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.