By: Huffman	S.B. No. 1530
	(In the Senate - Filed March 11, 2021; March 24, 2021, read
	first time and referred to Committee on Jurisprudence;
	April 30, 2021, reported adversely, with favorable Committee
	Substitute by the following vote:  Yeas 5, Nays 0; April 30, 2021,
	sent to printer.)
Click here to see the committee vote
	COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE FOR S.B. No. 1530	By:  Huffman

	A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
	AN ACT
	relating to the operation and administration of and practice and
	procedure related to proceedings in the judicial branch of state
	government.
	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
	ARTICLE 1.  DISTRICT COURTS
	SECTION 1.01.  (a) Section 24.129(b), Government Code, is
	amended to read as follows:
	(b)  The 27th, 146th, 169th, 264th, [and] 426th, and 478th
	judicial districts have concurrent jurisdiction in Bell County.
	(b)  Subchapter C, Chapter 24, Government Code, is amended by
	adding Section 24.60022 to read as follows:
	Sec. 24.60022.  478TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT (BELL COUNTY). (a)
	The 478th Judicial District is composed of Bell County.
	(b)  The terms of the 478th District Court begin on the first
	Mondays in January, April, July, and October.
	(c)  Section 24.129, relating to the 27th District Court,
	contains provisions applicable to both that court and the 478th
	District Court.
	(c)  The 478th Judicial District is created on the effective
	date of this Act.
	SECTION 1.02.  (a) Effective October 1, 2022, Subchapter C,
	Chapter 24, Government Code, is amended by adding Section 24.60025
	to read as follows:
	Sec. 24.60025.  480TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT (WILLIAMSON
	COUNTY).  The 480th Judicial District is composed of Williamson
	County.
	(b)  The 480th Judicial District is created on October 1,
	2022.
	SECTION 1.03.  (a)  Subchapter C, Chapter 24, Government
	Code, is amended by adding Section 24.60026 to read as follows:
	Sec. 24.60026.  481ST JUDICIAL DISTRICT (DENTON COUNTY).
	The 481st Judicial District is composed of Denton County.
	(b)  The 481st Judicial District is created on the effective
	date of this Act.
	SECTION 1.04.  (a) Subchapter C, Chapter 24, Government
	Code, is amended by adding Section 24.60027 to read as follows:
	Sec. 24.60027.  482ND JUDICIAL DISTRICT (HARRIS COUNTY).
	The 482nd Judicial District is composed of Harris County.
	(b)  The 482nd Judicial District is created on the effective
	date of this Act.
	SECTION 1.05.  (a) Subchapter C, Chapter 24, Government
	Code, is amended by adding Section 24.60028 to read as follows:
	Sec. 24.60028.  483RD JUDICIAL DISTRICT (HAYS COUNTY). The
	483rd Judicial District is composed of Hays County.
	(b)  The 483rd Judicial District is created on the effective
	date of this Act.
	SECTION 1.06.  (a) Subchapter C, Chapter 24, Government
	Code, is amended by adding Section 24.60029 to read as follows:
	Sec. 24.60029.  484TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT (CAMERON COUNTY).
	(a) The 484th Judicial District is composed of Cameron County.
	(b)  The 484th District Court shall give preference to
	juvenile matters under Title 3, Family Code.
	(b)  The 484th Judicial District is created on the effective
	date of this Act.
	SECTION 1.07.  (a) Effective January 1, 2023, Subchapter C,
	Chapter 24, Government Code, is amended by adding Section 24.60098
	to read as follows:
	Sec. 24.60098.  475TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT (SMITH COUNTY). The
	475th Judicial District is composed of Smith County.
	(b)  Notwithstanding Section 24.026, Government Code, the
	initial vacancy in the office of judge of the 475th Judicial
	District shall be filled by election. The office exists for
	purposes of the primary and general elections in 2022. A vacancy
	after the initial vacancy is filled as provided by Section 28,
	Article V, Texas Constitution.
	(c)  The 475th Judicial District is created January 1, 2023.
	SECTION 1.08.  (a) Section 24.120(b), Government Code, is
	amended to read as follows:
	(b)  The 19th, 54th, 74th, 170th, [and] 414th, and 474th
	district courts have concurrent jurisdiction in McLennan County.
	(b)  Subchapter C, Chapter 24, Government Code, is amended by
	adding Section 24.60097 to read as follows:
	Sec. 24.60097.  474TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT (MCLENNAN COUNTY).
	The 474th Judicial District is composed of McLennan County.
	(c)  The 474th Judicial District is created on the effective
	date of this Act.
	SECTION 1.09.  (a)  Section 24.910(b), Government Code, is
	amended to read as follows:
	(b)  This section applies to the Tarrant County Criminal
	District Courts Nos. 1, 2, [and] 3, and 5.
	(b)  Subchapter E, Chapter 24, Government Code, is amended by
	adding Section 24.915 to read as follows:
	Sec. 24.915.  CRIMINAL JUDICIAL DISTRICT NO.  5 OF TARRANT
	COUNTY. (a) The Criminal Judicial District No. 5 of Tarrant County
	is composed of Tarrant County.
	(b)  Section 24.910, relating to the Tarrant County Criminal
	District Court No. 1, contains provisions applicable to both that
	court and the Tarrant County Criminal District Court No. 5.
	(c)  The Criminal Judicial District No. 5 of Tarrant County
	is created on the effective date of this Act.
	ARTICLE 2.  STATUTORY COUNTY COURTS
	SECTION 2.01.  (a) Section 25.0172(p), Government Code, is
	amended to read as follows:
	(p)  The county clerk shall keep a separate docket for each
	county court at law.  The county clerk shall appoint a deputy clerk
	for each county court at law. [An appointment of a deputy clerk of
	County Court at Law No. 2 or 3 takes effect when it is confirmed in
	writing by the judge of the court to which the deputy clerk is
	assigned and the deputy clerk serves at the pleasure of the judge of
	the court to which he is assigned.] A deputy clerk must take the
	constitutional oath of office and may be required to furnish bond in
	an amount, conditioned and payable, as required by the county
	clerk. A deputy clerk must attend all sessions of the court to
	which the deputy [he] is assigned. A deputy clerk acts in the name
	of the county clerk and may perform any official act or service
	required of the county clerk and shall perform any other service
	required by the judge of a county court at law. The deputy clerks
	may act for one another in performing services for the county courts
	at law, but a deputy is not entitled to receive additional
	compensation for acting for another deputy.  If a vacancy occurs,
	the county clerk shall immediately appoint another deputy clerk as
	provided by this subsection. A deputy clerk of a county court at
	law is entitled to the same amount of compensation as received by
	the deputy clerks of the other county courts at law in Bexar County.
	The commissioners court shall pay the salary of a deputy clerk in
	equal monthly installments from county funds.
	(b)  Section 25.0173(g), Government Code, is amended to read
	as follows:
	(g)  The county clerk shall appoint a deputy clerk for each
	statutory probate court. [An appointment takes effect when it is
	confirmed in writing by the judge of the court to which the deputy
	clerk is assigned.] 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 official act or
	service required of the county clerk and shall perform any other
	service required by the judge of a statutory probate court. A
	deputy clerk must attend all sessions of the court to which the
	deputy clerk [he] is assigned. A deputy clerk is entitled to
	receive an annual salary set by the judge in an amount that does not
	exceed the amount paid the deputies of the county courts at law of
	Bexar County. The salary shall be paid in equal monthly
	installments as provided by law for the payment of salaries of
	deputy clerks.
	SECTION 2.02.  (a)  Sections 25.0631(b) and (c), Government
	Code, are amended to read as follows:
	(b)  Denton County has the following statutory probate
	courts:
	(1)  [one statutory probate court, the] Probate Court
	of Denton County; and
	(2)  Probate Court Number 2 of Denton County.
	(c)  The statutory county courts of Denton County sit in the
	county seat or at another location in the county as assigned by the
	local administrative statutory county court judge. The statutory
	probate courts [court] of Denton County sit [sits] in the county
	seat and may conduct docket matters at other locations in the county
	as the statutory probate court judges consider [judge considers]
	necessary for the protection of wards or mental health respondents
	or as otherwise provided by law.
	(b)  Section 25.0632(i), Government Code, is amended to read
	as follows:
	(i)  A judge of a statutory probate court is subject to
	assignment as provided by Section 25.0022.  Upon request by the
	judge of a Denton County statutory county court, a judge of a
	statutory probate court may be assigned by the regional presiding
	judge to the requesting judge's court pursuant to Chapter 74.  A
	statutory probate court judge assigned to a statutory county court
	by the regional presiding judge may hear any matter pending in the
	requesting judge's court.
	(c)  Section 25.0633(e), Government Code, is amended to read
	as follows:
	(e)  The County Court at Law No. 2 of Denton County has
	jurisdiction:
	(1)  over all civil causes and proceedings, original
	and appellate, prescribed by law for county courts; and
	(2)  regardless of the amount in controversy sought,
	over:
	(A)  eminent domain cases as provided by Section
	21.001, Property Code, for statutory county courts; and
	(B)  direct and inverse condemnation cases.
	(d)  The Probate Court Number 2 of Denton County is created
	on the effective date of this Act.
	SECTION 2.03.  (a) Section 25.1571, Government Code, is
	amended to read as follows:
	Sec. 25.1571.  MCLENNAN COUNTY. McLennan County has the
	following statutory county courts:
	(1)  County Court at Law of McLennan County; [and]
	(2)  County Court at Law No. 2 of McLennan County; and
	(3)  County Court at Law No. 3 of McLennan County.
	(b)  The County Court at Law No. 3 of McLennan County is
	created on the effective date of this Act.
	(c)  Section 25.1572, Government Code, is amended by
	amending Subsections (a), (d), and (i) and adding Subsections (b),
	(c), and (e) to read as follows:
	(a)  In addition to the jurisdiction provided by Section
	25.0003 and other law and except as limited by Subsection (b), a
	county court at law in McLennan County has jurisdiction in third
	degree felony cases and jurisdiction to conduct arraignments,
	conduct pretrial hearings, accept guilty pleas, and conduct
	probation revocation hearings in felony cases.
	(b)  On request of a district judge presiding in McLennan
	County, the regional presiding judge may assign a judge of a county
	court at law in McLennan County to the requesting judge's court
	under Chapter 74. A county court at law judge assigned to a
	district court may hear any matter pending in the requesting
	judge's court.
	(c)  A county court at law does not have jurisdiction in:
	(1)  suits on behalf of the state to recover penalties
	or escheated property;
	(2)  misdemeanors involving official misconduct; or
	(3)  contested elections.
	(d)  A judge of a county court at law shall be paid an annual
	base salary set by the commissioners court in an amount not less
	than $1,000 less than the annual base salary the state pays to a
	district judge as set by the General Appropriations Act in
	accordance with Section 659.012 with equivalent years of service as
	the judge [of not more than $20,000]. A county court at law judge's
	and a district judge's annual base salaries do not include
	contributions and supplements paid by the county [Each judge
	receives the same amount as salary. The salary shall be paid out of
	the county treasury by the commissioners court].
	(e)  The district clerk serves as clerk of a county court at
	law in matters of concurrent jurisdiction with the district court.
	The county clerk serves as the clerk of a county court at law in all
	other matters.  Each clerk shall establish a separate docket for a
	county court at law.
	(i)  The official court reporter of a county court at law is
	entitled to receive a salary set by the judge of a county court at
	law with the approval of the commissioners court [the same
	compensation and to be paid in the same manner as the court
	reporters of the district courts in McLennan County].
	(d)  The County Court at Law No. 3 of McLennan County is
	created on the effective date of this Act.
	SECTION 2.04.  (a)  Section 25.1721, Government Code, is
	amended to read as follows:
	Sec. 25.1721.  MONTGOMERY COUNTY. 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;
	(4)  County Court at Law No. 4 of Montgomery County;
	[and]
	(5)  County Court at Law No. 5 of Montgomery County;
	and
	(6)  County Court at Law No. 6 of Montgomery County.
	(b)  The County Court at Law No. 6 of Montgomery County is
	created on the effective date of this Act.
	SECTION 2.05.  Sections 25.1972(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, and except as limited by Subsection (b), a
	county court at law in Reeves County has:
	(1)  concurrent jurisdiction with the district court:
	(A)  in disputes ancillary to probate, eminent
	domain, condemnation, or landlord and tenant matters relating to
	the adjudication and determination of land titles and trusts,
	whether testamentary, inter vivos, constructive, resulting, or any
	other class or type of trust, regardless of the amount in
	controversy or the remedy sought;
	(B)  over civil forfeitures, including surety
	bond forfeitures without minimum or maximum limitation as to the
	amount in controversy or remedy sought;
	(C)  in all actions by or against a personal
	representative, in all actions involving an inter vivos trust, in
	all actions involving a charitable trust, and in all actions
	involving a testamentary trust, whether the matter is appertaining
	to or incident to an estate;
	(D)  in proceedings under Title 3, Family Code;
	and
	(E)  in family law cases and proceedings [any
	proceeding involving an order relating to a child in the possession
	or custody of the Department of Family and Protective Services or
	for whom the court has appointed a temporary or permanent managing
	conservator];
	(2)  jurisdiction in mental health matters, original or
	appellate, provided by law for constitutional county courts,
	statutory county courts, or district courts with mental health
	jurisdiction, including proceedings under:
	(A)  Chapter 462, Health and Safety Code; and
	(B)  Subtitles C and D, Title 7, Health and Safety
	Code;
	(3)  jurisdiction over the collection and management of
	estates of minors, persons with a mental illness or intellectual
	disability, and deceased persons; and
	(4)  jurisdiction in all cases assigned, transferred,
	or heard under Sections 74.054, 74.059, and 74.094.
	(b)  A county court at law does not have jurisdiction of:
	(1)  felony cases, except as otherwise provided by law;
	(2)  misdemeanors involving official misconduct unless
	assigned under Sections 74.054 and 74.059; or
	(3)  contested elections[; or
	[(4)  except as provided by Subsections (a)(1)(D) and
	(E), family law cases].
	SECTION 2.06.  (a)  Effective January 1, 2023, Section
	25.2071(a), Government Code, is amended to read as follows:
	(a)  San Patricio County has the following [one] statutory
	county courts:
	(1)  [court,] the County Court at Law of San Patricio
	County; and
	(2)  the County Court at Law No. 2 of San Patricio
	County.
	(b)  Section 25.2072, Government Code, is amended by
	amending Subsections (a), (d), and (m) and adding Subsections (g-1)
	and (g-2) to read as follows:
	(a)  In addition to the jurisdiction provided by Section
	25.0003 and other law, a county court at law in San Patricio County
	has concurrent jurisdiction with the district court except that a
	county court at law does not have jurisdiction of:
	(1)  felony criminal matters; and
	(2)  civil cases in which the matter in controversy
	exceeds the maximum amount provided by Section 25.0003 [in matters
	involving the juvenile and child welfare law of this state].
	(d)  [The judge of a county court at law shall be paid an
	annual salary in an amount of not less than $43,000.] The judge of a
	county court at law is entitled to receive travel and necessary
	office expenses, including administrative and clerical assistance.
	(g-1)  The county clerk serves as clerk of a county court at
	law except in family law cases. In family law cases, including
	juvenile and child welfare cases, the district clerk serves as
	clerk of a county court at law. The district clerk shall establish
	a separate family law docket for each county court at law.
	(g-2)  The commissioners court shall provide the deputy
	clerks, bailiffs, and other personnel necessary to operate the
	county courts at law.
	(m)  The judge of the county court and the judges [judge] of
	the [a] county courts [court] at law may agree on a plan governing
	the filing, numbering, and docketing of cases within the concurrent
	jurisdiction of their courts and the assignment of those cases for
	trial. The plan may provide for the centralized institution and
	filing of all such cases with one court, clerk, or coordinator
	designated by the plan and for the systemized assignment of those
	cases to the courts participating in the plan, and the provisions of
	the plan for the centralized filing and assignment of cases shall
	control notwithstanding any other provisions of this section. If
	the judges of the county court and the county courts [court] at law
	are unable to agree on a filing, docketing, and assignment of cases
	plan, a board of judges composed of the district judges and the
	county court at law judges for San Patricio County [the presiding
	judge of the 36th Judicial District] shall design a plan for the
	[both] courts.
	(c)  The County Court at Law No. 2 of San Patricio County is
	created January 1, 2023.
	SECTION 2.07.  Section 25.2223(l), Government Code, is
	amended to read as follows:
	(l)  The County Criminal Court No. 5 of Tarrant County and
	the County Criminal Court No. 6 of Tarrant County shall give
	preference to cases brought under Title 5, Penal Code, involving
	family violence as defined by Section 71.004, Family Code, and
	cases brought under Sections 25.07, 25.072, and 42.072, Penal Code.
	SECTION 2.08.  (a)  Section 25.2481, Government Code, is
	amended to read as follows:
	Sec. 25.2481.  WILLIAMSON COUNTY. Williamson County has the
	following statutory county courts:
	(1)  County Court at Law No. 1 of Williamson County;
	(2)  County Court at Law No. 2 of Williamson County;
	(3)  County Court at Law No. 3 of Williamson County;
	[and]
	(4)  County Court at Law No. 4 of Williamson County;
	and
	(5)  County Court at Law No. 5 of Williamson County.
	(b)  The County Court at Law No. 5 of Williamson County is
	created on the effective date of this Act.
	ARTICLE 3.  JUSTICE AND MUNICIPAL COURTS
	SECTION 3.01.  Subchapter B, Chapter 45, Code of Criminal
	Procedure, is amended by adding Article 45.0241 to read as follows:
	Art. 45.0241.  ACCEPTANCE OF DEFENDANT'S PLEA. A justice or
	judge may not accept a plea of guilty or plea of nolo contendere
	unless it appears to the justice or judge that the defendant is
	mentally competent and the plea is free and voluntary.
	SECTION 3.02.  Section 292.001(d), Local Government Code, is
	amended to read as follows:
	(d)  A justice of the peace court may not be housed or
	conducted in a building located outside the court's precinct except
	as provided by Section 27.051(f) or 27.0515, Government Code, or
	unless the justice of the peace court is situated in the county
	courthouse in a county with a population of at least 305,000
	[275,000] persons and the county seat of which is located in the
	Llano Estacado region of this state [but no more than 285,000
	persons].
	ARTICLE 4.  JUVENILE JUSTICE AND FAMILY COURTS
	SECTION 4.01.  Section 51.02, Family Code, is amended by
	adding Subdivision (3-a) to read as follows:
	(3-a)  "Dual status child" means a child who has been
	referred to the juvenile justice system and is:
	(A)  in the temporary or permanent managing
	conservatorship of the Department of Family and Protective
	Services;
	(B)  the subject of a case for which family-based
	safety services have been offered or provided by the department;
	(C)  an alleged victim of abuse or neglect in an
	open child protective investigation; or
	(D)  a victim in a case in which, after an
	investigation, the department concluded there was reason to believe
	the child was abused or neglected.
	SECTION 4.02.  Section 51.04(h), Family Code, is amended to
	read as follows:
	(h)  A judge exercising jurisdiction over a child in a suit
	instituted under Subtitle E, Title 5, may refer any aspect of a suit
	involving a dual status [the] child that is instituted under this
	title to the appropriate associate judge appointed under Subchapter
	C, Chapter 201, serving in the county and exercising jurisdiction
	over the child under Subtitle E, Title 5, if the associate judge
	consents to the referral.  The scope of an associate judge's
	authority over a suit referred under this subsection is subject to
	any limitations placed by the court judge in the order of referral.
	SECTION 4.03.  Section 51.0414(a), Family Code, is amended
	to read as follows:
	(a)  The juvenile court may transfer a dual status child's
	case, including transcripts of records and documents for the case,
	to a district or statutory county court located in another county
	that is exercising jurisdiction over the child in a suit instituted
	under Subtitle E, Title 5.  A case may only be transferred under
	this section with the consent of the judge of the court to which the
	case is being transferred.
	SECTION 4.04.  Sections 107.004(d) and (e), Family Code, are
	amended to read as follows:
	(d)  Except as provided by Subsection (e), an attorney ad
	litem appointed for a child in a proceeding under Chapter 262, [or]
	263, or 264 shall:
	(1)  meet before each court hearing with:
	(A)  the child, if the child is at least four years
	of age; or
	(B)  the individual with whom the child ordinarily
	resides, including the child's parent, conservator, guardian,
	caretaker, or custodian, if the child is younger than four years of
	age; and
	(2)  report to the court whether [if the child or
	individual is not present at the court hearing, file a written
	statement with the court indicating that] the attorney ad litem:
	(A)  complied with Subdivision (1); or
	(B)  requests that the court find good cause for
	noncompliance because compliance was not feasible or in the best
	interest of the child under Subsection (e).
	(e)  An attorney ad litem appointed for a child in a
	proceeding under Chapter 262, [or] 263, or 264 is not required to
	comply with Subsection (d) before a hearing if the court finds at
	that hearing that the attorney ad litem has shown good cause why the
	attorney ad litem's compliance with that subsection is not feasible
	or in the best interest of the child.  Additionally, a court may, on
	a showing of good cause, authorize an attorney ad litem to comply
	with Subsection (d) by conferring with the child or other
	individual, as appropriate, by telephone or video conference.
	ARTICLE 5.  MAGISTRATES AND MAGISTRATE COURTS
	SECTION 5.01.  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; [and]
	12.  The magistrates appointed by the El Paso Council
	of Judges; and
	13.  The magistrates appointed by the Brazoria County
	Commissioners Court or the local administrative judge for Brazoria
	County.
	SECTION 5.02.  Chapter 54, Government Code, is amended by
	adding Subchapter PP to read as follows:
	SUBCHAPTER PP.  BRAZORIA COUNTY CRIMINAL LAW MAGISTRATE COURT
	Sec. 54.2501.  CREATION. The Brazoria County Criminal Law
	Magistrate Court is a court with the jurisdiction provided by this
	subchapter.
	Sec. 54.2502.  APPOINTMENT. (a) On recommendation from the
	local administrative judge, the commissioners court of Brazoria
	County may appoint one or more full- or part-time judges to preside
	over the criminal law magistrate court for the term determined by
	the commissioners court.  The local administrative judge shall
	appoint one or more full- or part-time judges to preside over the
	criminal law magistrate court if the commissioners court is
	prohibited by law from appointing a judge.
	(b)  To be eligible for appointment as a judge of the
	criminal law magistrate court, a person must meet all the
	requirements and qualifications to serve as a district court judge.
	(c)  A judge of the criminal law magistrate court is entitled
	to the salary set by the commissioners court.  The salary may not be
	less than the annual base salary paid to a district judge under
	Chapter 659.
	(d)  A judge appointed under this section serves at the
	pleasure of the commissioners court or the local administrative
	judge, as applicable.
	Sec. 54.2503.  JURISDICTION. (a)  Except as provided by
	this subsection, the criminal law magistrate court has the criminal
	jurisdiction provided by the constitution and laws of this state
	for county courts at law.  The criminal law magistrate court does
	not have jurisdiction to:
	(1)  hear a trial of a misdemeanor offense, other than a
	Class C misdemeanor, on the merits if a jury trial is demanded; or
	(2)  hear a trial of a misdemeanor, other than a Class C
	misdemeanor, on the merits if a defendant pleads not guilty.
	(b)  The criminal law magistrate court has the jurisdiction
	provided by the constitution and laws of this state for
	magistrates.  A judge of the criminal law magistrate court is a
	magistrate as that term is defined by Article 2.09, Code of Criminal
	Procedure.
	(c)  Except as provided by this subsection, the criminal law
	magistrate court has the criminal jurisdiction provided by the
	constitution and laws of this state for a district court.  The
	criminal law magistrate court does not have jurisdiction to:
	(1)  hear a trial of a felony offense on the merits if a
	jury trial is demanded;
	(2)  hear a trial of a felony offense on the merits if a
	defendant pleads not guilty;
	(3)  sentence in a felony case unless the judge in whose
	court the case is pending assigned the case to the criminal law
	magistrate court for a guilty plea and sentence; or
	(4)  hear any part of a capital murder case after
	indictment.
	(d)  A criminal law magistrate court may not issue writs of
	habeas corpus in felony cases but may hear and grant relief on a
	writ of habeas corpus issued by a district court and assigned by the
	district court to the criminal law magistrate court.
	(e)  A felony or misdemeanor indictment or information may
	not be filed in or transferred to the criminal law magistrate court.
	(f)  A judge of the criminal law magistrate court shall
	exercise jurisdiction granted by this subchapter over felony and
	misdemeanor indictments and informations only as judge presiding
	for the court in which the indictment or information is pending and
	under the limitations set out in the assignment order by the
	assigning court or as provided by local administrative rules.
	(g)  The criminal law magistrate court has concurrent
	criminal jurisdiction with the justice courts located in Brazoria
	County.
	Sec. 54.2504.  POWERS AND DUTIES. (a)  The criminal law
	magistrate court or a judge of the criminal law magistrate court may
	issue writs of injunction and all other writs necessary for the
	enforcement of the jurisdiction of the court and may issue
	misdemeanor writs of habeas corpus in cases in which the offense
	charged is within the jurisdiction of the court or of any other
	court of inferior jurisdiction in the county.  The court and the
	judge may punish for contempt as provided by law for district
	courts.  A judge of the criminal law magistrate court has all other
	powers, duties, immunities, and privileges provided by law for:
	(1)  justices of the peace when acting in a Class C
	misdemeanor case;
	(2)  county court at law judges when acting in a Class A
	or Class B misdemeanor case; and
	(3)  district court judges when acting in a felony
	case.
	(b)  A judge of the criminal law magistrate court may hold an
	indigency hearing and a capias pro fine hearing.  When acting as the
	judge who issued the capias pro fine, a judge of the criminal law
	magistrate court may make all findings of fact and conclusions of
	law required of the judge who issued the capias pro fine.  In
	conducting a hearing under this subsection, the judge of the
	criminal law magistrate court is empowered to make all findings of
	fact and conclusions of law and to issue all orders necessary to
	properly dispose of the capias pro fine or indigency hearing in
	accordance with the provisions of the Code of Criminal Procedure
	applicable to a misdemeanor or felony case of the same type and
	level.
	(c)  A judge of the magistrate court may accept a plea of
	guilty or nolo contendere from a defendant charged with a
	misdemeanor or felony offense.
	Sec. 54.2505.  TRANSFER AND ASSIGNMENT OF CASES.
	(a)  Except as provided by Subsection (b) or local administrative
	rules, the local administrative judge or a judge of the criminal law
	magistrate court may transfer between courts a case that is pending
	in the court of any magistrate in the criminal law magistrate
	court's jurisdiction if the case is:
	(1)  an unindicted felony case;
	(2)  a Class A or Class B misdemeanor case if an
	information has not been filed; or
	(3)  a Class C misdemeanor case.
	(b)  A case may not be transferred from or to the magistrate
	docket of a district court judge, county court at law judge, or
	justice of the peace without the consent of the judge of the court
	to which it is transferred.
	(c)  Except as provided by Subsection (d) or local
	administrative rules, the local administrative judge may assign a
	judge of the criminal law magistrate court to act as presiding judge
	in a case that is pending in the court of any magistrate in the
	criminal law magistrate court's jurisdiction if the case is:
	(1)  an unindicted felony case;
	(2)  a Class A or Class B misdemeanor case if an
	information has not been filed; or
	(3)  a Class C misdemeanor case.
	(d)  A case may not be assigned to a district court judge,
	county court at law judge, or justice of the peace without the
	assigned judge's consent.
	(e)  This section applies only to the district courts, county
	courts at law, and justice courts in the county.
	Sec. 54.2506.  PROCEEDING THAT MAY BE REFERRED. A district
	judge, county court at law judge, or justice of the peace may refer
	to a judge of the criminal law magistrate court any criminal case or
	matter relating to a criminal case for any proceeding other than
	presiding over a criminal trial on the merits, whether or not the
	trial is before a jury.
	Sec. 54.2507.  OATH OF OFFICE. A judge of the criminal law
	magistrate court must take the constitutional oath of office
	prescribed for appointed officers.
	Sec. 54.2508.  JUDICIAL IMMUNITY. A judge of the criminal
	law magistrate court has the same judicial immunity as a district
	judge.
	Sec. 54.2509.  CLERK. The clerk of a district court or
	county court at law that refers a proceeding to a magistrate under
	this subchapter shall perform the statutory duties necessary for
	the magistrate to perform the duties authorized by this subchapter.
	Sec. 54.2510.  SHERIFF. The county sheriff, either in
	person or by deputy, shall attend the criminal law magistrate court
	as required by the judge of that court.
	Sec. 54.2511.  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.
	ARTICLE 6.  ELECTRONIC FILING SYSTEM
	SECTION 6.01.  Section 72.031(a), Government Code, is
	amended by adding Subdivision (5) to read as follows:
	(5)  "State court document database" has the meaning
	assigned by Section 51.609(a) as added by Chapter 1040 (H.B. 685),
	Acts of the 86th Legislature, Regular Session, 2019.
	SECTION 6.02.  Section 72.031(b), Government Code, is
	amended to read as follows:
	(b)  The office as authorized by supreme court rule or order
	may:
	(1)  implement an electronic filing system for use in
	the courts of this state;
	(2)  allow public access to view information or
	documents in the state court document database; and
	(3)  charge a reasonable fee for optional features in
	the state court document database.
	ARTICLE 7.  TRANSFER OF CASES
	SECTION 7.01.  Section 155.207, Family Code, is amended to
	read as follows:
	Sec. 155.207.  TRANSFER OF COURT FILES. (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 [the pleadings in the pending proceeding and any other
	document specifically requested by a party];
	(2)  [certified copies of all entries in the minutes;
	[(3)  a certified copy of each final order; and
	[(4)]  a [certified] copy of the order of transfer
	signed by the transferring court; and
	(3)  a copy of all documents required to be transferred
	under rules adopted by the Office of Court Administration of the
	Texas Judicial System under Section 72.037, Government Code.
	(a-1)  The clerk of the transferring court shall use the
	standardized transfer certificate and index of transferred
	documents form created by the Office of Court Administration of the
	Texas Judicial System under Section 72.037, Government Code, when
	transferring a proceeding under this section.
	(b)  The clerk of the transferring court shall keep a copy of
	[the] transferred pleadings [and other requested documents.  If the
	transferring court retains jurisdiction of another child who was
	the subject of the suit, the clerk shall send a copy of the
	pleadings and other requested documents to the court to which the
	transfer is made and shall keep the original pleadings and other
	requested documents].
	(c)  The [On receipt of the pleadings, documents, and orders
	from the transferring court, the] clerk of the transferee court
	shall:
	(1)  accept documents transferred under Subsection
	(a);
	(2)  docket the suit; and
	(3)  [shall] notify, using the electronic filing system
	established under Section 72.031, Government Code [the judge of the
	transferee court], all parties, the clerk of the transferring
	court, and, if appropriate, the transferring court's local registry
	that the suit has been docketed.
	(c-1)  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 (c), but may not physically or electronically mark
	or stamp any other document transferred under Subsection (a).
	(d)  The clerk of the transferring court shall send a
	certified copy of the order directing payments to the transferee
	court:
	(1)  [,] to any party [or employer] affected by the
	[that] 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)  to an employer affected by the order
	electronically or by first class mail.
	(e)  The clerks of both the transferee and transferring
	courts may each produce under Chapter 51, Government Code,
	certified or uncertified copies of documents 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.
	(f)  Sections 80.001 and 80.002, Government Code, do not
	apply to the transfer of documents under this section.
	SECTION 7.02.  Section 51.3071, Government Code, is amended
	to read as follows:
	Sec. 51.3071.  TRANSFER OF CASES.  (a) If a case is
	transferred from a district court to a county court, the clerk of
	the district court shall [may] send to the county clerk using the
	electronic filing system established under Section 72.031 [in
	electronic or paper form]:
	(1)  a transfer certificate and index of transferred
	documents [certified transcript of the proceedings held in the
	district court];
	(2)  a copy of the order of transfer signed by the
	transferring court [the original papers filed in the district
	court]; and
	(3)  a copy of all documents required to be transferred
	under rules adopted by the Office of Court Administration of the
	Texas Judicial System under Section 72.037 [a bill of the costs that
	have accrued in the district court].
	(b)  The clerk of the transferring court shall use the
	standardized transfer certificate and index of transferred
	documents form created by the Office of Court Administration of the
	Texas Judicial System under Section 72.037 when transferring a case
	under this section.
	(c)  The clerk of the transferee court shall accept documents
	transferred under Subsection (a) and docket the case.
	(d)  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 (c), but may not physically or electronically mark
	or stamp any other document transferred under Subsection (a).
	(e)  Sections 80.001 and 80.002 do not apply to the transfer
	of documents under this section.
	SECTION 7.03.  Section 51.403, Government Code, is amended
	to read as follows:
	Sec. 51.403.  TRANSFER OF CASES. (a)  If a case is
	transferred from a county court to a district court, the clerk of
	the county court shall send to the district clerk using the
	electronic filing system established under Section 72.031 [in
	electronic or paper form]:
	(1)  a transfer certificate and index of transferred
	documents [certified transcript of the proceedings held in the
	county court];
	(2)  a copy of the order of transfer signed by the
	transferring court [the original papers filed in the county court];
	and
	(3)  a copy of all documents required to be transferred
	under rules adopted by the Office of Court Administration of the
	Texas Judicial System under Section 72.037 [a bill of the costs that
	have accrued in the county court].
	(a-1)  The clerk of the transferring court shall use the
	standardized transfer certificate and index of transferred
	documents form created by the Office of Court Administration of the
	Texas Judicial System under Section 72.037 when transferring a case
	under this section.
	(a-2)  The clerk of the transferee court shall accept
	documents transferred under Subsection (a) and docket the case.
	(a-3)  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 (a-2), but may not physically or electronically
	mark or stamp any other document transferred under Subsection (a).
	(b)  If civil or criminal jurisdiction of a county court is
	transferred to a district court, the clerk of the county court shall
	send using the electronic filing system established under Section
	72.031 a certified copy of the judgments rendered in the county
	court that remain unsatisfied[, in electronic or paper form,] to
	the district clerks of the appropriate counties.
	(c)  Sections 80.001 and 80.002 do not apply to the transfer
	of documents under this section.
	SECTION 7.04.  Subchapter C, Chapter 72, Government Code, is
	amended by adding Section 72.037 to read as follows:
	Sec. 72.037.  PROCEDURE FOR TRANSFER OF CASES AND
	PROCEEDINGS. (a)  The office shall adopt rules prescribing the
	documents to be transferred between courts when a transfer of a case
	or proceeding is ordered under Section 155.207, Family Code, or
	Section 51.3071 or 51.403 of this code.
	(b)  Rules adopted under this section must require the
	transfer of the following documents relating to a transferred case
	or proceeding:
	(1)  a copy of the original papers filed in the
	transferring court;
	(2)  a copy of each final order;
	(3)  a copy of the transfer certificate and index of
	transferred documents from each previous transfer; and
	(4)  a bill of any costs that have accrued in the
	transferring court.
	(c)  The office shall develop and make available a
	standardized transfer certificate and index of transferred
	documents form to be used for the transfer of cases and proceedings
	under Section 155.207, Family Code, and Sections 51.3071 and 51.403
	of this code.
	(d)  In adopting rules and developing forms under this
	section, the office shall consult with representatives of county
	and district clerks.
	SECTION 7.05.  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 added by this Act.
	ARTICLE 8.  HABEAS CORPUS
	SECTION 8.01.  Section 5(a), Article 11.072, Code of
	Criminal Procedure, is amended to read as follows:
	(a)  Immediately on filing an application, the applicant
	shall serve a copy of the application on the attorney representing
	the state[,] by:
	(1)  [either] certified mail, return receipt
	requested;
	(2)  [, or] personal service;
	(3)  electronic service through the electronic filing
	manager authorized by Rule 21, Texas Rules of Civil Procedure; or
	(4)  a secure electronic transmission to the attorney's
	e-mail address filed with the electronic filing system as required
	under Section 80.003, Government Code.
	SECTION 8.02.  Section 5(a), Article 11.072, Code of
	Criminal Procedure, as amended by this Act, applies only to an
	application for a writ of habeas corpus filed on or after the
	effective date of this Act.  An application filed before the
	effective date of this Act is governed by the law in effect when the
	application was filed, and the former law is continued in effect for
	that purpose.
	ARTICLE 9.  PUBLICATION OF CITATION FOR RECEIVERSHIP
	SECTION 9.01.  Section 64.101(c), Civil Practice and
	Remedies Code, is amended to read as follows:
	(c)  Except as provided by Section 17.032, the [The] citation
	shall be published on the public information Internet website
	maintained as required by Section 72.034, Government Code, as added
	by Chapter 606 (S.B. 891), Acts of the 86th Legislature, Regular
	Session, 2019, and in a newspaper of general circulation:
	(1)  once in the county in which the missing person
	resides; and
	(2)  once in each county in which property of the
	missing person's estate is located.
	SECTION 9.02.  Section 51.103(b), Estates Code, is amended
	to read as follows:
	(b)  Proof of service consists of:
	(1)  if the service is made by a sheriff or constable,
	the return of service;
	(2)  if the service is made by a private person, the
	person's statement [affidavit];
	(3)  if the service is made by mail:
	(A)  the certificate of the county clerk making
	the service, or the statement [affidavit] of the personal
	representative or other person making the service, stating that the
	citation or notice was mailed and the date of the mailing; and
	(B)  the return receipt attached to the
	certificate or affidavit, as applicable, if the mailing was by
	registered or certified mail and a receipt has been returned; and
	(4)  if the service is made by publication:
	(A)  a statement [an affidavit]:
	(i)  made by the Office of Court
	Administration of the Texas Judicial System or an employee of the
	office;
	(ii)  that contains or to which is attached a
	copy of the published citation or notice; and
	(iii)  that states the date of publication
	on the public information Internet website maintained as required
	by Section 72.034, Government Code, as added by Chapter 606 (S.B.
	891), Acts of the 86th Legislature, Regular Session, 2019; and
	(B)  a statement [an affidavit]:
	(i)  made by the publisher of the newspaper
	in which the citation or notice was published or an employee of the
	publisher;
	(ii)  that contains or to which is attached a
	copy of the published citation or notice; and
	(iii)  that states the date of publication
	printed on the newspaper in which the citation or notice was
	published.
	SECTION 9.03.  Section 1051.153(b), Estates Code, is amended
	to read as follows:
	(b)  Proof of service consists of:
	(1)  if the service is made by a sheriff or constable,
	the return of service;
	(2)  if the service is made by a private person, the
	person's affidavit;
	(3)  if the service is made by mail:
	(A)  the certificate of the county clerk making
	the service, or the statement [affidavit] of the guardian or other
	person making the service that states that the citation or notice
	was mailed and the date of the mailing; and
	(B)  the return receipt attached to the
	certificate, if the mailing was by registered or certified mail and
	a receipt has been returned; and
	(4)  if the service is made by publication:
	(A)  a statement [an affidavit] that:
	(i)  is made by the Office of Court
	Administration of the Texas Judicial System or an employee of the
	office;
	(ii)  contains or to which is attached a copy
	of the published citation or notice; and
	(iii)  states the date of publication on the
	public information Internet website maintained as required by
	Section 72.034, Government Code, as added by Chapter 606 (S.B.
	891), Acts of the 86th Legislature, Regular Session, 2019; and
	(B)  a statement [an affidavit] that:
	(i)  is made by the publisher of the
	newspaper in which the citation or notice was published or an
	employee of the publisher;
	(ii)  contains or to which is attached a copy
	of the published citation or notice; and
	(iii)  states the date of publication
	printed on the newspaper in which the citation or notice was
	published.
	ARTICLE 10.  EVIDENCE
	SECTION 10.01.  Section 2, Article 38.01, Code of Criminal
	Procedure, is amended by adding Subdivision (4-a) to read as
	follows:
	(4-a)  "Forensic examination or test not subject to
	accreditation" means an examination or test described by Article
	38.35(a)(4)(A), (B), (C), or (D) that is exempt from accreditation.
	SECTION 10.02.  Article 38.01, Code of Criminal Procedure,
	is amended by adding Section 3-b to read as follows:
	Sec. 3-b.  CODE OF PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY. (a)  The
	commission shall adopt a code of professional responsibility to
	regulate the conduct of persons, laboratories, facilities, and
	other entities regulated under this article.
	(b)  The commission shall publish the code of professional
	responsibility adopted under Subsection (a).
	(c)  The commission shall adopt rules establishing sanctions
	for code violations.
	(d)  The commission shall update the code of professional
	responsibility as necessary to reflect changes in science,
	technology, or other factors affecting the persons, laboratories,
	facilities, and other entities regulated under this article.
	SECTION 10.03.  Sections 4(a), (a-1), (b-1), and (c),
	Article 38.01, Code of Criminal Procedure, are amended to read as
	follows:
	(a)  The commission shall:
	(1)  develop and implement a reporting system through
	which a crime laboratory may report professional negligence or
	professional misconduct;
	(2)  require a crime laboratory that conducts forensic
	analyses to report professional negligence or professional
	misconduct to the commission; and
	(3)  investigate, in a timely manner, any allegation of
	professional negligence or professional misconduct that would
	substantially affect the integrity of:
	(A)  the results of a forensic analysis conducted
	by a crime laboratory;
	(B)  an examination or test that is conducted by a
	crime laboratory and that is a forensic examination or test not
	subject to accreditation; or
	(C)  testimony related to an analysis,
	examination, or test described by Paragraph (A) or (B).
	(a-1)  The commission may initiate [for educational
	purposes] an investigation of a forensic analysis or a forensic
	examination or test not subject to accreditation, without receiving
	a complaint[,] submitted through the reporting system implemented
	under Subsection (a)(1), [that contains an allegation of
	professional negligence or professional misconduct involving the
	forensic analysis conducted] if the commission determines by a
	majority vote of a quorum of the members of the commission that an
	investigation of the [forensic] analysis, examination, or test
	would advance the integrity and reliability of forensic science in
	this state.
	(b-1)  If the commission conducts an investigation under
	Subsection (a)(3) of a crime laboratory that is not accredited
	under this article or the investigation involves a forensic
	examination or test not subject to accreditation [is conducted
	pursuant to an allegation involving a forensic method or
	methodology that is not an accredited field of forensic science],
	the investigation may include the preparation of a written report
	that contains:
	(1)  observations of the commission regarding the
	integrity and reliability of the applicable [forensic] analysis,
	examination, or test conducted;
	(2)  best practices identified by the commission during
	the course of the investigation; or
	(3)  other recommendations that are relevant, as
	determined by the commission.
	(c)  The commission by contract may delegate the duties
	described by Subsections (a)(1) and (3) and Sections 4-d(b)(1),
	(b-1), and (d) to any person the commission determines to be
	qualified to assume those duties.
	SECTION 10.04.  Section 4-a(c), Article 38.01, Code of
	Criminal Procedure, is amended to read as follows:
	(c)  The commission by rule may establish voluntary
	licensing programs for forensic examinations or tests [disciplines
	that are] not subject to accreditation [under this article].
	SECTION 10.05.  Section 4-d(b-1), Article 38.01, Code of
	Criminal Procedure, is amended to read as follows:
	(b-1)  As part of the accreditation process established and
	implemented under Subsection (b), the commission may:
	(1)  establish minimum standards that relate to the
	timely production of a forensic analysis to the agency requesting
	the analysis and that are consistent with this article and
	applicable laws;
	(2)  validate or approve specific forensic methods or
	methodologies; and
	(3)  establish procedures, policies, standards, and
	practices to improve the quality of forensic analyses conducted in
	this state.
	SECTION 10.06.  Article 38.01, Code of Criminal Procedure,
	is amended by adding Section 14 to read as follows:
	Sec. 14.  FUNDING FOR TRAINING AND EDUCATION. The
	commission may use appropriated funds for the training and
	education of forensic analysts.
	SECTION 10.07.  Section 2254.002(2), Government Code, is
	amended to read as follows:
	(2)  "Professional services" means services:
	(A)  within the scope of the practice, as defined
	by state law, of:
	(i)  accounting;
	(ii)  architecture;
	(iii)  landscape architecture;
	(iv)  land surveying;
	(v)  medicine;
	(vi)  optometry;
	(vii)  professional engineering;
	(viii)  real estate appraising; [or]
	(ix)  professional nursing; or
	(x)  forensic science;
	(B)  provided in connection with the professional
	employment or practice of a person who is licensed or registered as:
	(i)  a certified public accountant;
	(ii)  an architect;
	(iii)  a landscape architect;
	(iv)  a land surveyor;
	(v)  a physician, including a surgeon;
	(vi)  an optometrist;
	(vii)  a professional engineer;
	(viii)  a state certified or state licensed
	real estate appraiser; [or]
	(ix)  a registered nurse; or
	(x)  a forensic analyst or forensic science
	expert; or
	(C)  provided by a person lawfully engaged in
	interior design, regardless of whether the person is registered as
	an interior designer under Chapter 1053, Occupations Code.
	ARTICLE 11.  JURY SERVICE
	SECTION 11.01.  Sections 61.003(a) and (c), Government Code,
	are amended to read as follows:
	(a)  Each person who reports for jury service shall be
	personally provided a form letter that when signed by the person
	directs the county treasurer to donate all, or a specific amount
	designated by the person, 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; [or]
	(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.
	(c)  The county treasurer shall:
	(1)  send all donations made under Subsection (a)(1) to
	the comptroller, at the time and in the manner prescribed by the
	attorney general, for deposit to the credit of the compensation to
	victims of crime fund;
	(2)  deposit donations made to the county child welfare
	board under Subsection (a)(2) in a fund established by the county to
	be used by the child welfare board in a manner authorized by the
	commissioners court of the county; and
	(3)  send all donations made under Subsection (a)(3),
	[or] (a)(4), or (a)(6) directly to the program or office, as
	applicable, specified on the form letter signed by the person who
	reported for jury service.
	SECTION 11.02.  Section 62.202(b), Government Code, is
	amended to read as follows:
	(b)  The district judge may draw a warrant on the jury fund or
	other appropriate fund of the county in which the civil case is
	tried to cover the cost of buying and transporting the meals to the
	jury room. The judge may spend a reasonable amount [Not more than
	$3] per meal [may be spent] for a juror serving on a jury in a civil
	case.
	ARTICLE 12.  SPECIALTY COURT PROGRAMS
	SECTION 12.01.  Chapter 121, Government Code, is amended by
	adding Sections 121.003 and 121.004 to read as follows:
	Sec. 121.003.  APPOINTMENT OF PRESIDING JUDGE OR MAGISTRATE
	FOR REGIONAL SPECIALTY COURT PROGRAM. A judge or magistrate of a
	district court or statutory county court who is authorized by law to
	hear criminal cases may be appointed to preside over a regional
	specialty court program recognized under this subtitle only if:
	(1)  the local administrative district and statutory
	county court judges of each county participating in the program
	approve the appointment by majority vote or another approval method
	selected by the judges; and
	(2)  the presiding judges of each of the administrative
	judicial regions in which the participating counties are located
	sign an order granting the appointment.
	Sec. 121.004.  JURISDICTION AND AUTHORITY OF JUDGE OR
	MAGISTRATE IN REGIONAL SPECIALTY COURT PROGRAM. (a) A judge or
	magistrate appointed to preside over a regional specialty court
	program may hear any misdemeanor or felony case properly
	transferred to the program by an originating trial court
	participating in the program, regardless of whether the originating
	trial court and specialty court program are in the same county.  The
	appointed judge or magistrate may exercise only the authority
	granted under this subtitle.
	(b)  The judge or magistrate of a regional specialty court
	program may for a case properly transferred to the program:
	(1)  enter orders, judgments, and decrees for the case;
	(2)  sign orders of detention, order community service,
	or impose other reasonable and necessary sanctions;
	(3)  send recommendations for dismissal and expunction
	to the originating trial court for a defendant who successfully
	completes the program; and
	(4)  return the case and documentation required by this
	subtitle to the originating trial court for final disposition on a
	defendant's successful completion of or removal from the program.
	(c)  A visiting judge assigned to preside over a regional
	specialty court program has the same authority as the judge or
	magistrate appointed to preside over the program.
	SECTION 12.02.  Section 124.003(b), Government Code, is
	amended to read as follows:
	(b)  A veterans treatment court program established under
	this chapter shall make, establish, and publish local procedures to
	ensure maximum participation of eligible defendants in the program
	[county or counties in which those defendants reside].
	SECTION 12.03.  Sections 124.006(a) and (d), Government
	Code, are amended to read as follows:
	(a)  A veterans treatment court program that accepts
	placement of a defendant may transfer responsibility for
	supervising the defendant's participation in the program to another
	veterans treatment court program that is located in the county
	where the defendant works or resides or in a county adjacent to the
	county where the defendant works or resides. The defendant's
	supervision may be transferred under this section only with the
	consent of both veterans treatment court programs and the
	defendant.
	(d)  If a defendant is charged with an offense in a county
	that does not operate a veterans treatment court program, the court
	in which the criminal case is pending may place the defendant in a
	veterans treatment court program located in the county where the
	defendant works or resides or in a county adjacent to the county
	where the defendant works or resides, provided that a program is
	operated in that county and the defendant agrees to the placement.
	A defendant placed in a veterans treatment court program in
	accordance with this subsection must agree to abide by all rules,
	requirements, and instructions of the program.
	SECTION 12.04.  (a)  Section 121.003, Government Code, as
	added by this Act, applies only to the appointment of a judge or
	magistrate to preside over a regional specialty court program that
	occurs on or after the effective date of this Act.
	(b)  Section 121.004, Government Code, as added by this Act,
	applies to a case pending in a regional specialty court program on
	or after the effective date of this Act.
	ARTICLE 13.  PROTECTIVE ORDERS
	SECTION 13.01.  Section 72.151(3), Government Code, is
	amended to read as follows:
	(3)  "Protective order" means:
	(A)  an order issued by a court in this state under
	Chapter 83 or 85, Family Code, to prevent family violence, as
	defined by Section 71.004, Family Code;
	(B)  an order issued by a court in this state under
	Subchapter A, Chapter 7B, Code of Criminal Procedure, to prevent
	sexual assault or abuse, stalking, trafficking, or other harm to
	the applicant; or
	(C)  [.  The term includes] a magistrate's order
	for emergency protection issued under Article 17.292, Code of
	Criminal Procedure, with respect to a person who is arrested for an
	offense involving family violence.
	SECTION 13.02.  Section 72.152, Government Code, is amended
	to read as follows:
	Sec. 72.152.  APPLICABILITY. This subchapter applies only
	to:
	(1)  an application for a protective order filed under:
	(A)  Chapter 82, Family Code;
	(B)  Subchapter A, Chapter 7B, Code of Criminal
	Procedure; or
	(C) [(B)]  Article 17.292, Code of Criminal
	Procedure, with respect to a person who is arrested for an offense
	involving family violence; and
	(2)  a protective order issued under:
	(A)  Chapter 83 or 85, Family Code;
	(B)  Subchapter A, Chapter 7B, Code of Criminal
	Procedure; or
	(C) [(B)]  Article 17.292, Code of Criminal
	Procedure, with respect to a person who is arrested for an offense
	involving family violence.
	SECTION 13.03.  Sections 72.154(b) and (d), Government Code,
	are amended to read as follows:
	(b)  Publicly accessible information regarding each
	protective order must consist of the following:
	(1)  the court that issued the protective order;
	(2)  the case number;
	(3)  the full name, county of residence, birth year,
	and race or ethnicity of the person who is the subject of the
	protective order;
	(4)  the dates the protective order was issued and
	served; and
	(5)  [the date the protective order was vacated, if
	applicable; and
	[(6)]  the date the protective order expired or will
	expire, as applicable.
	(d)  The office may not allow a member of the public to access
	through the registry any information related to:
	(1)  a protective order issued under Article 7B.002 or
	17.292, Code of Criminal Procedure, or Chapter 83, Family Code; or
	(2)  a protective order that was vacated.
	SECTION 13.04.  Section 72.155(a), Government Code, is
	amended to read as follows:
	(a)  The registry must include a copy of each application for
	a protective order filed in this state and a copy of each protective
	order issued in this state, including an [a vacated or] expired
	order, or a vacated order other than an order that was vacated as
	the result of an appeal or bill of review from a district or county
	court.  Only an authorized user, the attorney general, a district
	attorney, a criminal district attorney, a county attorney, a
	municipal attorney, or a peace officer may access that information
	under the registry.
	SECTION 13.05.  Section 72.157, Government Code, is amended
	by amending Subsection (b) and adding Subsection (b-1) to read as
	follows:
	(b)  Except as provided by Subsection (b-1), for [For] a
	protective order that is vacated or that has expired, the clerk of
	the applicable court shall modify the record of the order in the
	registry to reflect the order's status as vacated or expired.  The
	clerk shall ensure that a record of a vacated order is not
	accessible by the public.
	(b-1)  For a protective order that is vacated as the result
	of an appeal or bill of review from a district or county court, the
	clerk of the applicable court shall notify the office not later than
	the end of the next business day after the date the protective order
	was vacated.  The office shall remove the record of the order from
	the registry not later than the third business day after the date
	the notice from the clerk was received.
	SECTION 13.06.  Section 72.158(a), Government Code, is
	amended to read as follows:
	(a)  The office shall ensure that the public may access
	information about protective orders, other than information about
	vacated orders or orders under Article 7B.002 or 17.292, Code of
	Criminal Procedure, or Chapter 83, Family Code, through the
	registry, only if:
	(1)  a protected person requests that the office grant
	the public the ability to access the information described by
	Section 72.154(b) for the order protecting the person; and
	(2)  the office approves the request.
	SECTION 13.07.  Section 72.152, Government Code, as amended
	by this Act, applies only to an application for a protective order
	filed or a protective order issued on or after the effective date of
	this Act.
	SECTION 13.08.  As soon as practicable after the effective
	date of this Act, the Office of Court Administration of the Texas
	Judicial System shall:
	(1)  remove the record of any protective orders that
	have been vacated as the result of an appeal or bill of review from a
	district or county court from the protective order registry
	established under Subchapter F, Chapter 72, Government Code, as
	amended by this Act; and
	(2)  ensure that the records of vacated orders, other
	than orders described by Subdivision (1) of this section that are
	removed from the registry, are not accessible by the public.
	ARTICLE 14.  TRANSITION
	SECTION 14.01.  A state agency subject to this Act is
	required to implement a provision of this Act only if the
	legislature appropriates money specifically for that purpose.  If
	the legislature does not appropriate money specifically for that
	purpose, the state agency may, but is not required to, implement a
	provision of this Act using other appropriations available for that
	purpose.
	SECTION 14.02.  The Office of Court Administration of the
	Texas Judicial System is required to implement a provision of this
	Act only if the legislature appropriates money specifically for
	that purpose. If the legislature does not appropriate money
	specifically for that purpose, the office may, but is not required
	to, implement a provision of this Act using other appropriations
	available for that purpose.
	ARTICLE 15.  EFFECTIVE DATE
	SECTION 15.01.  Except as otherwise provided by this Act,
	this Act takes effect September 1, 2021.
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