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2005 Texas Government Code CHAPTER 75. OTHER COURT ADMINISTRATION
GOVERNMENT CODE CHAPTER 75. OTHER COURT ADMINISTRATION SUBCHAPTER A. ASSIGNMENT OF FORMER JUDGES AND RETIRED JUDGES WHO ELECT TO BE JUDICIAL OFFICERS § 75.001. JUDICIAL RETIREE ELECTION TO BE JUDICIAL OFFICER. (a) A retiree under Subtitle D or E of Title 8 may elect to be a judicial officer. (b) An election under this section may be made: (1) not later than the 90th day after the date of the person's retirement in a document addressed to the chief justice of the supreme court; or (2) after the 90th day after the date of the person's retirement in a petition addressed to the supreme court. (c) An election under Subsection (b)(2) takes effect only on approval of the petition by the supreme court. (d) A retiree who makes an election under this section shall be designated a senior judge. Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985. Amended by Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 2, § 8.41(a), eff. Aug. 28, 1989; Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 179, § 2(e), eff. Sept. 1, 1989; Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 646, § 18, eff. Aug. 28, 1989. § 75.002. ASSIGNMENT OF RETIREE AS JUDICIAL OFFICER. (a) A retiree who makes an election under Section 75.001 is, with the retiree's consent to each assignment, subject to assignment: (1) by the chief justice of the supreme court to sit on any court of the state of the same or lesser dignity as that on which the person sat before retirement; (2) by the presiding judge of the court of criminal appeals to sit as a commissioner of that court; and (3) if the retiree's last judicial office before retirement was judge of a district or statutory county court, by the presiding judge of an administrative judicial region to sit on a district or statutory county court in that administrative region or, on request of the presiding judge of another administrative judicial region, to that administrative region. (b) In addition to an assignment under Section 74.003 and Subsection (a)(1), the chief justice of the supreme court may assign a retiree whose last judicial office before retirement was justice or judge of the supreme court, the court of criminal appeals, or a court of appeals to the administrative judicial region in which the retiree resides for reassignment by the presiding judge of that region to a district or statutory county court in the region. The reassignment by a presiding judge is subject to the requirements of Section 74.055. The assignment by the chief justice of a retiree to the administrative region of the retiree's residence continues only during the period for which the retiree has certified a willingness to serve under Section 74.0551. (c) A retiree assigned under this subchapter has all the powers of a judge of the court to which the retiree has been assigned. Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985. Amended by Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 2, § 8.44(15), eff. Aug. 28, 1989; Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 646, § 18, eff. Aug. 28, 1989. § 75.003. ASSIGNMENT OF FORMER APPELLATE JUDGE. (a) A former judge whose last judicial office before leaving active service was justice or judge of the supreme court, the court of criminal appeals, or a court of appeals is, with the former judge's consent to each assignment, subject to assignment by the chief justice of the supreme court: (1) to sit on an appellate, district, or statutory county court; and (2) to the administrative judicial region in which the former judge resides for reassignment by the presiding judge of that region to a district or statutory county court within the region. (b) A reassignment by a presiding judge under Subsection (a)(2) is subject to the requirements of Section 74.055. The assignment of a former judge by the chief justice to the administrative region of the former judge's residence continues only during the period for which the former judge has certified a willingness to serve under Section 74.0551. Added by Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 646, § 19, eff. Aug. 28, 1989.SUBCHAPTER B. ADMINISTRATION BY JUDGES IN COUNTY § 75.012. PRESIDING CIVIL JUDGE OF BEXAR COUNTY. (a) The district judges of Bexar County, not later than January 1 and July 1 of each year, or at any other time as determined by a majority of the district judges, shall elect one of the district judges as the presiding civil judge to serve at the will of the judges. (b) The presiding civil judge, as necessary, shall adjust the business and dockets of the courts and transfer or cause to be transferred causes from any of the courts to any other of the courts to equalize the business of the courts so that each judge has cases or proceedings to try or consider. (c) The presiding civil judge shall ensure that the trial of a case will not be delayed because of the disqualification of the judge in whose court it is pending. (d) When a case is transferred, proper orders shall be entered on the minutes of the court as evidence of the transfer. Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985. § 75.013. PRESIDING CRIMINAL JUDGE OF BEXAR COUNTY. (a) A majority of the judges of the district courts giving preference to criminal cases in Bexar County shall select a presiding criminal judge to serve at the will of the judges. (b) The presiding criminal judge shall be the judge receiving bills of indictment for that term. All indictments shall be returned to a district court in Bexar County giving preference to criminal cases. The presiding criminal judge, in rotation in the order in which indictments are returned or as agreed to by a majority of judges trying criminal cases, shall assign indictments to the judicial districts for trial. The presiding criminal judge shall adjust the case flow so that each of those courts receives approximately an equal share of the indictments for trial. (c) The presiding criminal judge shall handle all preindictment bond problems and preindictment appointment of counsel. (d) Any other judge may preside in the absence of the presiding criminal judge or at his request. (e) The presiding criminal judge, as necessary, shall adjust the business and dockets of the criminal courts and transfer or cause to be transferred causes from any of the courts to any other of the courts to equalize the business of the courts so that each judge has cases or proceedings to try or consider. Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985. § 75.014. EL PASO COUNCIL OF JUDGES. (a) The El Paso Council of Judges is composed of the judges of the district courts of El Paso County, the judges of the county courts at law of El Paso County, and the judge of the probate court of El Paso County. (b) The council of judges may require the district clerk to maintain, arrange, and preserve copies of or record all or any part of the acts, proceedings, and minutes of the council of judges. The district clerk shall maintain, arrange, and preserve those acts, proceedings, and minutes in the same manner that acts, proceedings, and minutes of the district court are maintained, arranged, and preserved. (c) Unless the council of judges by majority vote provides otherwise, the judges on the council of judges may sit and act for any magistrate in the county on any unindicted felony case or on any misdemeanor case for which an indictment has not been issued or an information has not been filed. (d) The offices, courtrooms, physical facilities, equipment, furniture, and books provided by the El Paso Commissioners Court for the court system and its auxiliary services, judges, and court personnel, except for the Court of Appeals for the Eighth Court of Appeals District, shall be allocated and utilized as provided by a majority vote of the council of judges. (e) The County Courts at Law No. 6 and No. 7 of El Paso County, Texas, are designated as criminal misdemeanor courts. Courts designated as criminal misdemeanor courts shall give preference to and have primary responsibility for: (1) criminal misdemeanor cases; (2) appeals or petitions under Section 501.052, 521.242, 521.302, or 524.041, Transportation Code; (3) misdemeanor bail bond and personal bond forfeiture cases; and (4) appeals de novo from the municipal and justice courts. (f) The council of judges may by majority vote periodically change the criminal misdemeanor designations provided by Subsection (e) so that different county courts at law are designated as criminal misdemeanor courts. At least four county courts at law must be designated as criminal misdemeanor courts, except that, for any period for which the commissioners court has provided funding for more than one criminal law magistrate judge: (1) the council of judges may by majority vote designate a county court at law as a family court; and (2) there may be fewer than four designated criminal misdemeanor courts, if the criminal misdemeanor docket permits, as determined by a majority vote of the council of judges. (g) For the effective operation of the El Paso County court system and the effective administration of justice, the council of judges shall order the assignment, docketing, and transfer of a specified number or percentage and type of family law cases and proceedings, as defined by Section 25.0002, to the county court at law designated as a family court under Subsection (f). If, after a county court at law is designated a family court, funding for more than one criminal law magistrate judge is not continued, the council of judges may order that: (1) the designation of the county court at law as a family law court be retracted; and (2) a specified number or percentage and type of family law cases and proceedings in that court be transferred to other courts for the effective operation of the court system and the effective administration of justice. (h) A district judge in El Paso County or a judge of a statutory county court in El Paso County may serve as the local administrative judge for the council of judges. The council of judges shall elect a judge as local administrative judge for a term of not more than two years. The local administrative judge may not be elected on the basis of rotation or seniority. Added by Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 1074, § 7, eff. Sept. 1, 1989. Amended by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 20, § 2, eff. Sept. 1, 1997; Acts 2005, 79th Leg., ch. 1352, § 17, eff. Sept. 1, 2005. § 75.015. EL PASO COUNTY JUDGE ASSIGNMENTS. (a) Judges may be assigned in the manner provided by this section to hold district court, county court at law, or statutory probate court in El Paso County when necessary to dispose of accumulated business in the county. (b) The following judges may be assigned as provided by this section by any judge of a district court, county court at law, or statutory probate court in El Paso County or by the El Paso Council of Judges: (1) a regular judge of a district court, county court at law, or statutory probate court of El Paso County, who has consented to be subject to assignment under this section and who has filed the judge's written consent to assignment with the local administrative judge under this section; and (2) any judge on the criminal law magistrate court of El Paso County, who has consented to be subject to assignment under this section and who has filed the judge's written consent to assignment with the local administrative judge under this section. (c) The local administrative judge shall establish and maintain a list of judges who have filed a written consent to be subject to assignment under this section. (d) The written consent of a judge to be subject to assignment under this section by a district, county court at law, or statutory probate judge in El Paso County or by the El Paso Council of Judges may be limited to one or more district courts, county courts at law, or statutory probate courts. (e) An El Paso County district, county court at law, or statutory probate judge may only assign a judge under this section to hold court for that judge. (f) A judge may revoke or amend the judge's written consent to assignment under this section by filing a revocation or amendment to the consent with the local administrative judge not later than the 10th day before the effective date of the revocation or amendment. (g) A judge on the criminal law magistrate court of El Paso County may be assigned to hold district court under this section without the judge's consent by a two-thirds vote of all the district court and county court at law judges of El Paso County. (h) A judge assigned under this section has all the powers, emoluments of office, and jurisdiction of the judge of the court to which the assignment is made. (i) If any court holds any part of this section, Section 25.0732, or Subchapter J, Chapter 54, as added by Senate Bill No. 221, Acts of the 71st Legislature, Regular Session, 1989, unconstitutional, all acts performed by any judge under the authority of any of these laws before and on the date that the court's judgment becomes final are valid and binding. (j) A retired or former judge of a county court at law or statutory probate court of El Paso County who is assigned to a district court in El Paso County under Subchapter A, under Chapter 74, or by other law of this state has the jurisdiction conferred by Subsection (h) of this section. A retired or former judge of a county court at law or statutory probate court of El Paso County who has served 12 years as a county court at law judge is a senior judge. The district courts, county courts at law, and statutory probate courts of El Paso County are of the same dignity. (k) Except as provided by this subsection or by the council of judges, the local administrative judge may assign a judge on the council of judges or any other magistrate in the county to hold court for any magistrate in the county in any unindicted felony case or any Class A misdemeanor case, or Class B misdemeanor case for which an indictment has not been issued or an information has not been filed. A judge on the council of judges, other than the magistrate judge, may not be assigned under this subsection without the judge's consent. The local administrative judge may delegate or the council of judges may provide for delegation of the power to assign under this subsection to any other judge on the council of judges. A judge assigned under this subsection has all the powers and jurisdiction of the judge of the court to which assigned. Added by Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 1074, § 7, eff. Sept. 1, 1989. Amended by Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. 512, § 3, eff. June 13, 1991.SUBCHAPTER C. SENIOR DISTRICT JUDGES FOR THE FIRST ADMINISTRATIVE JUDICIAL REGION § 75.101. PURPOSE. The purpose of this subchapter is to establish a system by which qualified judges will be made available to serve in cases in which the regularly elected judges are not available to sit or need assistance because of the case load. Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985. § 75.102. APPOINTMENT. (a) The presiding judge of the First Administrative Judicial Region shall appoint senior district court judges under this subchapter. (b) An appointment made under this subchapter is subject to senate confirmation. (c) The presiding judge may appoint a judge as a senior criminal district court judge, a senior civil district court judge, or a senior family court judge. Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985. Amended by Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 2, § 8.44(16), eff. Aug. 28, 1989. § 75.103. LISTS OF APPOINTED SENIOR JUDGES. The presiding judge of the First Administrative Judicial Region shall establish and maintain: (1) a list of retired and former judges of district courts appointed to serve as senior criminal district court judges in Dallas County; (2) a list of retired and former judges of district courts appointed to serve as senior civil court judges in Dallas County; and (3) a list of retired and former judges appointed to serve as family court judges in Dallas County. Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985. Amended by Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 2, § 8.44(17), eff. Aug. 28, 1989. § 75.104. QUALIFICATIONS. A senior judge must: (1) have served as the judge of a district court for 12 years, regardless of whether or not the service was consecutive, exercising primarily criminal, civil, or family court jurisdiction; (2) have developed an expertise in criminal law, civil law, or family law; (3) not have been removed from office by impeachment, the supreme court, or the governor on address by the legislature; (4) not have been removed from office or involuntarily retired by the State Commission on Judicial Conduct or the supreme court; (5) certify under oath to the presiding judge, on a form prescribed by the state board of regional judges, that the judge did not resign from office after having received notice that formal proceedings by the State Commission on Judicial Conduct had been instituted as provided in Section 33.022 and before the final disposition of the proceedings; (6) certify a willingness to serve; and (7) be 65 years of age or younger. Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985. Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 148, § 2.94(a), eff. Sept. 1, 1987; Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 646, § 21, eff. Aug. 28, 1989. § 75.105. AREAS OF EXPERTISE. (a) Except as provided by Subsection (b), a judge may only be appointed to the list applicable to his area of previous expertise. (b) On request, an applicant may be appointed to one or more lists if the applicant meets the requirements established for each area of expertise. Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985. § 75.106. JUDGES NOT LIMITED TO CERTAIN CASES. This subchapter does not limit a senior criminal district court judge to sitting only in criminal cases, a senior civil district court judge to sitting only in civil cases, or a senior family court judge to sitting only in cases involving family law. Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985. § 75.107. PRACTICE PROHIBITED. (a) A senior district court judge who is not a retiree of the Judicial Retirement System of Texas Plan One or the Judicial Retirement System of Texas Plan Two and who is appointed under this subchapter may not, during the term of appointment, appear and plead as an attorney in any court in this state. (b) When a person who is a retiree of the Judicial Retirement System of Texas Plan One or the Judicial Retirement System of Texas Plan Two is appointed under this subchapter, the person becomes ineligible to appear and plead as an attorney in any court in this state. On confirmation of a retiree's appointment under this subchapter, the restriction on the retiree's practice of law becomes permanent. If a retiree's appointment is not confirmed, the restriction ends. Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985. Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 148, § 295(a), eff. Sept. 1, 1987. § 75.108. REAPPOINTMENT OF SENIOR JUDGES. A senior district court judge is subject every four years to reappointment by the presiding judge of the First Administrative Judicial Region and to confirmation by the senate. Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985. Amended by Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 2, § 8.44(18), eff. Aug. 28, 1989. § 75.109. COMPENSATION OF SENIOR JUDGES. (a) The compensation, salary, and expenses of a senior district court judge shall be paid in accordance with the laws of this state out of funds appropriated from the general revenue fund of Dallas County. Except as provided by Subsection (b), the compensation, salary, and expenses of a senior district court judge shall be in an amount equal to the highest compensation, salary, and expenses paid to any regular district court judge in the state, whether paid from county or state funds, or both, but funds paid from the general revenue fund of the county must have commissioners court approval. (b) A senior district court judge appointed under this subchapter who is a retiree of the Judicial Retirement System of Texas Plan One, the Judicial Retirement System of Texas Plan Two, or the Texas County and District Retirement System is entitled to compensation, salary, and expenses from the general revenue fund of Dallas County in an amount equal to the amount computed under Subsection (a) less the amount of any annuity the judge receives during the same period from either or both of the retirement systems. Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985. Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 148, § 2.96(a), eff. Sept. 1, 1987. § 75.110. APPOINTMENT OF SENIOR JUDGES. (a) The presiding judge of the First Administrative Judicial Region shall assign judges under this subchapter. (b) A senior district court judge assigned under this subchapter shall serve in the district court to which he is assigned unless, for good cause presented in writing by the assigned judge to the presiding judge of the administrative judicial region, the senior district court judge is relieved of the assignment by the presiding judge. (c) Nothing in this subchapter prevents assignment of a senior district court judge to a county other than Dallas County if the other county reimburses Dallas County for the compensation, salary, and expenses of the senior district court judge during the assignment. (d) A senior district court judge is entitled, during a period of assignment, to all per diem allowances paid by the state to judges sitting outside the county of their residence. Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985. Amended by Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 2, § 8.44(19), eff. Aug. 28, 1989. § 75.111. ASSIGNMENT OF OTHER JUDGES. This subchapter does not prevent the assignment of a judge other than a senior district court judge in an instance in which no senior district court judge is available to sit. Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985. § 75.112. RETIREMENT BENEFITS; MEMBERSHIP. (a) A senior district court judge appointed under this subchapter who is a retiree of the Judicial Retirement System of Texas Plan One, the Judicial Retirement System of Texas Plan Two, or the Texas County and District Retirement System is entitled to receive retirement benefits otherwise payable during the period an appointment is in effect but may not resume membership or receive credit in any of those retirement systems from which the judge has retired. (b) A senior district court judge appointed under this subchapter who is not a retiree of the Judicial Retirement System of Texas Plan One or the Judicial Retirement System of Texas Plan Two retains or resumes membership in the appropriate retirement system and accrues service credit in that retirement system for each month the appointment is in effect.Text of subsec. (c) effective until January 1, 2006 (c) A senior district court judge appointed under this subchapter who is not a retiree of the Texas County and District Retirement System is subject to the conditions for membership in that retirement system during the period the appointment is in effect that are provided by Sections 842.201, 842.202, and 842.203. If a senior district court judge begins, retains, or resumes membership in the Texas County and District Retirement System, the judge accrues service credit in that retirement system for each month of membership in which the appointment is in effect.Text of subsec. (c) effective January 1, 2006 (c) A senior district court judge appointed under this subchapter who is not a retiree of the Texas County and District Retirement System is subject to the conditions for membership in that retirement system during the period the appointment is in effect that are provided by Section 842.107. If a senior district court judge begins, retains, or resumes membership in the Texas County and District Retirement System, the judge accrues service credit in that retirement system for each month of membership in which the appointment is in effect. Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985. Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 148, § 2.97(a), eff. Sept. 1, 1987; Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 179, § 2(f), eff. Sept. 1, 1989; Acts 2005, 79th Leg., ch. 506, § 1, eff. Jan. 1, 2006. § 75.113. PAYMENT OF CONTRIBUTIONS BY DALLAS COUNTY. (a) Not later than the 15th of each month, the custodian of county funds of Dallas County shall pay or cause to be paid to the Judicial Retirement System of Texas Plan One and the Judicial Retirement System of Texas Plan Two at each respective system's office: (1) a contribution deducted from the compensation of each senior district court judge at the rate required of other members of the appropriate system for current service and based on the state salary paid to elected district judges during that period; and (2) a contribution from the county general revenue fund for each senior district court judge at the effective rate of state contributions to the appropriate system, determined, respectively, by the Judicial Retirement System of Texas Plan One and the Judicial Retirement System of Texas Plan Two as a monthly percentage of the salary that would be paid by the state if the judge were an elected district judge that is based on the ratio of legislative appropriations to finance benefits payable from the appropriate system to the state salaries payable to contributing members of the system for the period. (b) The custodian of county funds of Dallas County shall pay or cause to be paid to the Texas County and District Retirement System member and subdivision contributions based on the portion of compensation paid by the county under this subchapter that exceeds the amount computed under Subsection (a)(1) for each senior district court judge who is a contributing member of the retirement system during the most recent payroll period. The contributions shall be paid in the manner provided by Sections 845.403 and 845.404. (c) Retirement system contributions paid as provided by this section shall be deposited by the respective retirement systems in the funds of each retirement system in which similar contributions are deposited for other members of the retirement system. Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985. Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 148, § 2.97(b), eff. Sept. 1, 1987; Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 179, § 2(g), eff. Sept. 1, 1989. § 75.114. EXPENSES. When a senior district court judge is assigned under this subchapter to a court located in a county other than the county in which the assigned judge resides, the judge shall, in addition to all other compensation permitted or authorized by law, receive the actual expenses incurred in going to and returning from the assignment and the actual living expenses incurred while in the performance of his duties under assignment. The expenses shall be paid out of the general revenue fund of the county in which the senior district court judge actually sat. Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985. § 75.115. CONTINUING JUDICIAL EDUCATION. A senior district court judge must be able to demonstrate yearly that the judge participated in the preceding 12 months in at least the number of hours of instruction in continuing judicial education required by the Rules of Judicial Education adopted by the supreme court for active appellate, district, and statutory county court judges. Failure to meet this criterion is grounds for denying reappointment as a senior district court judge. Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985. Amended by Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 646, § 21, eff. Aug. 28, 1989. § 75.116. ASSIGNMENT UNDER OTHER STATUTE. Except as provided by Section 75.111, this subchapter does not prohibit assignment of a retired or former judge as a visiting judge under any other statute. Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.SUBCHAPTER D. ASSIGNMENT CLERKS § 75.201. ASSIGNMENT CLERKS IN DALLAS AND TARRANT COUNTIES. (a) In Dallas County and Tarrant County, a majority of the district judges with civil jurisdiction may appoint an assignment clerk to serve under the judges of the district courts of each county in the setting and disposing of cases on the general jury docket. (b) The commissioners court of each county shall set the salary of the assignment clerk on recommendation of the district judges. The salary shall be paid in monthly installments on vouchers approved by the presiding judge of the district courts. Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985. § 75.202. ASSIGNMENT CLERKS IN NUECES COUNTY. (a) A majority of the district judges in Nueces County may appoint an assignment clerk to serve under the presiding judge of the district courts in the setting and disposing of cases on the general docket. The assignment clerk shall perform the duties that are assigned to him by the district judges in connection with the setting and disposing of cases. (b) The commissioners court shall set the salary of the assignment clerk and provide for the payment of the salary out of the general fund or the jury fund of the county. The salary shall be paid in monthly installments on vouchers approved by the presiding judge of the district courts. Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985. § 75.203. ASSIGNMENT CLERKS IN BEXAR COUNTY. (a) A majority of the judges of district courts having jurisdiction in Bexar County may appoint an assignment clerk to serve under the presiding judge of the district courts in the coordination, setting, and disposing of cases on the general docket. The assignment clerk shall perform the duties that are assigned to him by the district judges in connection with the coordination, setting, and disposing of cases. (b) The district judges shall determine reasonable compensation for the assignment clerk, which may not exceed an amount equal to 70 percent of the salary paid by the state to each district judge. The commissioners court shall provide for the payment of the salary of the assignment clerk out of the general fund or the jury fund of the county. Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985. § 75.204. TERM. An assignment clerk authorized by this subchapter is appointed for a term of two years but is subject to dismissal by a majority of the district judges for inefficiency or misconduct. Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.SUBCHAPTER F. ADMINISTRATION OF CERTAIN COURTS § 75.401. COURT ADMINISTRATOR SYSTEM FOR COUNTY COURTS IN CERTAIN COUNTIES. (a) In a county that has more than one county criminal court or more than one county court at law having both criminal and civil jurisdiction, those courts may establish and maintain, on approval of the commissioners court, a court administrator system. (b) The judges of the county criminal courts or the county courts at law having both criminal and civil jurisdiction shall by rule designate the duties of the court administrator. The court administrator shall cooperate with the administrative judges and state agencies having duties relating to the operation of the courts to promote uniform and efficient administration of justice. (c) The court administrator is appointed by the judges of the county criminal courts or the county courts at law having both criminal and civil jurisdiction and serves at the pleasure of the judges. (d) A court administrator is entitled to reasonable compensation as set by the commissioners court in an amount not to exceed 70 percent of the salary paid by the county to the judges. (e) The judges shall appoint appropriate staff and support personnel according to the needs of the local jurisdiction. (f) On order and directive of the judges, the commissioners court shall fund the court administrator system from fines collected by the courts served by the court administrator. If the fines collected are insufficient to provide the total funding for the program, the county shall provide the additional funds needed. Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985. § 75.402. COURT MANAGER AND COORDINATOR SYSTEM FOR CERTAIN HARRIS COUNTY COURTS. (a) The courts in Harris County that have the same criminal jurisdiction as county courts with criminal jurisdiction may establish and maintain a court manager and coordinator system. (b) The judges of the courts to which this section applies may appoint a court manager, one or more court coordinators, and other staff as appropriate to the needs of the local jurisdiction. The judges shall by rule designate the qualifications and duties of the court manager and the coordinators to improve criminal justice and expedite the processing of criminal cases through the county courts. The court manager and the coordinators shall cooperate with state agencies having duties relating to the operation of the courts to promote uniform and efficient justice. (c) The court manager and the coordinators serve at the pleasure of the judges. (d) A court manager and coordinators are entitled to reasonable compensation as set by the judges of the courts served. The amount paid the court manager may not exceed 60 percent of the salary paid the judges unless the commissioners court by order sets the court manager's compensation at a greater amount. The amount paid the coordinators may not exceed 50 percent of the salary paid the judges. (e) On the judges' orders, the commissioners court shall fund the court manager and coordinator system from fines collected by the courts served by the court manager and coordinators. If the fines collected are insufficient to provide the total funding for the program, the county shall provide the additional funds needed. (f) This section does not diminish the statutory duties and powers of the sheriff, district attorney, clerk of the court, or any court officer. Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985. § 75.403. PRESIDING JUDGE FOR CERTAIN HARRIS COUNTY COURTS. (a) The judges of the courts in Harris County that have the same criminal jurisdiction as county courts with criminal jurisdiction may select from among themselves a presiding judge. (b) The presiding judge shall be selected during the month preceding the term the judge is to serve by a vote of two-thirds of the judges. The presiding judge serves a term of six months unless by a vote of two-thirds of the judges the selection is canceled and another judge is selected to serve the unexpired term. Each judge shall enter on the minutes of the court an order reciting the selection of the presiding judge. (c) A co-presiding judge may be selected in the same manner as the presiding judge. The co-presiding judge serves when the presiding judge is absent or disabled for any reason and has the same duties as the presiding judge. (d) The presiding judge shall: (1) preside at any session of the judges; (2) hold ex officio membership on all committees created by the judges in session that pertain to the goal of achieving more equal and efficient justice and the orderly dispatch of business; and (3) serve as chief administrator of the offices of county court manager and county court coordinators, and of pretrial release services and all other court-related ministerial services in misdemeanor cases as required by the judges having jurisdiction over those cases. (e) If a judge is absent or for any reason unable to preside, the presiding judge may appoint a special judge to serve as presiding judge. The qualifications, duties, and powers of a special judge are the same as for the regular judge. The provisions of Articles 30.04, 30.05, and 30.06, Code of Criminal Procedure, 1965, relating to the oath, compensation, and record of appointment of certain special judges apply to the appointment of a special judge under this subsection. (f) The judges may adopt rules consistent with the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1965, and the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure for practice and procedure in the courts. A rule may be adopted by a two-thirds vote of the judges, and on adoption shall be entered verbatim in the minutes of each court. The clerk of the court shall supply copies of the rules to any interested person. Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985. Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 163, § 2, eff. Aug. 31, 1987. § 75.404. PRESIDING JUDGE FOR HARRIS COUNTY JUSTICE COURTS. (a) The justices of the peace in Harris County may select from among themselves a presiding judge. (b) The presiding judge shall be selected during the month preceding the term the judge is to serve by a two-thirds vote of the judges. The presiding judge serves a term of one year unless by a vote of two-thirds of the judges the selection is canceled and another judge is selected to serve the unexpired term. Each judge shall enter on the minutes of the court an order reciting the selection of the presiding judge. (c) A copresiding judge may be selected in the same manner as the presiding judge. The copresiding judge serves when the presiding judge is absent or disabled for any reason and has the same duties as the presiding judge. (d) The presiding judge shall: (1) preside at any session of the judges; (2) keep a record of the decisions of the judges; (3) appoint special or standing committees necessary for court management and administration; (4) implement local rules, including assignment, docketing, transfer, and hearings of cases; and (5) provide statistical and management information requested by the supreme court or the Office of Court Administration of the Texas Judicial System. (e) If a justice of the peace in Harris County is absent or for any reason unable to preside, the presiding judge may appoint, in addition to a qualified person authorized by law, a former justice of the peace or a former county court, statutory county court, or district court judge who served as a judge in this state and who consents to the appointment as a special judge to preside for the justice of the peace. The presiding judge may designate the duration of the appointment, not to exceed 60 days, and may revoke an appointment at any time. The duties and powers of a special judge are the same as for the regular justice of the peace. (f) The commissioners court may compensate the special judge. (g) The justices of the peace in Harris County may adopt local rules: (1) that are consistent with Chapter 45, Code of Criminal Procedure, and Part V, Texas Rules of Civil Procedure, for practice and procedure in the justice courts of Harris County; and (2) for practice and procedure in the small claims courts of Harris County. (h) A local rule may be adopted by two-thirds vote of the justices of the peace. (i) A local rule may provide for assigning, docketing, transferring, or hearing of a case. (j) Notwithstanding other provisions of law regarding venue: (1) a misdemeanor case to be tried in a justice court of Harris County may be prosecuted, according to a local rule, in any precinct in the county designated by the local rule; and (2) a civil case, except a suit for forcible entry and detainer or involving real property, may be brought, according to local rule, in any precinct in the county designated by the local rule. (k) Each justice of the peace shall enter the local rules on the minutes of the court. On request, a justice of the peace shall provide a copy of the local rules to any interested person. Added by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 163, § 3, eff. Aug. 31, 1987. Amended by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 216, § 1, eff. May 23, 1995; Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 661, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1997; Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 583, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.SUBCHAPTER G. COURT ADMINISTRATOR IN JEFFERSON COUNTY § 75.501. APPLICATION. This Act applies to the district courts and to the county courts at law that give preference to criminal cases in Jefferson County. Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985. § 75.502. ESTABLISHMENT OF SYSTEM. The courts may establish a court administrator system to improve criminal justice and to expedite the processing of criminal cases. Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985. § 75.503. APPOINTMENT AND DUTIES OF COURT ADMINISTRATOR. (a) The court administrator is appointed by and serves at the pleasure of the judges of the courts subject to this subchapter. (b) The courts shall designate by rule the duties of the court administrator. (c) To promote uniform and efficient administration of justice, the court administrator shall cooperate with administrative judges and state agencies with duties relating to the operation of the courts. Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985. § 75.504. STAFF. (a) The courts may appoint the necessary staff and support personnel for the administrator. (b) As part of the staff, the courts may appoint witness coordinators who, in addition to other duties designated by the court administrator, shall execute criminal process. (c) On appointment, the courts shall commission each witness coordinator as a peace officer. Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985. § 75.505. COMPENSATION AND FACILITIES. The court administrator and the staff are entitled to reasonable compensation, facilities, and equipment as determined by the commissioners court. Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.SUBCHAPTER H. COURT ADMINISTRATOR IN FORT BEND COUNTY § 75.521. APPLICATION. This subchapter applies to the district courts and county courts at law in Fort Bend County. Added by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 654, § 1, eff. June 12, 1993. § 75.522. ESTABLISHMENT OF SYSTEM. The courts may establish a court administrator system to improve the administration of justice and to expedite the processing of civil and criminal cases. Added by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 654, § 1, eff. June 12, 1993. § 75.523. APPOINTMENT AND DUTIES OF COURT ADMINISTRATOR. (a) The court administrator is appointed by and serves at the pleasure of the judges of the courts subject to this subchapter. (b) The courts shall designate by rule the duties of the court administrator. (c) To promote uniform and efficient administration of justice, the court administrator shall cooperate with administrative judges and state agencies with duties relating to the operation of the courts. Added by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 654, § 1, eff. June 12, 1993. § 75.524. COMPENSATION AND FACILITIES. A court administrator is entitled to reasonable compensation, facilities, and equipment as determined by the judges of the courts served, with the approval of the commissioners court. The commissioners court shall fund the court administrator system from general funds of the county. Added by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 654, § 1, eff. June 12, 1993. § 75.525. STAFF. The judges of the courts served by the court administrator may appoint the necessary staff and support personnel for the court administrator. Added by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 654, § 1, eff. June 12, 1993.SUBCHAPTER I. GENERAL PROVISIONS § 75.551. OBJECTION TO JUDGE OR JUSTICE ASSIGNED TO AN APPELLATE COURT. (a) When a judge or justice is assigned to an appellate court under this chapter or Chapter 74: (1) the order of assignment must state whether the judge or justice is an active, former, retired, or senior judge or justice; and (2) the person who assigns the judge or justice shall, if it is reasonable and practicable and if time permits, give notice of the assignment to each attorney representing a party to the case that is to be heard in whole or part by the assigned judge or justice. (b) A judge or justice assigned to an appellate court may not hear a civil case if a party to the case files a timely objection to the assignment of the judge or justice. Except as provided by Subsection (d), each party to the case is entitled to only one objection under this section for that case in the appellate court. (c) An objection under this section must be filed not later than the seventh day after the date the party receives actual notice of the assignment or before the date the case is submitted to the court, whichever date occurs earlier. The court may extend the time to file an objection under this section on a showing of good cause. (d) A judge or justice who was defeated in the last primary or general election for which the judge or justice was a candidate for the judicial office held by the judge or justice may not sit in an appellate case if either party objects to the judge or justice. (e) An active judge or justice assigned under this chapter is not subject to an objection. (f) For purposes of this section, notice of an assignment may be given and an objection to an assignment may be filed by electronic mail. (g) In this section, "party" includes multiple parties aligned in a case as determined by the appellate court. Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 1064, § 2, eff. Sept. 1, 1997. Amended by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 315, § 14, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
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