Bill Text: TX HB2120 | 2019-2020 | 86th Legislature | Comm Sub


Bill Title: Relating to the operation and administration of and practice in courts in the judicial branch of state government; imposing a fee; creating a criminal offense.

Spectrum: Moderate Partisan Bill (Republican 8-2)

Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2019-05-03 - Committee report sent to Calendars [HB2120 Detail]

Download: Texas-2019-HB2120-Comm_Sub.html
  86R26014 TSS-D
 
  By: Leach, Holland H.B. No. 2120
 
  Substitute the following for H.B. No. 2120:
 
  By:  Farrar C.S.H.B. No. 2120
 
 
 
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
 
AN ACT
  relating to the operation and administration of and practice in
  courts in the judicial branch of state government; imposing a fee;
  creating a criminal offense.
         BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
  ARTICLE 1. DISTRICT COURTS
         SECTION 1.01.  Section 24.104(b), Government Code, is
  amended to read as follows:
         (b)  The terms of the 4th District Court begin on the first
  Mondays in January and [, March, May,] July[, September, and
  November].
         SECTION 1.02.  (a)  The heading to Section 24.124,
  Government Code, is amended to read as follows:
         Sec. 24.124.  23RD JUDICIAL DISTRICT ([BRAZORIA,]
  MATAGORDA[,] AND WHARTON COUNTIES).
         (b)  Sections 24.124(a) and (b), Government Code, are
  amended to read as follows:
         (a)  The 23rd Judicial District is composed of [Brazoria,]
  Matagorda[,] and Wharton counties.
         (b)  The terms of the 23rd District Court begin:
               (1)  [in Brazoria County on the first Mondays in April
  and October, and the terms are designated the April-September and
  October-March terms;
               [(2)]  in Matagorda County on the first Mondays in June
  and December, and the terms are designated the June-November and
  December-May terms; and
               (2) [(3)]  in Wharton County on the first Mondays in
  July and January, and the terms are designated the July-December
  and January-June terms.
         (c)  Subchapter C, Chapter 24, Government Code, is amended by
  adding Section 24.6005 to read as follows:
         Sec. 24.6005.  461ST JUDICIAL DISTRICT (BRAZORIA COUNTY).  
  (a)  The 461st Judicial District is composed of Brazoria County.
         (b)  The 461st District Court shall give preference to family
  law matters.
         (d)  The local administrative district judge shall transfer
  to the 461st District Court all cases from Brazoria County that are
  pending in the 23rd District Court on the effective date of this
  Act.
         (e)  When a case is transferred as provided by Subsection (d)
  of this section:
               (1)  all processes, writs, bonds, recognizances, or
  other obligations issued from the 23rd District Court are
  returnable to the 461st District Court as if originally issued by
  that court; and
               (2)  the obligees on all bonds and recognizances taken
  in and for the 23rd District Court and all witnesses summoned to
  appear in the 23rd District Court are required to appear before the
  461st District Court as if originally required to appear before
  that court.
         (f)  The 461st Judicial District is created on September 1,
  2019.
         SECTION 1.03.  (a)  Section 24.140, Government Code, is
  amended to read as follows:
         Sec. 24.140.  38TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT ([MEDINA,] REAL[,] AND
  UVALDE COUNTIES). [(a)] The 38th Judicial District is composed of
  [Medina,] Real[,] and Uvalde counties.
         [(b)  The terms of the 38th District Court begin:
               [(1)     in Medina County on the first Mondays in January
  and June;
               [(2)     in Real County on the first Mondays in April and
  November; and
               [(3)     in Uvalde County on the first Mondays in February
  and September.]
         (b)  Subchapter C, Chapter 24, Government Code, is amended by
  adding Section 24.598 to read as follows:
         Sec. 24.598.  454TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT (MEDINA COUNTY). The
  454th Judicial District is composed of Medina County.
         (c)  The local administrative district judge shall transfer
  to the 454th District Court all cases from Medina County that are
  pending in the 38th District Court on the effective date of this
  Act.
         (d)  When a case is transferred as provided by Subsection (c)
  of this section:
               (1)  all processes, writs, bonds, recognizances, or
  other obligations issued from the 38th District Court are
  returnable to the 454th District Court as if originally issued by
  that court; and
               (2)  the obligees on all bonds and recognizances taken
  in and for the 38th District Court and all witnesses summoned to
  appear in the 38th District Court are required to appear before the
  454th District Court as if originally required to appear before
  that court.
         (e)  The 454th Judicial District is created on the effective
  date of this Act.
         SECTION 1.04.  (a) Subchapter C, Chapter 24, Government
  Code, is amended by adding Section 24.599 to read as follows:
         Sec. 24.599.  455TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT (TRAVIS COUNTY). (a)
  The 455th Judicial District is composed of Travis County.
         (b)  The 455th District Court shall give preference to civil
  and family law matters.
         (b)  The 455th Judicial District is created on October 1,
  2020.
         SECTION 1.05.  (a) Subchapter C, Chapter 24, Government
  Code, is amended by adding Section 24.600 to read as follows:
         Sec. 24.600.  456TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT (GUADALUPE COUNTY).
  (a) The 456th Judicial District is composed of Guadalupe County.
         (b)  The 456th District Court shall give preference to civil
  cases.
         (b)  The 456th Judicial District is created on September 1,
  2019.
         SECTION 1.06.  (a) Subchapter C, Chapter 24, Government
  Code, is amended by adding Section 24.6001 to read as follows:
         Sec. 24.6001.  457TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT (MONTGOMERY COUNTY).
  The 457th Judicial District is composed of Montgomery County.
         (b)  The 457th Judicial District is created on September 1,
  2019.
         SECTION 1.07.  (a) Subchapter C, Chapter 24, Government
  Code, is amended by adding Section 24.60091 to read as follows:
         Sec. 24.60091.  466TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT (COMAL COUNTY). The
  466th Judicial District is composed of Comal County. 
         (b)  The 466th Judicial District is created on January 1,
  2021.
         SECTION 1.08.  (a) Subchapter C, Chapter 24, Government
  Code, is amended by adding Section 24.60092 to read as follows:
         Sec. 24.60092.  467TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT (DENTON COUNTY).
  The 467th Judicial District is composed of Denton County.
         (b)  The 467th Judicial District is created on January 1,
  2021.
         SECTION 1.09.  (a) Subchapter C, Chapter 24, Government
  Code, is amended by adding Sections 24.60093 and 24.60094 to read as
  follows:
         Sec. 24.60093.  468TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT (COLLIN COUNTY). (a)
  The 468th Judicial District is composed of Collin County.
         (b)  The 468th District Court shall give preference to family
  law matters.
         Sec. 24.60094.  471ST JUDICIAL DISTRICT (COLLIN COUNTY). (a)
  The 471st Judicial District is composed of Collin County.
         (b)  The 471st District Court shall give preference to civil
  matters.
         (b)  The 468th District Court is created on September 1,
  2019.
         (c)  The 471st District Court is created on September 1,
  2019.
  ARTICLE 2. STATUTORY COUNTY COURTS
         SECTION 2.01.  (a) Section 25.0202, Government Code, is
  amended by amending Subsection (a) and adding Subsection (g) to
  read as follows:
         (a)  In addition to the jurisdiction provided by Section
  25.0003 and other law, a county court at law in Bosque County has
  concurrent jurisdiction with the district court in:
               (1)  family law cases and proceedings;
               (2)  civil cases in which the matter in controversy
  exceeds $500 but does not exceed $200,000, excluding interest,
  court costs, and attorney's fees; [and]
               (3)  contested probate matters under Section 32.003,
  Estates Code; and
               (4)  felony cases transferred from the district court
  to conduct arraignments, pretrial hearings, and motions to
  adjudicate or revoke and to accept guilty pleas.
         (g)  In matters of concurrent jurisdiction, including
  transferred felony proceedings, the judge of a county court at law
  and the district judge may exchange benches, transfer cases, assign
  each other to hear cases in accordance with orders signed and
  approved by the judges, and otherwise manage their respective
  dockets under local administrative rules.
         (b)  The changes in law made to Section 25.0202, Government
  Code, apply only to a criminal case filed on or after the effective
  date of this Act. A criminal case filed before that date is
  governed by the law in effect on the date the case is filed, and that
  law is continued in effect for that purpose.
         SECTION 2.02.  (a) Subchapter C, Chapter 25, Government
  Code, is amended by adding Sections 25.0381 and 25.0382 to read as
  follows:
         Sec. 25.0381.  CHAMBERS COUNTY. Chambers County has one
  statutory county court, the County Court at Law of Chambers County. 
         Sec. 25.0382.  CHAMBERS COUNTY COURT AT LAW PROVISIONS. (a)
  In addition to the jurisdiction provided by Section 25.0003 and
  other law, a county court at law in Chambers County has concurrent
  jurisdiction with the district court in:
               (1)  arraignments, pleas, and pretrial motions for
  felony cases; and
               (2)  family law cases and proceedings.
         (b)  In matters of concurrent jurisdiction, a judge of a
  county court at law and a judge of a district court in Chambers
  County may transfer cases between the courts in the same manner that
  judges of district courts may transfer cases under Section 24.003.
         (c)  The judge of a county court at law shall be paid an
  annual salary in an amount at least equal to the amount that is
  $1,000 less than the total annual salary, including supplements,
  received by a district judge in the county. The salary shall be paid
  out of the county treasury on order of the commissioners court.
         (d)  The judge of a county court at law is entitled to travel
  expenses and necessary office expenses, including administrative
  and clerical help, in the same manner as a district judge in the
  county.
         (e)  The district clerk serves as clerk of a county court at
  law in matters of concurrent jurisdiction with the district court
  other than misdemeanor cases and probate matters and proceedings.  
  The county clerk serves as clerk for all other cases.  Each clerk
  shall establish a separate docket for a county court at law.  The
  commissioners court may employ as many deputy sheriffs and bailiffs
  as are necessary to serve the court.
         (f)  If a case or proceeding in which a county court at law
  has concurrent jurisdiction with a district court is tried before a
  jury, the jury shall be composed of 12 members. In all other cases,
  the jury shall be composed of six members.
         (g)  The judge of a county court at law may, instead of
  appointing an official court reporter, contract for the services of
  a court reporter under guidelines established by the commissioners
  court.
         (h)  The laws governing the drawing, selection, service, and
  pay of jurors for county courts apply to a county court at law.
  Jurors regularly impaneled for a week by the district court may, on
  a request of a judge of the county court at law, be made available
  and shall serve for the week in a county court at law.
         (i)  A county court at law has the same terms of court as a
  district court in Chambers County.
         (b)  The County Court at Law of Chambers County is created on
  January 1, 2021.
         SECTION 2.03.  (a) Section 25.0481, Government Code, is
  amended to read as follows:
         Sec. 25.0481.  COMAL COUNTY. Comal County has the following
  statutory county courts:
               (1)  County Court at Law No. 1 of Comal County; [and]
               (2)  County Court at Law No. 2 of Comal County; and
               (3)  County Court at Law No. 3 of Comal County.
         (b)  The County Court at Law No. 3 of Comal County is created
  on September 1, 2019.
         SECTION 2.04.  Section 25.0512, Government Code, is amended
  by adding Subsections (a) and (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 Cooke County has
  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 and proceedings.
         SECTION 2.05.  (a) Section 25.0721, Government Code, is
  amended to read as follows:
         Sec. 25.0721.  ELLIS COUNTY. Ellis County has the following
  statutory county courts:
               (1)  the County Court at Law of Ellis County; [and]
               (2)  the County Court at Law No. 2 of Ellis County; and
               (3)  the County Court at Law No. 3 of Ellis County.
         (b)  The County Court at Law No. 3 of Ellis County is created
  on January 1, 2021.
         SECTION 2.06.  (a) Subchapter C, Chapter 25, Government
  Code, is amended by adding Sections 25.0881 and 25.0882 to read as
  follows:
         Sec. 25.0881.  GILLESPIE COUNTY. Gillespie County has one
  statutory county court, the County Court at Law of Gillespie
  County.
         Sec. 25.0882.  GILLESPIE COUNTY COURT AT LAW PROVISIONS.
  (a) In addition to the jurisdiction provided by Section 25.0003 and
  other law, a county court at law in Gillespie County has concurrent
  jurisdiction with the district court in family law cases and
  proceedings, including juvenile matters.
         (b)  The district clerk serves as clerk of a county court at
  law for family cases and proceedings, including juvenile matters,
  and the county clerk serves as clerk for all other cases. The
  commissioners court may employ as many deputy sheriffs and bailiffs
  as are necessary to serve the court.
         (c)  If a case or proceeding in which a county court at law
  has concurrent jurisdiction with a district court is tried before a
  jury, the jury shall be composed of 12 members. In all other cases,
  the jury shall be composed of six members.
         (b)  The County Court at Law of Gillespie County is created
  on October 1, 2019.
         SECTION 2.07.  (a)  Section 25.1312, Government Code, is
  amended by amending Subsection (a) and adding Subsection (d) to
  read as follows:
         (a)  In addition to the jurisdiction provided by Section
  25.0003 and other law, a statutory county court in Kaufman County
  has, except as limited by Subsection [Subsections] (b) [and (b-1)],
  the jurisdiction provided by the constitution and general law for
  district courts.
         (d)  A jury must be composed of 12 members in:
               (1)  civil cases in which the amount in controversy is
  $200,000 or more;
               (2)  family law cases and proceedings; and
               (3)  felony cases.
         (b)  Section 25.1312, Government Code, as amended by this
  Act, applies only to a cause of action filed on or after the
  effective date of this Act. A cause of action filed before that
  date is governed by the law in effect immediately before that date,
  and that law is continued in effect for that purpose.
         SECTION 2.08.  (a) Section 25.1481, Government Code, is
  amended to read as follows:
         Sec. 25.1481.  LIBERTY COUNTY. (a) Liberty County has the
  following statutory county courts:
               (1)  [one statutory county court,] the County Court at
  Law of Liberty County; and
               (2)  the County Court at Law No. 2 of Liberty County.
         (b)  The county courts at law [County Court at Law] of
  Liberty County sit [sits] in Liberty.
         (b)  The County Court at Law No. 2 of Liberty County is
  created on September 1, 2019.
         SECTION 2.09.  Section 25.1902, Government Code, is amended
  by adding Subsection (b-1) to read as follows:
         (b-1)  In addition to the jurisdiction provided by
  Subsections (a) and (b), the County Court at Law No. 1 of Potter
  County has concurrent jurisdiction with the district court in
  felony cases to conduct arraignments, conduct pretrial hearings,
  and accept pleas in uncontested matters.
         SECTION 2.10.  (a) Section 25.2011, Government Code, is
  amended to read as follows:
         Sec. 25.2011.  ROCKWALL COUNTY. Rockwall County has the
  following statutory county courts:
               (1)  [one statutory county court,] the County Court at
  Law No. 1 of Rockwall County; and
               (2)  the County Court at Law No. 2 of Rockwall County.
         (b)  Sections 25.2012(c), (g), and (h), Government Code, are
  amended to read as follows:
         (c)  The district clerk serves as clerk of a county court at
  law except that the county clerk serves as clerk of a [the] county
  court at law in matters of mental health, the probate and criminal
  misdemeanor docket, and all civil matters in which a [the] county
  court at law does not have concurrent jurisdiction with a [the]
  district court.
         (g)  When administering a case for a [the] county court at
  law, the district clerk shall charge civil fees and court costs as
  if the case had been filed in a [the] district court. In a case of
  concurrent jurisdiction, the case shall be assigned to either a
  [the] district court or a [the] county court at law in accordance
  with local administrative rules established by the local
  administrative judge.
         (h)  The judge of a [the] county court at law shall appoint an
  official court reporter for the judge's court and shall set the
  official court reporter's annual salary, subject to approval by the
  county commissioners court. The official court reporter of a [the]
  county court at law shall take an oath or affirmation as an officer
  of the court. The official court reporter holds office at the
  pleasure of the judge [of the court] and shall be provided a private
  office in close proximity to the court. The official court reporter
  is entitled to all rights and benefits afforded all other county
  employees.
         (c)  The County Court at Law No. 2 of Rockwall County is
  created on September 1, 2019.
  ARTICLE 3. MUNICIPAL COURTS
         SECTION 3.01.  (a)  Section 30.00044(l), Government Code,
  is amended to read as follows:
         (l)  Sections [Section] 30.00007(b)(5) and 30.00009(c) and
  (d) do [does] not apply to this subchapter.
         (b)  Section 30.00044(l), Government Code, as amended by
  this section, applies to a clerk and other court personnel of the
  municipal court of record of the City of Lubbock employed on or
  after the effective date of this Act, regardless of whether the
  clerk or other personnel began employment before, on, or after the
  effective date of this Act.
  ARTICLE 4. SENIOR DISTRICT JUDGES
         SECTION 4.01.  Section 832.101, Government Code, is amended
  to read as follows:
         Sec. 832.101.  INELIGIBILITY FOR MEMBERSHIP. A retiree who
  makes an election under Subchapter C of Chapter 74 [or who is
  appointed under Subchapter C of Chapter 75] may not rejoin the
  retirement system or receive credit in the retirement system for
  the period of an appointment or for any service performed under
  assignment.
         SECTION 4.02.  Section 836.006, Government Code, is amended
  to read as follows:
         Sec. 836.006.  DIVERSION OF MONEY PROHIBITED. Except as
  provided by Section [Sections 840.101(b) and] 840.305(c), no part
  of the money contributed to the retirement system under Section
  840.102 [or 840.104] and no part of the contribution described by
  Section 840.103(b)(2) may be used for or diverted to any purpose
  other than the exclusive benefit of members, their beneficiaries,
  and annuitants of the retirement system.
         SECTION 4.03.  Section 837.101, Government Code, is amended
  to read as follows:
         Sec. 837.101.  JUDICIAL ASSIGNMENT. A retiree who makes an
  election under Subchapter C of Chapter 74 [or who is appointed under
  Subchapter C of Chapter 75] may not rejoin or receive credit in the
  retirement system for the period of an appointment or for any
  service performed under assignment.
  ARTICLE 5. MASTERS AND MAGISTRATES
         SECTION 5.01.  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 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
  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 [as added by H.B. No.   2132, Acts
  of the 82nd Legislature, Regular Session, 2011], the justices of
  the peace, and the mayors and recorders and the judges of the
  municipal courts of incorporated cities or towns.
         SECTION 5.02.  Chapter 54, Government Code, is amended by
  adding Subchapter B to read as follows:
  SUBCHAPTER B. BELL COUNTY TRUANCY MASTERS
         Sec. 54.101.  APPOINTMENT. (a) The Commissioners Court of
  Bell County may select masters to serve the justice courts of Bell
  County having jurisdiction in truancy matters.
         (b)  The commissioners court shall establish the minimum
  qualifications, salary, benefits, and other compensation of each
  master position and shall determine whether the position is
  full-time or part-time.
         (c)  A master appointed under this section serves at the
  pleasure of the commissioners court.
         Sec. 54.102.  JURISDICTION. A master appointed under this
  subchapter has concurrent jurisdiction with the judges of the
  justice of the peace courts of Bell County over cases involving
  truant conduct in accordance with Section 65.004, Family Code.
         Sec. 54.103.  POWERS AND DUTIES. (a) The Commissioners
  Court of Bell County shall establish the powers and duties of a
  master appointed under this subchapter.
         (b)  An order of referral may limit the use or power of a
  master.
         (c)  Unless limited by published local rule, by written
  order, or by an order of referral, a master may perform all acts and
  take all measures necessary and proper to perform the tasks
  assigned in a referral.
         (d)  A master may administer oaths.
         Sec. 54.104.  JUDICIAL IMMUNITY. A master has the same
  judicial immunity as a district judge.
         Sec. 54.105.  TRAINING. A master appointed under this
  subchapter must successfully complete all training a justice of the
  peace is required to complete under state law.
         Sec. 54.106.  FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH SUMMONS OR ORDER. If an
  attorney, party, witness, or any other person fails to comply with a
  summons or order, the master may certify that failure in writing to
  the referring court for appropriate action.
         Sec. 54.107.  WITNESSES. (a) A witness appearing before a
  master is subject to the penalties of perjury as provided by Chapter
  37, Penal Code.
         (b)  A witness referred to the court under Section 54.106 is
  subject to the same penalties and orders that may be imposed on a
  witness appearing in a hearing before the court.
         SECTION 5.03.  Chapter 54, Government Code, is amended by
  adding Subchapter MM to read as follows:
  SUBCHAPTER MM.  MAGISTRATES IN COLLIN COUNTY
         Sec. 54.2201.  AUTHORIZATION; APPOINTMENT; TERMINATION;
  ELIMINATION. (a) The Commissioners Court of Collin County by
  majority vote may appoint one or more part-time or full-time
  magistrates to perform the duties authorized by this subchapter.
         (b)  An order appointing a magistrate must be signed by the
  county judge of Collin County, and the order must state:
               (1)  the magistrate's name; and
               (2)  the date the magistrate's employment begins.
         (c)  A magistrate may be terminated by a majority vote of the
  Commissioners Court of Collin County.
         (d)  An authorized magistrate's position may be eliminated
  on a majority vote of the Commissioners Court of Collin County.
         Sec. 54.2202.  QUALIFICATIONS; OATH OF OFFICE. (a) To be
  eligible for appointment as a magistrate, a person must:
               (1)  be a citizen of the United States;
               (2)  have resided in Collin County for at least the four
  years preceding the person's appointment; and
               (3)  have been licensed to practice law in this state
  for at least four years.
         (b)  A magistrate appointed under Section 54.2201 must take
  the constitutional oath of office required of appointed officers of
  this state.
         Sec. 54.2203.  COMPENSATION. A magistrate is entitled to
  the compensation set by the Commissioners Court of Collin County.  
  The compensation shall be paid from the general fund of the county.
         Sec. 54.2204.  JUDICIAL IMMUNITY. A magistrate has the same
  judicial immunity as a district judge.
         Sec. 54.2205.  PROCEEDING THAT MAY BE REFERRED. (a) The
  judge of a district court or county court at law or a justice of the
  peace may refer to a magistrate any case or matter relating to a
  case for proceedings involving:
               (1)  a negotiated plea of guilty or no contest and
  sentencing 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)  an occupational driver's license;
               (7)  a petition for an order of expunction under
  Chapter 55, Code of Criminal Procedure;
               (8)  an asset forfeiture hearing as provided by Chapter
  59, Code of Criminal Procedure;
               (9)  a petition for an order of nondisclosure of
  criminal history record information or an order of nondisclosure of
  criminal history record information that does not require a
  petition provided by Subchapter E-1, Chapter 411;
               (10)  a motion to modify or revoke community
  supervision or to proceed with an adjudication of guilt;
               (11)  setting conditions, modifying, revoking, and
  surrendering of bonds, including surety bonds;
               (12)  specialty court proceedings;
               (13)  a waiver of extradition; 
               (14)  selection of a jury; and
               (15)  any other matter the judge or justice of the peace
  considers necessary and proper.
         (b)  A judge may refer to a magistrate a civil case arising
  out of Chapter 59, Code of Criminal Procedure, for any purpose
  authorized by that chapter, including issuing orders, accepting
  agreed judgments, enforcing judgments, and presiding over a case on
  the merits if a party has not requested a jury trial.
         (c)  A magistrate may accept a plea of guilty from a
  defendant charged with misdemeanor, felony, or both misdemeanor and
  felony offenses.
         (d)  If the magistrate is acting as an associate judge under
  Section 54.2216, the magistrate may hear any case referred under
  Section 54A.106.
         (e)  A magistrate may not preside over a criminal trial on
  the merits, regardless of whether the trial is before a jury.
         (f)  A magistrate may not hear any jury trial on the merits.
         Sec. 54.2206.  ORDER OF REFERRAL. (a) To refer one or more
  cases to a magistrate, a judge or justice of the peace must issue an
  order of referral specifying the magistrate's duties.
         (b)  An order of referral may:
               (1)  limit the powers of the magistrate 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 of
  authority of the magistrate applicable to any case referred.
         Sec. 54.2207.  POWERS. (a)  Except as limited by an order of
  referral, a magistrate to whom a case is referred may:
               (1)  conduct hearings;
               (2)  hear evidence;
               (3)  compel production of relevant evidence in civil or
  criminal matters;
               (4)  rule on disputes regarding civil discovery;
               (5)  rule on admissibility of evidence;
               (6)  issue summons for the appearance of witnesses;
               (7)  examine witnesses;
               (8)  swear witnesses for hearings;
               (9)  make findings of fact on evidence;
               (10)  formulate conclusions of law;
               (11)  rule on a pretrial motion;
               (12)  recommend the rulings, orders, or judgment to be
  made in a case;
               (13)  regulate proceedings in a hearing;
               (14)  accept a plea of guilty from a defendant charged
  with misdemeanor, felony, or both misdemeanor and felony offenses;
               (15)  select a jury;
               (16)  accept a negotiated plea on a probation
  revocation;
               (17)  conduct a contested probation revocation
  hearing;
               (18)  sign a dismissal in a misdemeanor case;
               (19)  enter an order of dismissal or non-suit on
  agreement of the parties in a civil case;
               (20)  in any case referred under Section 54.2205(a)(1),
  accept a negotiated plea of guilty or no contest and:
                     (A)  enter a finding of guilt and impose or
  suspend the sentence; or
                     (B)  defer adjudication of guilt;
               (21)  conduct initial juvenile detention hearings if
  approved by the juvenile board of Collin County; and
               (22)  perform any act and take any measure necessary
  and proper for the efficient performance of the duties required by
  the order of referral.
         (b)  A magistrate may sign a motion to dismiss submitted by
  an attorney representing the state on cases referred to the
  magistrate, or on dockets called by the magistrate, and may
  consider unadjudicated cases at sentencing under Section 12.45,
  Penal Code.
         (c)  Except as provided by Sections 54.2205(e) and (f), a
  magistrate has all of the powers of a magistrate under the laws of
  this state and may administer an oath for any purpose.
         Sec. 54.2208.  FORFEITURES. Bail bonds and personal bonds
  may be forfeited by the magistrate court 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 same justice court clerk associated with the
  Class C misdemeanor case in which the bond was originally filed.
         Sec. 54.2209.  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 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.
         (c)  When a justice clerk is the clerk under this subchapter,
  the justice clerk shall charge the same court costs for cases filed
  in, transferred to, or assigned to the magistrate court that are
  charged in the justice courts.
         Sec. 54.2210.  CLERK. (a)  The district clerk serves as
  clerk of the magistrate court, except that:
               (1)  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; and
               (2)  after a Class C misdemeanor is filed in a justice
  court and assigned to the magistrate court, the originating justice
  court 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 justice clerks and 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. 54.2211.  COURT REPORTER. At the request of a party,
  the court shall provide a court reporter to record the proceedings
  before the magistrate.
         Sec. 54.2212.  WITNESS. (a)  A witness who appears before a
  magistrate 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 court.
         Sec. 54.2213.  PAPERS TRANSMITTED TO JUDGE. At the
  conclusion of the proceedings, a magistrate 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. 54.2214.  COSTS OF MAGISTRATE. The court shall
  determine if the nonprevailing party is able to defray the costs of
  the magistrate.  If the court determines the nonprevailing party is
  able to pay those costs, the court shall assess the magistrate's
  costs against the nonprevailing party.
         Sec. 54.2215.  JUDICIAL ACTION. (a) A referring court may
  modify, correct, reject, reverse, or recommit for further
  information any action taken by the magistrate.
         (b)  If the court does not modify, correct, reject, reverse,
  or recommit an action of the magistrate, the action becomes the
  decree of the court.
         (c)  At the conclusion of each term during which the services
  of a magistrate are used, the referring court shall enter a decree
  on the minutes adopting the actions of the magistrate of which the
  court approves.
         Sec. 54.2216.  MAGISTRATE AS ASSOCIATE JUDGE. A magistrate
  appointed under this subchapter may act as a civil associate judge
  under Subchapter B, Chapter 54A, Government Code. To the extent of
  any conflict with this subchapter, a magistrate acting as an
  associate judge shall comply with provisions regarding the
  appointment, termination, referral of cases, powers, duties, and
  immunities of associate judges under Subchapter B, Chapter 54A,
  Government Code.
         SECTION 5.04.  Chapter 54, Government Code, is amended by
  adding Subchapter NN to read as follows:
  SUBCHAPTER NN. MAGISTRATES IN KERR COUNTY
         Sec. 54.2301.  AUTHORIZATION; APPOINTMENT; ELIMINATION.  
  (a)  The Commissioners Court of Kerr County may authorize the judges
  of the district and statutory county courts in Kerr 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 Kerr County by a unanimous vote may appoint magistrates as
  authorized by the Commissioners Court of Kerr County.
         (c)  An order appointing a magistrate must be signed by the
  local presiding judge of the district courts serving Kerr 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 Kerr County.
         Sec. 54.2302.  QUALIFICATIONS; OATH OF OFFICE.  (a)  To be
  eligible for appointment as a magistrate, a person must:
               (1)  be a citizen of the United States;
               (2)  have resided in Kerr County for at least the two
  years preceding the person's appointment; and
               (3)  be at least 30 years of age.
         (b)  A magistrate appointed under Section 54.2301 must take
  the constitutional oath of office required of appointed officers of
  this state.
         Sec. 54.2303.  COMPENSATION.  (a)  A magistrate is entitled
  to the salary determined by the Commissioners Court of Kerr County.
         (b)  A full-time magistrate's salary may not be less than
  that of a justice of the peace of Kerr County as established by the
  annual budget of Kerr County.
         (c)  A part-time magistrate's salary is equal to the per-hour
  salary of a justice of the peace.  The per-hour salary is determined
  by dividing the annual salary by a 2,000 work-hour year.  The local
  administrative judge of the district courts serving Kerr County
  shall approve the number of hours for which a part-time magistrate
  is to be paid.
         (d)  The magistrate's salary is paid from the county fund
  available for payment of officers' salaries.
         Sec. 54.2304.  JUDICIAL IMMUNITY.  A magistrate has the same
  judicial immunity as a district judge.
         Sec. 54.2305.  TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT.  (a)  A magistrate
  may be terminated by a majority vote of all the judges of the
  district and statutory county courts of Kerr County.
         (b)  To terminate a magistrate's employment, the local
  administrative judge of the district courts serving Kerr County
  must sign a written order of termination. The order must state:
               (1)  the magistrate's name; and
               (2)  the final date of the magistrate's employment.
         Sec. 54.2306.  JURISDICTION; RESPONSIBILITY; POWERS.  (a)  
  The judges of the district or statutory county courts shall
  establish standing orders to be followed by a magistrate or parties
  appearing before a magistrate, as applicable.
         (b)  To the extent authorized by this subchapter and the
  standing orders, a magistrate has jurisdiction to exercise the
  authority granted by the judges of the district or statutory county
  courts.
         (c)  A magistrate has all of the powers of a magistrate under
  the laws of this state and may administer an oath for any purpose.
         (d)  A magistrate shall give preference to performing the
  duties of a magistrate under Article 15.17, Code of Criminal
  Procedure.
         (e)  A magistrate is authorized to:
               (1)  set, adjust, and revoke bonds before the filing of
  an information or the return of an indictment;
               (2)  conduct examining trials;
               (3)  determine whether a defendant is indigent and
  appoint counsel for an indigent defendant;
               (4)  issue search and arrest warrants;
               (5)  issue emergency protective orders;
               (6)  order emergency mental commitments; and
               (7)  conduct initial juvenile detention hearings if
  approved by the Kerr County Juvenile Board.
         (f)  With the express authorization of a justice of the
  peace, a magistrate may 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.
         (g)  A magistrate may:
               (1)  issue notices of the setting of a case for a
  hearing;
               (2)  conduct hearings;
               (3)  compel production of evidence;
               (4)  hear evidence;
               (5)  issue summons for the appearance of witnesses;
               (6)  swear witnesses for hearings;
               (7)  regulate proceedings in a hearing; and
               (8)  perform any act and take any measure necessary and
  proper for the efficient performance of the duties required by the
  magistrate's jurisdiction and authority.
         Sec. 54.2307.  PERSONNEL, EQUIPMENT, AND OFFICE SPACE.  The
  Commissioners Court of Kerr County shall provide:
               (1)  personnel for the legal or clerical functions
  necessary to perform the magistrate's duties authorized by this
  chapter; and
               (2)  sufficient equipment and office space for the
  magistrate and personnel to perform the magistrate's essential
  functions.
  ARTICLE 6. DISTRICT AND COUNTY ATTORNEYS
         SECTION 6.01.  Section 43.105(a), Government Code, is
  amended to read as follows:
         (a)  The voters of Montgomery County elect a district
  attorney for the 9th Judicial District who represents the state in
  that district court only in that county. The district attorney also
  acts as district attorney for the 410th and 457th Judicial
  Districts [District in Montgomery County].
         SECTION 6.02.  Section 43.108, Government Code, is amended
  to read as follows:
         Sec. 43.108.  21ST JUDICIAL DISTRICT. (a) The voters of
  Washington County [and Burleson counties] elect a district attorney
  for the 21st Judicial District who represents the state in that
  district court only in that county [those counties].
         (b)  The district attorney also represents the state and
  performs the duties of district attorney before the 335th District
  Court in Washington County [and Burleson counties].
         SECTION 6.03.  (a) Section 43.123, Government Code, is
  amended to read as follows:
         Sec. 43.123.  38TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT. (a) The voters of the
  38th Judicial District elect a district attorney.
         (b)  The district attorney of the 38th Judicial District also
  represents the state and performs the duties of the district
  attorney before the 454th Judicial District. This subsection
  expires January 1, 2021.
         (b)  Effective January 1, 2021, Section 44.001, Government
  Code, is amended to read as follows:
         Sec. 44.001.  ELECTION. The voters of each of the following
  counties elect a criminal district attorney: Anderson, Austin,
  Bastrop, Bexar, Bowie, Brazoria, Caldwell, Calhoun, Cass, Collin,
  Comal, Dallas, Deaf Smith, Denton, Eastland, Fannin, Galveston,
  Grayson, Gregg, Harrison, Hays, Hidalgo, Jackson, Jasper,
  Jefferson, Kaufman, Kendall, Lubbock, McLennan, Madison, Medina, 
  Navarro, Newton, Panola, Polk, Randall, Rockwall, San Jacinto,
  Smith, Tarrant, Taylor, Tyler, Upshur, Van Zandt, Victoria, Walker,
  Waller, Wichita, Wood, and Yoakum.
         (c)  Effective January 1, 2021, Subchapter B, Chapter 44,
  Government Code, is amended by adding Section 44.263 to read as
  follows:
         Sec. 44.263.  MEDINA COUNTY. (a) The criminal district
  attorney of Medina County must meet the following qualifications:
               (1)  be at least 30 years old;
               (2)  have been a practicing attorney in this state for
  at least five years; and
               (3)  have been a resident of Medina County for at least
  one year before election or appointment.
         (b)  The criminal district attorney has all the powers,
  duties, and privileges in Medina County that are conferred by law on
  county and district attorneys in the various counties and
  districts.
         (c)  The criminal district attorney shall attend each term
  and session of the district and inferior courts of Medina County,
  except municipal courts, held for the transaction of criminal
  business and shall exclusively represent the state in all criminal
  matters before those courts.
         (d)  The criminal district attorney shall represent Medina
  County in any court in which the county has pending business. This
  subsection does not require the criminal district attorney to
  represent the county in a delinquent tax suit or condemnation
  proceeding and does not prevent the county from retaining other
  legal counsel in a civil matter at any time it considers
  appropriate.
         (e)  The criminal district attorney shall collect the fees,
  commissions, and perquisites that are provided by law for similar
  services rendered by a district or county attorney.
         (f)  The criminal district attorney is entitled to receive in
  equal monthly installments compensation from the state equal to the
  amount paid by the state to district attorneys. The state
  compensation shall be paid by the comptroller as appropriated by
  the legislature. The Commissioners Court of Medina County shall
  pay the criminal district attorney an additional amount so that the
  total compensation of the criminal district attorney equals at
  least 90 percent of the total salary paid to the judge of the 454th
  District Court in Medina County. The compensation paid by the
  county shall be paid in semiweekly or bimonthly installments, as
  determined by the commissioners court.
         (g)  The criminal district attorney or the Commissioners
  Court of Medina County may accept gifts and grants from any
  individual, partnership, corporation, trust, foundation,
  association, or governmental entity for the purpose of financing or
  assisting effective prosecution, crime prevention or suppression,
  rehabilitation of offenders, substance abuse education, treatment
  and prevention, or crime victim assistance programs in Medina
  County. The criminal district attorney shall account for and
  report to the commissioners court all gifts or grants accepted
  under this subsection.
         (h)  The criminal district attorney, for the purpose of
  conducting affairs of the office, may appoint a staff composed of
  assistant criminal district attorneys, investigators,
  stenographers, clerks, and other personnel that the commissioners
  court may authorize. The salary of a staff member is an amount
  recommended by the criminal district attorney and approved by the
  commissioners court. The commissioners court shall pay the
  salaries of the staff in equal semiweekly or bimonthly installments
  from county funds.
         (i)  The criminal district attorney shall, with the advice
  and consent of the commissioners court, designate one or more
  individuals to act as an assistant criminal district attorney with
  exclusive responsibility for assisting the commissioners court. An
  individual designated as an assistant criminal district attorney
  under this subsection must have extensive experience in
  representing public entities and knowledge of the laws affecting
  counties, including the open meetings and open records laws under
  Chapters 551 and 552.
         (j)  Medina County is entitled to receive from the state an
  amount equal to the amount provided in the General Appropriations
  Act to district attorneys for the payment of staff salaries and
  office expenses.
         (k)  The legislature may provide for additional staff
  members to be paid from state funds if it considers supplementation
  of the criminal district attorney's staff to be necessary.
         (l)  The criminal district attorney and assistant criminal
  district attorney may not engage in the private practice of law or
  receive a fee for the referral of a case.
         (d)  Effective January 1, 2021, the office of county attorney
  of Medina County is abolished.
         (e)  Notwithstanding Section 41.010, Government Code, the
  initial vacancy in the office of the criminal district attorney of
  Medina County shall be filled by election. The office of the
  criminal district attorney of Medina County exists for purposes of
  the primary and general elections in 2020. The qualified voters of
  Medina County shall elect the initial criminal district attorney of
  Medina County at the general election in 2020 for a four-year term
  of office.
         (f)  The criminal district attorney of Medina County retains
  all powers, duties, and privileges in Medina County that were
  previously held by the office of the district attorney of the 38th
  Judicial District and the office of the county attorney of Medina
  County, including all powers, duties, and privileges in all pending
  matters of the county and district attorney and all pending matters
  before any court.
         SECTION 6.04.  Subchapter B, Chapter 45, Government Code, is
  amended by adding Section 45.126 to read as follows:
         Sec. 45.126.  BURLESON COUNTY. In Burleson County, the
  county attorney of Burleson County shall perform the duties imposed
  on and have the powers conferred on district attorneys by general
  law and is entitled to be compensated by the state in the manner and
  amount set by general law relating to the salary paid to district
  attorneys by the state.
         SECTION 6.05.  Effective September 1, 2019, Section 46.002,
  Government Code, is amended to read as follows:
         Sec. 46.002.  PROSECUTORS SUBJECT TO CHAPTER. This chapter
  applies to the state prosecuting attorney, all county prosecutors,
  and the following state prosecutors:
               (1)  the district attorneys for Kenedy and Kleberg
  Counties and for the 1st, 2nd, 8th, 9th, 18th, 21st, 23rd, 24th, 
  26th, 27th, 29th, 31st, 32nd, 33rd, 34th, 35th, 36th, 38th, 39th,
  42nd, 43rd, 46th, 47th, 49th, 50th, 51st, 52nd, 53rd, 63rd, 64th,
  66th, 69th, 70th, 76th, 79th, 81st, 83rd, 84th, 85th, 88th, 90th,
  97th, 100th, 105th, 106th, 109th, 110th, 112th, 118th, 119th,
  123rd, 132nd, 142nd, 143rd, 145th, 156th, 159th, 173rd, 196th,
  198th, 216th, 220th, 229th, 235th, 253rd, 258th, 259th, 266th,
  268th, 271st, 286th, 287th, 293rd, 329th, 344th, 349th, 355th,
  369th, 452nd, and 506th judicial districts;
               (2)  the criminal district attorneys for the counties
  of Anderson, Austin, Bastrop, Bexar, Bowie, Brazoria, Caldwell,
  Calhoun, Cass, Collin, Comal, Dallas, Deaf Smith, Denton, Eastland,
  Fannin, Galveston, Grayson, Gregg, Harrison, Hays, Hidalgo,
  Jasper, Jefferson, Kaufman, Kendall, Lubbock, McLennan, Madison,
  Navarro, Newton, Panola, Polk, Randall, Rockwall, San Jacinto,
  Smith, Tarrant, Taylor, Tyler, Upshur, Van Zandt, Victoria, Walker,
  Waller, Wichita, Wood, and Yoakum; and
               (3)  the county attorneys performing the duties of
  district attorneys in the counties of Andrews, Aransas, Burleson, 
  Callahan, Cameron, Castro, Colorado, Crosby, Ellis, Falls,
  Freestone, Gonzales, Guadalupe, Lamar, Lamb, Lampasas, Lavaca,
  Lee, Limestone, Marion, Milam, Morris, Ochiltree, Oldham, Orange,
  Rains, Red River, Robertson, Rusk, Swisher, Terry, Webb, and
  Willacy.
         SECTION 6.06.  Effective January 1, 2021, Section 46.002,
  Government Code, is amended to read as follows:
         Sec. 46.002.  PROSECUTORS SUBJECT TO CHAPTER. This chapter
  applies to the state prosecuting attorney, all county prosecutors,
  and the following state prosecutors:
               (1)  the district attorneys for Kenedy and Kleberg
  Counties and for the 1st, 2nd, 8th, 9th, 18th, 21st, 23rd, 24th,
  26th, 27th, 29th, 31st, 32nd, 33rd, 34th, 35th, 36th, 38th, 39th,
  42nd, 43rd, 46th, 47th, 49th, 50th, 51st, 52nd, 53rd, 63rd, 64th,
  66th, 69th, 70th, 76th, 79th, 81st, 83rd, 84th, 85th, 88th, 90th,
  97th, 100th, 105th, 106th, 109th, 110th, 112th, 118th, 119th,
  123rd, 132nd, 142nd, 143rd, 145th, 156th, 159th, 173rd, 196th,
  198th, 216th, 220th, 229th, 235th, 253rd, 258th, 259th, 266th,
  268th, 271st, 286th, 287th, 293rd, 329th, 344th, 349th, 355th,
  369th, 452nd, and 506th judicial districts;
               (2)  the criminal district attorneys for the counties
  of Anderson, Austin, Bastrop, Bexar, Bowie, Brazoria, Burleson,
  Caldwell, Calhoun, Cass, Collin, Comal, Dallas, Deaf Smith, Denton,
  Eastland, Fannin, Galveston, Grayson, Gregg, Harrison, Hays,
  Hidalgo, Jasper, Jefferson, Kaufman, Kendall, Lubbock, McLennan,
  Madison, Medina, Navarro, Newton, Panola, Polk, Randall, Rockwall,
  San Jacinto, Smith, Tarrant, Taylor, Tyler, Upshur, Van Zandt,
  Victoria, Walker, Waller, Wichita, Wood, and Yoakum; and
               (3)  the county attorneys performing the duties of
  district attorneys in the counties of Andrews, Aransas, Callahan,
  Cameron, Castro, Colorado, Crosby, Ellis, Falls, Freestone,
  Gonzales, Guadalupe, Lamar, Lamb, Lampasas, Lavaca, Lee,
  Limestone, Marion, Milam, Morris, Ochiltree, Oldham, Orange,
  Rains, Red River, Robertson, Rusk, Swisher, Terry, Webb, and
  Willacy.
  ARTICLE 7. COURT REPORTERS AND BAILIFFS
         SECTION 7.01.  Section 322.003, Business & Commerce Code, is
  amended by amending Subsection (a) and adding Subsection (e) to
  read as follows:
         (a)  Except as otherwise provided in Subsections
  [Subsection] (b) and (e), this chapter applies to electronic
  records and electronic signatures relating to a transaction.
         (e)  This chapter does not apply to the transmission,
  preparation, completion, enforceability, or admissibility of a
  document in any form that is:
               (1)  produced by a court reporter appointed under
  Chapter 52, Government Code, or a court reporter certified under or
  a shorthand reporting firm registered under Chapter 154, Government
  Code, for use in the state or federal judicial system; or
               (2)  governed by rules adopted by the supreme court,
  including rules governing the electronic filing system established
  by the supreme court.
         SECTION 7.02.  Subchapter B, Chapter 51, Civil Practice and
  Remedies Code, is amended by adding Section 51.017 to read as
  follows:
         Sec. 51.017.  SERVICE OF NOTICE ON COURT REPORTER. (a)  In
  addition to requirements for service of notice of appeal imposed by
  Rule 25.1(e), Texas Rules of Appellate Procedure, notice of appeal,
  including an interlocutory appeal, must be served on each court
  reporter responsible for preparing the reporter's record.
         (b)  Notwithstanding Section 22.004, Government Code, the
  supreme court may not amend or adopt rules in conflict with this
  section.
         SECTION 7.03.  Chapter 52, Government Code, is amended by
  adding Subchapter B to read as follows:
  SUBCHAPTER B. DUTIES OF SHORTHAND REPORTING FIRMS
         Sec. 52.011.  PROVISION OF SIGNED CERTIFICATION. On request
  of a court reporter who reported a deposition, a court reporting
  firm shall provide the reporter with a copy of the document related
  to the deposition, known as the further certification, that the
  reporter has signed or to which the reporter's signature has been
  applied.
         SECTION 7.04.  Section 53.002(d), Government Code, is
  amended to read as follows:
         (d)  The judges of the 15th, [and] 59th, and 397th district
  courts and the judges of the statutory county courts in Grayson
  County may each appoint a bailiff.
         SECTION 7.05.  Section 53.004(c), Government Code, is
  amended to read as follows:
         (c)  A bailiff in the 15th, [or] 59th, or 397th district
  court or a statutory county court in Grayson County must be a
  citizen of the United States [and a resident of Grayson County].
         SECTION 7.06.  Section 53.009(g), Government Code, is
  amended to read as follows:
         (g)  Each bailiff appointed by a judge of the 15th, [or]
  59th, or 397th district court or appointed by a statutory county
  court judge in Grayson County is entitled to receive from the county
  a salary set by the judge [equal to the salary of a jailer employed
  by the Grayson County sheriff].
         SECTION 7.07.  Section 154.001(a), Government Code, is
  amended by adding Subdivisions (1-a) and (3-a) to read as follows:
               (1-a)  "Apprentice court reporter" means a person to
  whom an apprentice court reporter certification is issued as
  authorized by Section 154.1011.
               (3-a)  "Provisional court reporter" means a court
  reporter to whom a provisional certification is issued as
  authorized by Section 154.1011.
         SECTION 7.08.  Sections 154.101(b), (c), and (e), Government
  Code, are amended to read as follows:
         (b)  A person may not engage in shorthand reporting in this
  state unless the person is certified as:
               (1)  a shorthand reporter by the supreme court under
  this section; or
               (2)  an apprentice court reporter or provisional court
  reporter certified as authorized by Section 154.1011, subject to
  the terms of the person's certification.
         (c)  A certification issued under this section [chapter]
  must be for one or more of the following methods of shorthand
  reporting:
               (1)  written shorthand;
               (2)  machine shorthand;
               (3)  oral stenography; or
               (4)  any other method of shorthand reporting authorized
  by the supreme court.
         (e)  A person may not assume or use the title or designation
  "court recorder," "court reporter," or "shorthand reporter," or any
  abbreviation, title, designation, words, letters, sign, card, or
  device tending to indicate that the person is a court reporter or
  shorthand reporter, unless the person is certified as a shorthand
  reporter or provisional court reporter by the supreme court.
  Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to either sanction or
  prohibit the use of electronic court recording equipment operated
  by a noncertified court reporter pursuant and according to rules
  adopted or approved by the supreme court.
         SECTION 7.09.  (a)  Subchapter C, Chapter 154, Government
  Code, is amended by adding Sections 154.1011 and 154.1012 to read as
  follows:
         Sec. 154.1011.  APPRENTICE COURT REPORTER AND PROVISIONAL
  COURT REPORTER CERTIFICATIONS. (a) Subject to Section 152.101,
  the commission by rule may provide for:
               (1)  the certification of an apprentice court reporter
  who may engage in court reporting only:
                     (A)  under the direct supervision of a certified
  court reporter; and
                     (B)  for the types of legal proceedings authorized
  by commission rule; and
               (2)  the provisional certification of a court reporter,
  including a court reporter described by Section 154.1012(f), that
  allows a person to engage in court reporting only in accordance with
  the terms and for the period expressly authorized by commission
  rule.
         (b)  Rules adopted under Subsection (a) may allow for the
  issuance of a certification under Section 154.101 to:
               (1)  a certified apprentice court reporter who
  satisfactorily completes the apprenticeship and passes Part A of
  the examination required by Section 154.103; or
               (2)  a court reporter who holds a provisional
  certification on the reporter's completion of the terms of the
  commission's conditional approval.
         Sec. 154.1012.  RECIPROCITY. (a) The commission may waive
  any prerequisite to obtaining a court reporter certification for an
  applicant after reviewing the applicant's credentials and
  determining the applicant holds a certification or license issued
  by another jurisdiction that has certification or licensing
  requirements substantially equivalent to those of this state.
         (b)  The commission shall develop and periodically update on
  a schedule established by the commission a list of states that have
  certification or licensing requirements for court reporters
  substantially equivalent to those of this state.
         (c)  The commission shall certify to the supreme court the
  name of each qualified applicant who:
               (1)  holds a certification or license to engage in
  court reporting issued by another state that, as determined by the
  commission:
                     (A)  has certification or licensing requirements
  to engage in court reporting that are substantially equivalent to
  the requirements of this state for a court reporter governed by this
  chapter and Chapter 52; or
                     (B)  is included on the list developed by the
  commission under Subsection (b); and
               (2)  before certification in this state:
                     (A)  passes Part B of the examination required by
  Section 154.103; and
                     (B)  provides proof acceptable to the commission
  that the applicant has been actively performing court reporting in
  another jurisdiction for at least three of the preceding five
  years.
         (d)  A reciprocity agreement approved by the supreme court
  under Section 152.202(b) must require an applicant who holds a
  certification or license to engage in court reporting issued by
  another state and who applies for certification as a court reporter
  in this state to:
               (1)  pass Part B of the examination required by Section
  154.103;
               (2)  provide proof acceptable to the commission that
  the applicant has been actively performing court reporting in
  another jurisdiction for at least three of the preceding five
  years; and
               (3)  hold a certification or license that the
  commission determines is at least equivalent to the registered
  professional reporter designation or similar designation.
         (e)  A person who applies for certification as a court
  reporter in this state and meets the requirements under Subsection
  (c) is not required to meet the requirement under Subsection
  (d)(3).
         (f)  Subject to Section 152.101, the commission may adopt
  rules requiring the issuance of a provisional certification under
  Section 154.1011 to an applicant described by Subsection (c) or (d)
  that authorizes the applicant to serve as a court reporter in this
  state for a limited time and under conditions the commission
  considers reasonably necessary to protect the public interest.
         (b)  In developing rules under Section 154.1011, Government
  Code, as added by this section, the Judicial Branch Certification
  Commission shall:
               (1)  establish a stakeholder work group to receive
  input; and
               (2)  solicit comments from the Texas Court Reporters
  Association, the Texas Deposition Reporters Association, court
  reporting schools, and other interested parties.
         (c)  Not later than June 1, 2020, the Judicial Branch
  Certification Commission shall develop the list required by Section
  154.1012(b), Government Code, as added by this section.
         (d)  Not later than January 1, 2020, the Judicial Branch
  Certification Commission shall communicate with the appropriate
  regulatory officials in each state to inquire whether the state
  desires to enter into a reciprocity agreement with this state as
  authorized by Section 152.202(b), Government Code. Not later than
  April 1, 2020, the commission shall submit a report on the results
  of the inquiry to the Supreme Court of Texas or the court's
  designee.
         SECTION 7.10.  Section 154.102, Government Code, is amended
  to read as follows:
         Sec. 154.102.  APPLICATION FOR EXAMINATION. If applicable,
  a [A] person seeking certification must file an application for
  examination with the commission not later than the 30th day before
  the date fixed for the examination. The application must be
  accompanied by the required fee.
         SECTION 7.11.  Section 154.104, Government Code, is amended
  to read as follows:
         Sec. 154.104.  CERTIFICATION TO SUPREME COURT. (a) The
  commission shall certify to the supreme court the name of each
  qualified applicant for certification under Section 154.101 who has
  passed the examination.
         (b)  The commission shall certify to the supreme court the
  name of each applicant who meets the qualifications for
  certification as:
               (1)  an apprentice court reporter; or
               (2)  a provisional court reporter.
         SECTION 7.12.  Section 154.105(a), Government Code, is
  amended to read as follows:
         (a)  On certification under Section 154.101 or as a
  provisional court reporter, a shorthand reporter may use the title
  "Certified Shorthand Reporter" or the abbreviation "CSR."
         SECTION 7.13.  Section 154.107, Government Code, is amended
  by adding Subsection (d) to read as follows:
         (d)  Notwithstanding Section 152.2015 and Subsection (c) of
  this section, a shorthand reporting firm shall pay a registration
  or renewal fee in an amount equal to the fee for court reporter
  certification under Section 154.101 in lieu of the fee required for
  a shorthand reporting firm registration if a certified court
  reporter of the firm:
               (1)  has an ownership interest in the firm of more than
  50 percent; and
               (2)  maintains actual control of the firm.
         SECTION 7.14.  Subchapter C, Chapter 154, Government Code,
  is amended by adding Section 154.108 to read as follows:
         Sec. 154.108.  CONTINUING EDUCATION. Subject to Section
  152.101, the commission by rule shall require each court reporter
  who holds a certification issued by the commission and at least one
  person who has management responsibility for a shorthand reporting
  firm registered in this state to complete continuing professional
  education.
         SECTION 7.15.  Section 154.110(a), Government Code, is
  amended to read as follows:
         (a)  After receiving a complaint and giving the certified
  shorthand reporter notice and an opportunity for a hearing as
  prescribed by Subchapter B, Chapter 153, the commission shall
  revoke, suspend, or refuse to renew the shorthand reporter's
  certification or issue a reprimand to the reporter for:
               (1)  fraud or corruption;
               (2)  dishonesty;
               (3)  wilful or negligent violation or failure of duty;
               (4)  incompetence;
               (5)  fraud or misrepresentation in obtaining
  certification;
               (6)  a final conviction of a felony or misdemeanor that
  directly relates to the duties and responsibilities of a certified
  shorthand reporter, as determined by supreme court rules;
               (7)  engaging in the practice of shorthand reporting
  using a method for which the reporter is not certified;
               (8)  engaging in the practice of shorthand reporting
  while certification is suspended;
               (9)  unprofessional conduct, including giving directly
  or indirectly, benefiting from, or being employed as a result of any
  gift, incentive, reward, or anything of value to attorneys,
  clients, or their representatives or agents, except for nominal
  items that do not exceed $100 in the aggregate for each recipient
  each year;
               (10)  entering into or providing services under a
  prohibited contract described by Section 154.115; or
               (11)  committing any other act that violates this
  chapter or a rule or provision of the code of ethics adopted under
  this subtitle[; or
               [(12)  other sufficient cause].
         SECTION 7.16.  (a)  Section 154.111, Government Code, is
  amended by amending Subsections (a) and (b) and adding Subsection
  (g) to read as follows:
         (a)  After receiving a complaint and giving the shorthand
  reporting firm or affiliate office notice and an opportunity for a
  hearing as prescribed by Subchapter B, Chapter 153, the commission
  shall reprimand, assess a reasonable fine against, or suspend,
  revoke, or refuse to renew the registration of a shorthand
  reporting firm or affiliate office for:
               (1)  fraud or corruption;
               (2)  dishonesty;
               (3)  conduct on the part of an officer, director, or
  managerial employee of the shorthand reporting firm or affiliate
  office if the officer, director, or managerial employee orders,
  encourages, or permits conduct that the officer, director, or
  managerial employee knows or should have known violates this
  subtitle;
               (4)  conduct on the part of an officer, director, or
  managerial employee or agent of the shorthand reporting firm or
  affiliate office who has direct supervisory authority over a person
  for whom the officer, director, employee, or agent knows or should
  have known violated this subtitle and knowingly fails to take
  reasonable remedial action to avoid or mitigate the consequences of
  the person's actions;
               (5)  fraud or misrepresentation in obtaining
  registration;
               (6)  a final conviction of an officer, director, or
  managerial employee of a shorthand reporting firm or affiliate
  office for a felony or misdemeanor that is directly related to the
  provision of court reporting services, as determined by supreme
  court rules;
               (7)  engaging the services of a reporter that the
  shorthand reporting firm or affiliate office knew or should have
  known was using a method for which the reporter is not certified;
               (8)  knowingly providing court reporting services
  while the shorthand reporting firm's or affiliate office's
  registration is suspended or engaging the services of a shorthand
  reporter whose certification the shorthand reporting firm or
  affiliate office knew or should have known was suspended;
               (9)  unprofessional conduct, including:
                     (A)  [a pattern of] giving directly or indirectly
  or benefiting from or being employed as a result of giving any gift,
  incentive, reward, or anything of value to attorneys, clients, or
  their representatives or agents, except for nominal items that do
  not exceed $100 in the aggregate for each recipient each year; or
                     (B)  repeatedly committing to provide at a
  specific time and location court reporting services for an attorney
  in connection with a legal proceeding and unreasonably failing to
  fulfill the commitment under the terms of that commitment;
               (10)  entering into or providing services under a
  prohibited contract described by Section 154.115; or
               (11)  committing any other act that violates this
  chapter or a rule or provision of the code of ethics adopted under
  this subtitle[; or
               [(12)  other sufficient cause].
         (b)  Nothing in Subsection (a)(9)(A) [(a)(9)] shall be
  construed to define providing value-added business services,
  including long-term volume discounts, such as the pricing of
  products and services, as prohibited gifts, incentives, or rewards.
         (g)  The commission by rule shall define the conditions under
  which a shorthand reporting firm's or affiliate office's repeated
  failure to fulfill a commitment to provide court reporting services
  as described by Subsection (a)(9)(B) is considered unprofessional
  conduct and grounds for disciplinary action.
         (b)  In developing rules under Section 154.111(g),
  Government Code, as added by this section, the Judicial Branch
  Certification Commission shall:
               (1)  establish a stakeholder work group to receive
  input; and
               (2)  solicit comments from the Texas Court Reporters
  Association, the Texas Deposition Reporters Association, court
  reporting schools, and other interested parties.
         SECTION 7.17.  Section 154.113, Government Code, is amended
  by adding Subsection (a-1) to read as follows:
         (a-1)  A person commits an offense if the person provides
  shorthand reporting firm services in this state in violation of
  Section 154.106. Each day of violation constitutes a separate
  offense.
         SECTION 7.18.  Section 154.115(b), Government Code, is
  amended to read as follows:
         (b)  Subsections (a)(2) and (3) do [This section does] not
  apply to a contract for court reporting services for a court,
  agency, or instrumentality of the United States or this state.
  ARTICLE 8. JUVENILE BOARDS
         SECTION 8.01.  Section 152.0941, Human Resources Code, is
  amended by amending Subsection (c) and adding Subsection (d) to
  read as follows:
         (c)  Sections 152.0002, 152.0004, and 152.0005[, 152.0006,
  152.0007, and 152.0008] do not apply to the juvenile board of Goliad
  County.
         (d)  The juvenile board of Goliad County and the juvenile
  boards of one or more counties that are adjacent to or in close
  proximity to Goliad County may agree to operate together with
  respect to all matters, or with respect to certain matters
  specified by the juvenile boards.  Juvenile boards operating
  together may appoint one fiscal officer to receive and disburse
  funds for the boards.
         SECTION 8.02.  Section 152.0991(a), Human Resources Code, is
  amended to read as follows:
         (a)  The juvenile board of Grimes County is composed of the
  county judge, [and] the district judges in Grimes County, and the
  judge of each county court at law in the county.
         SECTION 8.03.  Section 152.2411, Human Resources Code, is
  amended by amending Subsections (b) and (f) and adding Subsection
  (g) to read as follows:
         (b)  The juvenile board shall elect one of its members as
  [court judge is the] chairman of the board [and its chief
  administrative officer].
         (f)  Sections 152.0002, 152.0004, and 152.0005[, 152.0006,
  152.0007, and 152.0008] do not apply to the juvenile board of
  Victoria County.
         (g)  The juvenile board of Victoria County and the juvenile
  boards of one or more counties that are adjacent to or in close
  proximity to Victoria County may agree to operate together with
  respect to all matters, or with respect to certain matters
  specified by the juvenile boards.  Juvenile boards operating
  together may appoint one fiscal officer to receive and disburse
  funds for the boards.
  ARTICLE 9. THE OFFICE OF COURT ADMINISTRATION OF THE TEXAS JUDICIAL
  SYSTEM
         SECTION 9.01.  (a)  Section 22A.002(d), Government Code, is
  amended to read as follows:
         (d)  The comptroller [Office of Court Administration of the
  Texas Judicial System] shall pay from funds appropriated to the
  comptroller's judiciary section the travel expenses and other
  incidental costs related to convening a special three-judge
  district court under this chapter.
         (b)  The change in law made by this section applies only to a
  travel expense or other incidental cost incurred on or after the
  effective date of this Act. A travel expense or other incidental
  cost incurred before the effective date of this Act is governed by
  the law in effect on the date the travel expense or other incidental
  cost was incurred, and the former law is continued in effect for
  that purpose.
         SECTION 9.02.  (a)  Sections 51.607(a) and (b), Government
  Code, are amended to read as follows:
         (a)  Following each regular session of the legislature, the
  Office of Court Administration of the Texas Judicial System 
  [comptroller] shall identify each law enacted by that legislature,
  other than a law disapproved by the governor, that imposes or
  changes the amount of a court cost or fee collected by the clerk of a
  district, county, statutory county, municipal, or justice court
  from a party to a civil case or a defendant in a criminal case,
  including a filing or docketing fee, jury fee, cost on conviction,
  or fee or charge for services or to cover the expenses of a public
  official or agency. This subsection does not apply to attorney's
  fees, civil or criminal fines or penalties, or amounts charged,
  paid, or collected on behalf of another party to a proceeding other
  than the state in a criminal case, including restitution or
  damages.
         (b)  The Office of Court Administration of the Texas Judicial
  System [comptroller] shall prepare a list of each court cost or fee
  covered by Subsection (a) to be imposed or changed and shall publish
  the list in the Texas Register not later than August 1 after the end
  of the regular session of the legislature at which the law imposing
  or changing the amount of the cost or fee was enacted. The office
  [comptroller] shall include with the list a statement describing
  the operation of this section and stating the date the imposition or
  change in the amount of the court cost or fee will take effect under
  Subsection (c).
         (b)  The change in law made by this section applies only to a
  law imposing or changing the amount of a court cost or fee that
  takes effect on or after the effective date of this Act.
         SECTION 9.03.  Subchapter C, Chapter 72, Government Code, is
  amended by adding Sections 72.033 and 72.034 to read as follows:
         Sec. 72.033.  LIST OF NEW OR AMENDED COURT COSTS AND FEES.
  The office biennially shall prepare and publish a list of new or
  amended court costs and fees as required by Section 51.607.
         Sec. 72.034.  PUBLIC INFORMATION INTERNET WEBSITE. (a) In
  this section:
               (1)  "Public information" means citation, other
  related public or legal notice that a person, including a party to a
  cause of action, is required to publish under a statute or rule, and
  any other information that the person submits for publication on
  the public information Internet website to effectuate service of
  citation by publication.
               (2)  "Public information Internet website" means the
  official statewide Internet website developed and maintained by the
  office under this section for the purpose of providing citation by
  publication.
         (b)  The office shall develop and maintain a public
  information Internet website that allows a person to easily publish
  public information on the Internet website or the office to post
  public information on the Internet website on receipt from the
  person.
         (c)  The public information Internet website shall allow the
  public to easily access, search, and sort the public information.
         (d)  The supreme court by rule shall establish procedures for
  the submission of public information to the public information
  Internet website by a person who is required to publish the
  information.
         SECTION 9.04.  (a) The Texas Supreme Court shall adopt the
  rules necessary to implement Section 72.034, Government Code, as
  added by this article, not later than June 1, 2020.
         (b)  The Office of Court Administration of the Texas Judicial
  System shall develop the public information Internet website for
  the purposes of providing citation by publication as required by
  Section 72.034, Government Code, as added by this article, not
  later than June 1, 2020.
         SECTION 9.05.  Section 121.002, Government Code, is amended
  by amending Subsections (c) and (d) and adding Subsections (f) and
  (g) to read as follows:
         (c)  Notwithstanding any other law, a specialty court
  program may not operate until the judge, magistrate, or
  coordinator:
               (1)  provides to the Office of Court Administration of
  the Texas Judicial System [criminal justice division of the
  governor's office]:
                     (A)  written notice of the program;
                     (B)  any resolution or other official declaration
  under which the program was established; and
                     (C)  a copy of the applicable strategic plan that
  incorporates duties related to supervision that will be required
  under the program; and
               (2)  receives from the office [division] written
  verification of the program's compliance with Subdivision (1).
         (d)  A specialty court program shall:
               (1)  comply with all programmatic best practices
  recommended by the Specialty Courts Advisory Council under Section
  772.0061(b)(2) and approved by the Texas Judicial Council; and
               (2)  report to the criminal justice division of the
  governor's office and the Texas Judicial Council any information
  required by the division or council regarding the performance of
  the program.
         (f)  The Office of Court Administration of the Texas Judicial
  System shall:
               (1)  on request provide technical assistance to the
  specialty court programs;
               (2)  coordinate with an entity funded by the criminal
  justice division of the governor's office that provides services to
  specialty courts;
               (3)  monitor the specialty court programs for
  compliance with programmatic best practices as required by
  Subsection (d); and
               (4)  notify the criminal justice division of the
  governor's office if a specialty court program fails to comply with
  programmatic best practices as required by Subsection (d).
         (g)  The Office of Court Administration of the Texas Judicial
  System shall coordinate with and provide information to the
  criminal justice division of the governor's office on request of
  the division.
         SECTION 9.06.  (a) The Office of Court Administration of the
  Texas Judicial System shall contract with the National Center for
  State Courts to conduct a study of the caseloads of the district and
  statutory county courts in this state. The study must concentrate
  on the weighted caseload of each court, considering the nature and
  complexity of the cases heard.
         (b)  Not later than December 1, 2020, the National Center for
  State Courts shall report the results of the study required by
  Subsection (a) of this section to the Office of Court
  Administration of the Texas Judicial System. Not later than
  January 1, 2021, the office shall file a report on those results
  with the governor, the lieutenant governor, the speaker of the
  house of representatives, and the chairs of the standing committees
  of the senate and house of representatives with jurisdiction over
  the judicial system.
  ARTICLE 10. ELECTRONIC PUBLICATION, SERVICE, AND DISPLAY OF LEGAL
  DOCUMENTS
         SECTION 10.01.  Sections 9.160(a), (b), and (c), Business
  Organizations Code, are amended to read as follows:
         (a)  Except as provided by Section 17.032, Civil Practice and
  Remedies Code, if [If] process in an action under this subchapter is
  returned not found, the attorney general shall publish notice on
  the public information Internet website maintained as required by
  Section 72.034, Government Code, and in a newspaper in the county in
  which the registered office of the foreign filing entity in this
  state is located.  The notice must contain:
               (1)  a statement of the pendency of the action;
               (2)  the title of the court;
               (3)  the title of the action; and
               (4)  the earliest date on which default judgment may be
  entered by the court.
         (b)  Notice under this section must be published on the
  public information Internet website for at least two consecutive
  weeks and in a newspaper at least once a week for two consecutive
  weeks. Notice may be published [beginning] at any time after the
  citation has been returned.
         (c)  The attorney general may include in a [one] published
  notice the name of each foreign filing entity against which an
  action for involuntary revocation is pending in the same court.
         SECTION 10.02.  Sections 11.310(a) and (b), Business
  Organizations Code, are amended to read as follows:
         (a)  Except as provided by Section 17.032, Civil Practice and
  Remedies Code, if [If] process in an action under this subchapter is
  returned not found, the attorney general shall publish notice on
  the public information Internet website maintained as required by
  Section 72.034, Government Code, and in a newspaper in the county in
  which the registered office of the filing entity in this state is
  located.  The notice must contain:
               (1)  a statement of the pendency of the action;
               (2)  the title of the court;
               (3)  the title of the action; and
               (4)  the earliest date on which default judgment may be
  entered by the court.
         (b)  Notice under this section must be published on the
  public information Internet website for at least two consecutive
  weeks and in a newspaper at least once a week for two consecutive
  weeks. Notice may be published [beginning] at any time after the
  citation has been returned.
         SECTION 10.03.  Subchapter B, Chapter 17, Civil Practice and
  Remedies Code, is amended by adding Section 17.032 to read as
  follows:
         Sec. 17.032.  CITATION BY PUBLICATION. (a) Notwithstanding
  any statute or rule requiring a person to publish citation or notice
  on the public information Internet website maintained as required
  by Section 72.034, Government Code, and in a newspaper of general
  circulation, the person may publish the citation or notice only on
  the public information Internet website if:
               (1)  the person files a statement of inability to
  afford payment of court costs under the Texas Rules of Civil
  Procedure;
               (2)  the total cost of the required publication exceeds
  the greater of $200 each week or the amount set by the supreme court
  under Subsection (b); or
               (3)  the county in which the publication of the
  citation or notice is required does not have any newspaper
  published, printed, or generally circulated in the county.
         (b)  The supreme court shall adjust for inflation the maximum
  amount of publication costs established in Subsection (a)(2).
         SECTION 10.04.  (a)  Subchapter B, Chapter 17, Civil
  Practice and Remedies Code, is amended by adding Section 17.033 to
  read as follows:
         Sec. 17.033.  SUBSTITUTED SERVICE THROUGH SOCIAL MEDIA
  PRESENCE. (a)  If substituted service of citation is authorized
  under the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure, the court, in accordance
  with the rules adopted by the supreme court under Subsection (b),
  may prescribe as a method of service an electronic communication
  sent to the defendant through a social media presence.
         (b)  The supreme court shall adopt rules to provide for the
  substituted service of citation by an electronic communication sent
  to a defendant through a social media presence.
         (b)  The Supreme Court of Texas shall adopt rules under
  Section 17.033, Civil Practice and Remedies Code, as added by this
  section, not later than December 31, 2020.
         (c)  Section 17.033, Civil Practice and Remedies Code, as
  added by this section, applies only to an action commenced on or
  after the effective date of the rules adopted by the Supreme Court
  of Texas under that section.
         SECTION 10.05.  Sections 51.054(a) and (b), Estates Code,
  are amended to read as follows:
         (a)  Except as provided by Section 17.032, Civil Practice and
  Remedies Code, citation [Citation] or notice to a person to be
  served by publication shall be published one time on the public
  information Internet website maintained as required by Section
  72.034, Government Code, and in a newspaper of general circulation
  in the county in which the proceeding is pending.  The publication
  must be made at least 10 days before the return day of the service,
  excluding the date of publication.
         (b)  The date of service of citation or notice by publication
  is the earlier of:
               (1)  the date the citation or notice is published on the
  public information Internet website under Subsection (a); or
               (2)  the date of publication printed on the newspaper
  in which the citation or notice is published.
         SECTION 10.06.  Section 51.103(b), Estates Code, is amended
  to read as follows:
         (b)  Proof of service consists of:
               (1)  if the service is made by a sheriff or constable,
  the return of service;
               (2)  if the service is made by a private person, the
  person's affidavit;
               (3)  if the service is made by mail:
                     (A)  the certificate of the county clerk making
  the service, or the affidavit of the personal representative or
  other person making the service, stating that the citation or
  notice was mailed and the date of the mailing; and
                     (B)  the return receipt attached to the
  certificate or affidavit, as applicable, if the mailing was by
  registered or certified mail and a receipt has been returned; and
               (4)  if the service is made by publication:
                     (A)  an affidavit:
                           (i)  made by the Office of Court
  Administration of the Texas Judicial System or an employee of the
  office;
                           (ii)  that contains or to which is attached a
  copy of the published citation or notice; and
                           (iii)  that states the date of publication
  on the public information Internet website maintained as required
  by Section 72.034, Government Code; and
                     (B)[,]  an affidavit:
                           (i) [(A)]  made by the publisher of the
  newspaper in which the citation or notice was published or an
  employee of the publisher;
                           (ii) [(B)]  that contains or to which is
  attached a copy of the published citation or notice; and
                           (iii) [(C)]  that states the date of
  publication printed on the newspaper in which the citation or
  notice was published.
         SECTION 10.07.  Sections 1051.054(a) and (b), Estates Code,
  are amended to read as follows:
         (a)  Except as provided by Section 17.032, Civil Practice and
  Remedies Code, citation [Citation] or notice to a person to be
  served by publication shall be published one time on the public
  information Internet website maintained as required by Section
  72.034, Government Code, and in a newspaper of general circulation
  in the county in which the proceeding is pending.  The publication
  must be made at least 10 days before the return day of the citation
  or notice, excluding the date of publication.
         (b)  The date of service of citation or notice by publication
  is the earlier of:
               (1)  the date the citation or notice is published on the
  public information Internet website under Subsection (a); or
               (2)  the date of publication printed on the newspaper
  in which the citation or notice is published.
         SECTION 10.08.  Section 1051.153(b), Estates Code, is
  amended to read as follows:
         (b)  Proof of service consists of:
               (1)  if the service is made by a sheriff or constable,
  the return of service;
               (2)  if the service is made by a private person, the
  person's affidavit;
               (3)  if the service is made by mail:
                     (A)  the certificate of the county clerk making
  the service, or the affidavit of the guardian or other person making
  the service that states that the citation or notice was mailed and
  the date of the mailing; and
                     (B)  the return receipt attached to the
  certificate, if the mailing was by registered or certified mail and
  a receipt has been returned; and
               (4)  if the service is made by publication:
                     (A)  an affidavit that:
                           (i)  is made by the Office of Court
  Administration of the Texas Judicial System or an employee of the
  office;
                           (ii)  contains or to which is attached a copy
  of the published citation or notice; and
                           (iii)  states the date of publication on the
  public information Internet website maintained as required by
  Section 72.034, Government Code; and
                     (B)[,]  an affidavit that:
                           (i) [(A)]  is made by the publisher of the
  newspaper in which the citation or notice was published or an
  employee of the publisher;
                           (ii) [(B)]  contains or to which is attached
  a copy of the published citation or notice; and
                           (iii) [(C)]  states the date of publication
  printed on the newspaper in which the citation or notice was
  published.
         SECTION 10.09.  Section 3.305, Family Code, is amended to
  read as follows:
         Sec. 3.305.  CITATION BY PUBLICATION. (a)  Except as
  provided by Section 17.032, Civil Practice and Remedies Code, if 
  [If] the residence of the respondent, other than a respondent
  reported to be a prisoner of war or missing on public service, is
  unknown, citation shall be published on the public information
  Internet website maintained as required by Section 72.034,
  Government Code, and in a newspaper of general circulation
  published in the county in which the petition was filed. [If that
  county has no newspaper of general circulation, citation shall be
  published in a newspaper of general circulation in an adjacent
  county or in the nearest county in which a newspaper of general
  circulation is published.]
         (b)  The notice shall be published on the public information
  Internet website for at least two consecutive weeks before the
  hearing and in a newspaper once a week for two consecutive weeks
  before the hearing.  Neither [, but the first] notice may [not] be
  initially published after the 20th day before the date set for the
  hearing.
         SECTION 10.10.  Sections 102.010(a), (b), and (e), Family
  Code, are amended to read as follows:
         (a)  Except as provided by Section 17.032, Civil Practice and
  Remedies Code, citation [Citation] may be served [by publication as
  in other civil cases] to persons entitled to service of citation who
  cannot be notified by personal service or registered or certified
  mail and to persons whose names are unknown by publication on the
  public information Internet website maintained as required by
  Section 72.034, Government Code, and in a newspaper of general
  circulation published in the county in which the petition was
  filed.
         (b)  Citation by publication shall be published not later
  than the 20th day before the date set for the hearing [one time].
  [If the name of a person entitled to service of citation is unknown,
  the notice to be published shall be addressed to "All Whom It May
  Concern."] One or more causes to be heard on a certain day may be
  included in one notice and hearings may be continued from time to
  time without further notice.
         (e)  In a suit filed under Chapter 161 or 262 in which the
  last name of the respondent is unknown, the court may order
  substituted service of citation by publication, including
  publication by posting the citation at the courthouse door for a
  specified time, if the court finds and states in its order that the
  method of substituted service is as likely as citation by
  publication on the public information Internet website maintained
  as required by Section 72.034, Government Code, or in a newspaper in
  the manner described by Subsection (b) to give the respondent
  actual notice of the suit.  If the court orders that citation by
  publication shall be completed by posting the citation at the
  courthouse door for a specified time, service must be completed on,
  and the answer date is computed from, the expiration date of the
  posting period.  If the court orders another method of substituted
  service of citation by publication, service shall be completed as
  directed by the court.
         SECTION 10.11.  Effective September 1, 2019, Subchapter D,
  Chapter 51, Government Code, is amended by adding Section 51.3032
  to read as follows:
         Sec. 51.3032.  ELECTRONIC DISPLAY OF OFFICIAL AND LEGAL
  NOTICES BY DISTRICT CLERK. A district clerk may post an official
  and legal notice by electronic display, instead of posting a
  physical document, in the manner provided for a county clerk by
  Section 82.051, Local Government Code.
         SECTION 10.12.  Section 715.006(c), Health and Safety Code,
  is amended to read as follows:
         (c)  Except as provided by Section 17.032, Civil Practice and
  Remedies Code, if [If] the address or identity of a plot owner is
  not known and cannot be ascertained with reasonable diligence,
  service by publication shall be made on the plot owner by publishing
  notice on the public information Internet website maintained as
  required by Section 72.034, Government Code, and at least three
  times in a newspaper of general circulation in the county in which
  the cemetery is located. [If there is not a newspaper of general
  circulation in the county in which the cemetery is located, the
  notice may be published in a newspaper of general circulation in an
  adjoining county.]
         SECTION 10.13.  Except as otherwise provided by this
  article, this article takes effect June 1, 2020.
  ARTICLE 11. NOTARIZATION REQUIREMENTS
         SECTION 11.01.  Section 31.008(d), Family Code, is amended
  to read as follows:
         (d)  The [Notwithstanding Section 132.001, Civil Practice
  and Remedies Code, the] waiver must be sworn before a notary public
  who is not an attorney in the suit or conform to the requirements
  for an unsworn declaration under Section 132.001, Civil Practice
  and Remedies Code.  This subsection does not apply if the party
  executing the waiver is incarcerated.
         SECTION 11.02.  Section 45.107(d), Family Code, is amended
  to read as follows:
         (d)  The [Notwithstanding Section 132.001, Civil Practice
  and Remedies Code, the] waiver must be sworn before a notary public
  who is not an attorney in the suit or conform to the requirements
  for an unsworn declaration under Section 132.001, Civil Practice
  and Remedies Code.  This subsection does not apply if the party
  executing the waiver is incarcerated.
  ARTICLE 12. REPEALERS AND TRANSITIONS
         SECTION 12.01.  The following provisions of the Estates Code
  are repealed:
               (1)  Section 51.054(c); and
               (2)  Section 1051.054(c).
         SECTION 12.02.  The following provisions of the Government
  Code are repealed:
               (1)  Section 25.1312(b-1);
               (2)  Section 43.111(c);
               (3)  Subchapter C, Chapter 75;
               (4)  Section 832.001(b);
               (5)  Section 835.103;
               (6)  Section 837.001(b); and
               (7)  Section 840.104.
         SECTION 12.03.  The Office of Court Administration of the
  Texas Judicial System is required to implement a provision of this
  Act only if the legislature appropriates money specifically for
  that purpose. If the legislature does not appropriate money
  specifically for that purpose, the office may, but is not required
  to, implement a provision of this Act using other appropriations
  available for that purpose.
  ARTICLE 13. EFFECTIVE DATE
         SECTION 13.01.  Except as otherwise provided by this Act,
  this Act takes effect September 1, 2019.
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