statement of inability to afford payment of
	court costs under Rule 145, Texas Rules of Civil Procedure,
	applicable to the appointment of an interpreter.
	(i)  Not later than December 1 of each year, the Office of
	Court Administration of the Texas Judicial System shall:
	(1)  submit to the legislature a report that aggregates
	by county the information submitted under Subsection (h) for the
	preceding fiscal year; and
	(2)  publish the report on the office's Internet
	website.
	SECTION 11.007.  Section 154.101(f), Government Code, is
	amended to read as follows:
	(f)  Except as provided by Section 154.112 and by Section
	20.001, Civil Practice and Remedies Code, all depositions conducted
	in this state must be reported [recorded] by a certified shorthand
	reporter.
	SECTION 11.008.  Section 406.016(a), Government Code, is
	amended to read as follows:
	(a)  A notary public has the same authority as the county
	clerk to:
	(1)  take acknowledgments or proofs of written
	instruments;
	(2)  protest instruments permitted by law to be
	protested;
	(3)  administer oaths;
	(4)  take depositions as provided by Section 20.001,
	Civil Practice and Remedies Code; and
	(5)  certify copies of documents not recordable in the
	public records.
	SECTION 11.009.  (a)  This article is and shall be construed
	to be consistent with the procedures set forth in Rules 199.1(c) and
	203.6(a), Texas Rules of Civil Procedure, as of September 1, 2023.
	(b)  Section 57.002, Government Code, as amended by this
	article, applies to an action pending on September 1, 2023, or filed
	on or after that date.
	ARTICLE 12. TRANSFER OF CASES AND PROCEEDINGS
	SECTION 12.001.  Section 33.101, Estates Code, is amended to
	read as follows:
	Sec. 33.101.  TRANSFER TO OTHER COUNTY IN WHICH VENUE IS
	PROPER. If probate proceedings involving the same estate are
	commenced in more than one county and the court making a
	determination of venue as provided by Section 33.053 determines
	that venue is proper in another county, the court clerk shall
	transmit the file for the proceeding in accordance with the
	procedures provided by Section 33.105 [make and retain a copy of the
	entire file in the case and transmit the original file in electronic
	or paper form] to the court in the county in which venue is proper.
	The court to which the file is transmitted shall conduct the
	proceeding in the same manner as if the proceeding had originally
	been commenced in that county.
	SECTION 12.002.  Section 33.102(a), Estates Code, is amended
	to read as follows:
	(a)  If it appears to the court at any time before the final
	order in a probate proceeding is rendered that the court does not
	have priority of venue over the proceeding, the court shall, on the
	application of an interested person, transfer the proceeding to the
	proper county by transmitting the file for the proceeding in
	accordance with the procedures provided by Section 33.105 to the
	proper court in that county [in electronic or paper form:
	[(1)  the original file in the case; and
	[(2)  certified copies of all entries that have been
	made in the judge's probate docket in the proceeding].
	SECTION 12.003.  Section 33.103(b), Estates Code, is amended
	to read as follows:
	(b)  The clerk of the court from which the probate proceeding
	described by Subsection (a) is transferred shall transmit the file
	for the proceeding in accordance with the procedures provided by
	Section 33.105 to the court to which the proceeding is
	transferred[:
	[(1) the original file in the proceeding; and
	[(2) a certified copy of the index].
	SECTION 12.004.  Subchapter C, Chapter 33, Estates Code, is
	amended by adding Section 33.105 to read as follows:
	Sec. 33.105.  TRANSFER OF PROBATE PROCEEDING RECORD. (a) If
	a probate proceeding is transferred to a court in another county
	under this chapter, the clerk of the transferring court shall send
	to the clerk of the court to which the proceeding is transferred,
	using the electronic filing system established under Section
	72.031, Government Code:
	(1)  a transfer certificate and index of transferred
	documents;
	(2)  a copy of each final order;
	(3)  a copy of the order of transfer signed by the
	transferring court;
	(4)  a copy of the original papers filed in the
	transferring court, including a copy of any will;
	(5)  a copy of the transfer certificate and index of
	transferred documents from each previous transfer; and
	(6)  a bill of any costs accrued in the transferring
	court.
	(b)  The clerk of the transferring court shall use the
	standardized transfer certificate and index of transferred
	documents form developed by the Office of Court Administration of
	the Texas Judicial System under Section 72.037, Government Code,
	when transferring a proceeding under this section.
	(c)  The clerk of the transferring court shall keep a copy of
	the documents transferred under Subsection (a).
	(d)  The clerk of the court to which the proceeding is
	transferred shall:
	(1)  accept documents transferred under Subsection
	(a);
	(2)  docket the proceeding; and
	(3)  notify, using the electronic filing system
	established under Section 72.031, Government Code, all parties to
	the proceeding, the clerk of the transferring court, and, if
	appropriate, the transferring court's local registry that the
	proceeding has been docketed.
	(e)  The clerk of the transferee court shall physically or
	electronically mark or stamp the transfer certificate and index of
	transferred documents to evidence the date and time of acceptance
	under Subsection (d) but may not physically or electronically mark
	or stamp any other document transferred under Subsection (a).
	(f)  The clerks of both the transferee and transferring
	courts may each produce under Chapter 51, Government Code,
	certified or uncertified copies of documents transferred under
	Subsection (a) but must include a copy of the transfer certificate
	and index of transferred documents with each document produced.
	(g)  Sections 80.001 and 80.002, Government Code, do not
	apply to the transfer of documents under this section.
	SECTION 12.005.  Section 1023.006, Estates Code, is amended
	to read as follows:
	Sec. 1023.006.  TRANSFER OF RECORD. (a) Not later than the
	10th working day after the date [When] an order of transfer is
	signed [made] under Section 1023.005, the clerk shall record any
	unrecorded papers of the guardianship required to be recorded. On
	payment of the clerk's fee, the clerk shall send, using the
	electronic filing system established under Section 72.031,
	Government Code, [transmit in electronic or paper form] to the
	county clerk of the county to which the guardianship was ordered
	transferred:
	(1)  a transfer certificate and index of transferred
	documents [the case file of the guardianship proceedings]; [and]
	(2)  a copy of each final order;
	(3)  a copy of the order of transfer signed by the
	transferring court;
	(4)  a copy of the original papers filed in the
	transferring court;
	(5)  a copy of the transfer certificate and index of
	transferred documents from each previous transfer; and
	(6)  a bill of any costs accrued in the transferring
	court [a certified copy of the index of the guardianship records].
	(b)  The clerk of the transferring court shall use the
	standardized transfer certificate and index of transferred
	documents form developed by the Office of Court Administration of
	the Texas Judicial System under Section 72.037, Government Code,
	when transferring a proceeding under this section.
	(c)  The clerk of the transferring court shall keep a copy of
	the documents transferred under Subsection (a).
	(d)  The clerk of the court to which the proceeding is
	transferred shall:
	(1)  accept documents transferred under Subsection
	(a);
	(2)  docket the suit; and
	(3)  notify, using the electronic filing system
	established under Section 72.031, Government Code, all parties, the
	clerk of the transferring court, and, if appropriate, the
	transferring court's local registry that the suit has been
	docketed.
	(e)  The clerk of the transferee court shall physically or
	electronically mark or stamp the transfer certificate and index of
	transferred documents to evidence the date and time of acceptance
	under Subsection (d), but may not physically or electronically mark
	or stamp any other document transferred under Subsection (a).
	(f)  The clerk of the transferring court shall send a
	certified copy of the order directing payments to the transferee
	court to:
	(1)  any party affected by the order and, if
	appropriate, to the local registry of the transferee court using
	the electronic filing system established under Section 72.031,
	Government Code; and
	(2)  an employer affected by the order electronically
	or by first class mail.
	(g)  The clerks of both the transferee and transferring
	courts may each produce under Chapter 51, Government Code,
	certified or uncertified copies of documents transferred under
	Subsection (a) but must include a copy of the transfer certificate
	and index of transferred documents with each document produced.
	(h)  Sections 80.001 and 80.002, Government Code, do not
	apply to the transfer of documents under this section.
	SECTION 12.006.  Section 1023.007, Estates Code, is amended
	to read as follows:
	Sec. 1023.007.  TRANSFER EFFECTIVE. The order transferring
	a guardianship does not take effect until the clerk of the court to
	which the proceeding is transferred accepts and dockets the case
	record under Section 1023.006[:
	[(1)  the case file and a certified copy of the index
	required by Section 1023.006 are filed in electronic or paper form
	in the office of the county clerk of the county to which the
	guardianship was ordered transferred; and
	[(2)  a certificate under the clerk's official seal and
	reporting the filing of the case file and a certified copy of the
	index is filed in electronic or paper form in the court ordering the
	transfer by the county clerk of the county to which the guardianship
	was ordered transferred].
	SECTION 12.007.  Sections 155.207(a), (b), and (e), Family
	Code, are amended to read as follows:
	(a)  Not later than the 10th working day after the date an
	order of transfer is signed, the clerk of the court transferring a
	proceeding shall send, using the electronic filing system
	established under Section 72.031, Government Code, to the proper
	court [in the county] to which transfer is being made:
	(1)  a transfer certificate and index of transferred
	documents;
	(2)  a copy of each final order;
	(3)  a copy of the order of transfer signed by the
	transferring court;
	(4)  a copy of the original papers filed in the
	transferring court;
	(5)  a copy of the transfer certificate and index of
	transferred documents from each previous transfer; and
	(6)  a bill of any costs that have accrued in the
	transferring court.
	(b)  The clerk of the transferring court shall keep a copy of
	the documents transferred under Subsection (a) [transferred
	pleadings].
	(e)  The clerks of both the transferee and transferring
	courts may each produce under Chapter 51, Government Code,
	certified or uncertified copies of documents transferred under
	Subsection (a) and must [filed in a case transferred under this
	section, but shall also] include a copy of the transfer certificate
	and index of transferred documents with each document produced.
	SECTION 12.008.  Section 51.3071, Government Code, is
	amended by amending Subsection (a) and adding Subsections (f) and
	(g) to read as follows:
	(a)  If a case is transferred from a district court to a
	constitutional or statutory county court or another district court,
	the clerk of the transferring [district] court shall send to the
	[county] clerk of the court to which the case is transferred, using
	the electronic filing system established under Section 72.031:
	(1)  a transfer certificate and index of transferred
	documents;
	(2)  a copy of the original papers filed in the
	transferring court;
	(3)  a copy of the order of transfer signed by the
	transferring court;
	(4)  a copy of each final order;
	(5)  a copy of the transfer certificate and index of
	transferred documents from each previous transfer; and
	(6)  a bill of any costs that have accrued in the
	transferring court.
	(f)  The clerks of both the transferee and transferring
	courts may each produce, under this chapter, certified or
	uncertified copies of documents transferred under Subsection (a)
	and must include a copy of the transfer certificate and index of
	transferred documents with each document produced.
	(g)  This section applies regardless of whether the
	transferee court and the transferring court are in the same or
	different counties.
	SECTION 12.009.  Section 51.403, Government Code, is amended
	by amending Subsection (a) and adding Subsections (d) and (e) to
	read as follows:
	(a)  If a case is transferred from a county court to a
	district court or a statutory county court or a county court of
	another county, the clerk of the transferring [county] court shall
	send to the [district] clerk of the court to which the case is
	transferred, using the electronic filing system established under
	Section 72.031:
	(1)  a transfer certificate and index of transferred
	documents;
	(2)  a copy of the original papers filed in the
	transferring court;
	(3)  a copy of the order of transfer signed by the
	transferring court;
	(4)  a copy of each final order;
	(5)  a copy of the transfer certificate and index of
	transferred documents from each previous transfer; and
	(6)  a bill of any costs that have accrued in the
	transferring court.
	(d)  The clerks of both the transferee and transferring
	courts may each produce, under this chapter, certified or
	uncertified copies of documents transferred under Subsection (a)
	and must include a copy of the transfer certificate and index of
	transferred documents with each document produced.
	(e)  This section applies regardless of whether the
	transferee court and the transferring court are in the same or
	different counties.
	SECTION 12.010.  Section 72.037(a), Government Code, is
	amended to read as follows:
	(a)  The office shall develop and make available a
	standardized transfer certificate and an index of transferred
	documents form to be used for the transfer of cases and proceedings
	under Sections 33.105 and 1023.006, Estates Code, Section 155.207,
	Family Code, and Sections 51.3071 and 51.403 of this code.
	SECTION 12.011.  Section 33.103(c), Estates Code, is
	repealed.
	SECTION 12.012.  As soon as practicable after the effective
	date of this Act, the Office of Court Administration of the Texas
	Judicial System shall adopt rules and develop and make available
	all forms and materials required by Section 72.037, Government
	Code, as amended by this Act.
	ARTICLE 13.  CRIMINAL PROCEDURE
	SECTION 13.001.  (a)  Section 3(b), Article 11.07, Code of
	Criminal Procedure, is amended to read as follows:
	(b)  An application for writ of habeas corpus filed after
	final conviction in a felony case, other than a case in which the
	death penalty is imposed, must be filed with the clerk of the court
	in which the conviction being challenged was obtained, and the
	clerk shall assign the application to that court. When the
	application is received by that court, a writ of habeas corpus,
	returnable to the Court of Criminal Appeals, shall issue by
	operation of law. The clerk of that court shall make appropriate
	notation thereof, assign to the case a file number (ancillary to
	that of the conviction being challenged), and forward a copy of the
	application by certified mail, return receipt requested, by
	[secure] electronic mail, or by personal service to the attorney
	representing the state in that court, who shall answer the
	application not later than the 30th day after the date the copy of
	the application is received. Matters alleged in the application
	not admitted by the state are deemed denied.
	(b)  Section 3(b), Article 11.07, Code of Criminal
	Procedure, as amended by this section, applies only to an
	application for a writ of habeas corpus filed on or after September
	1, 2023.  An application filed before that date is governed by the
	law in effect on the date the application was filed, and the former
	law is continued in effect for that purpose.
	SECTION 13.002.  (a)  Section 2a(a), Article 55.02, Code of
	Criminal Procedure, is amended to read as follows:
	(a)  A person who is entitled to expunction of information
	contained in records and files under Article 55.01(d) may file an
	application for expunction with the attorney representing the state
	in the prosecution of felonies in the county in which:
	(1)  the person resides; or
	(2)  the offense was alleged to have occurred.
	(b)  Section 2a(a), Article 55.02, Code of Criminal
	Procedure, as amended by this section, applies to an expunction of
	information contained in arrest records and files relating to any
	criminal offense occurring before, on, or after September 1, 2023.
	ARTICLE 14.  PROBATE PROCEEDINGS
	SECTION 14.001.  Section 152.001, Estates Code, is amended
	to read as follows:
	Sec. 152.001.  APPLICATION AUTHORIZED. (a) Subject to
	Subsection (b), a person qualified to serve as an administrator
	under Section 304.001 may file an application requesting emergency
	intervention by a court exercising probate jurisdiction to provide
	for:
	(1)  the payment or reimbursement of the decedent's
	funeral and burial expenses; or
	(2)  the protection and storage of personal property
	owned by the decedent that, on the date of the decedent's death, was
	located in accommodations rented by the decedent.
	(b)  An applicant may file an application under this section
	only if:
	(1)  an application or affidavit has not been filed and
	is not pending under Section 256.052, 256.054, or 301.052 or
	Chapter 205 or 401; and
	(2)  the applicant needs to:
	(A)  obtain funds for the payment or reimbursement
	of the decedent's funeral and burial expenses; or
	(B)  gain access to accommodations rented by the
	decedent that contain the decedent's personal property and the
	applicant has been denied access to those accommodations.
	SECTION 14.002.  Sections 152.002(a) and (b), Estates Code,
	are amended to read as follows:
	(a)  An emergency intervention application must be sworn and
	must contain:
	(1)  the applicant's name, address, and interest;
	(2)  facts showing an immediate necessity for the
	issuance of an emergency intervention order under Subchapter B;
	(3)  the decedent's date of death, place of death, and
	residential address on the date of death;
	(4)  the name and address of the funeral home holding
	the decedent's remains or paid by the applicant for the decedent's
	funeral and burial; and
	(5)  the names of any known or ascertainable heirs and
	devisees of the decedent.
	(b)  In addition to the information required under
	Subsection (a), if emergency intervention is requested to obtain
	funds needed for the payment or reimbursement of the decedent's
	funeral and burial expenses, the application must also contain:
	(1)  the reason any known or ascertainable heirs and
	devisees of the decedent:
	(A)  cannot be contacted; or
	(B)  have refused to assist in the decedent's
	burial;
	(2)  a description of necessary funeral and burial
	procedures and a statement from the funeral home that contains a
	detailed and itemized description of the cost of those procedures;
	[and]
	(3)  the name and address of an individual, entity, or
	financial institution, including an employer, in possession of any
	funds of or due to the decedent, and related account numbers and
	balances, if known by the applicant; and
	(4)  if applicable, the amount paid by the applicant
	for the funeral and burial procedures described by Subdivision (2).
	SECTION 14.003.  Section 152.003, Estates Code, is amended
	to read as follows:
	Sec. 152.003.  ADDITIONAL CONTENTS OF APPLICATION:
	INSTRUCTIONS REGARDING DECEDENT'S FUNERAL AND REMAINS.  (a)  In
	addition to the information required under Section 152.002, if
	emergency intervention is requested to obtain funds needed for the
	payment or reimbursement of a decedent's funeral and burial
	expenses, the application must also state whether there are or were
	any written instructions from the decedent relating to the type and
	manner of funeral or burial preferred by the decedent.  The
	applicant shall:
	(1)  attach the instructions, if available, to the
	application; and
	(2)  fully comply, or must have fully complied, as
	appropriate, with the instructions.
	(b)  If written instructions do not exist, the applicant may
	not permit or have permitted the decedent's remains to be cremated
	unless the applicant obtains or obtained the court's permission to
	cremate the remains.
	SECTION 14.004.  Section 152.004, Estates Code, is amended
	to read as follows:
	Sec. 152.004.  TIME AND PLACE OF FILING. An emergency
	intervention application must be filed:
	(1)  with the court clerk in the county in which:
	(A)  the decedent was domiciled; or
	(B)  the accommodations rented by the decedent
	that contain the decedent's personal property are located; and
	(2)  not earlier than the third day after the date of
	the decedent's death and not later than nine months [the 90th day]
	after the date of the decedent's death.
	SECTION 14.005.  Section 152.051, Estates Code, is amended
	to read as follows:
	Sec. 152.051.  ISSUANCE OF ORDER REGARDING FUNERAL AND
	BURIAL EXPENSES. If on review of an application filed under Section
	152.001 the court determines that emergency intervention is
	necessary to obtain funds needed for the payment or reimbursement
	of a decedent's funeral and burial expenses, the court may order
	funds of the decedent that are being held by an individual, an
	employer, or a financial institution to be paid directly to a
	funeral home or the applicant, as applicable, only for:
	(1)  reasonable and necessary attorney's fees for the
	attorney who obtained the order;
	(2)  court costs for obtaining the order; and
	(3)  funeral and burial expenses not to exceed $5,000
	as ordered by the court to provide the decedent with or to provide
	reimbursement for a reasonable, dignified, and appropriate funeral
	and burial.
	SECTION 14.006.  Sections 152.001, 152.002(a) and (b),
	152.003, 152.004, and 152.051, Estates Code, as amended by this
	article, apply only to an application requesting emergency
	intervention that is filed on or after September 1, 2023.  An
	application that is filed before September 1, 2023, is governed by
	the law in effect at the time the application was filed, and the
	former law is continued in effect for that purpose.
	ARTICLE 15. EFFECTIVE DATE
	SECTION 15.001.  Except as otherwise provided by this Act,
	this Act takes effect September 1, 2023.