reglab/housing_qa huggingface dataset:
TX Govt Code § 54A.001 (2021)
2021 Texas Statutes|Government Code|Title 2 - Judicial Branch|Subtitle D - Judicial Personnel and Officials|Chapter 54A - Associate Judges|Subchapter A. Criminal Associate Judges|Section 54A.001. Applicability

Sec. 54A.001.  APPLICABILITY.  This subchapter applies to a district court or a statutory county court that hears criminal cases.|Added by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., 1st C.S., Ch. 3 (H.B. 79), Sec. 6.01, eff. January 1, 2012.|
TX Govt Code § 54A.002 (2021)
2021 Texas Statutes|Government Code|Title 2 - Judicial Branch|Subtitle D - Judicial Personnel and Officials|Chapter 54A - Associate Judges|Subchapter A. Criminal Associate Judges|Section 54A.002. Appointment

Sec. 54A.002.  APPOINTMENT.  (a)  A judge of a court subject to this subchapter may appoint a full-time or part-time associate judge to perform the duties authorized by this subchapter if the commissioners court of the county in which the court has jurisdiction has authorized the creation of an associate judge position.(b)  If a court has jurisdiction in more than one county, an associate judge appointed by that court may serve only in a county in which the commissioners court has authorized the appointment.(c)  If more than one court in a county is subject to this subchapter, the commissioners court may authorize the appointment of an associate judge for each court or may authorize one or more associate judges to share service with two or more courts.(d)  If an associate judge serves more than one court, the associate judge's appointment must be made as established by local rule, but in no event by less than a vote of two-thirds of the judges under whom the associate judge serves.|Added by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., 1st C.S., Ch. 3 (H.B. 79), Sec. 6.01, eff. January 1, 2012.|
TX Govt Code § 54A.003 (2021)
2021 Texas Statutes|Government Code|Title 2 - Judicial Branch|Subtitle D - Judicial Personnel and Officials|Chapter 54A - Associate Judges|Subchapter A. Criminal Associate Judges|Section 54A.003. Qualifications

Sec. 54A.003.  QUALIFICATIONS.  To qualify for appointment as an associate judge under this subchapter, a person must:(1)  be a resident of this state and one of the counties the person will serve;(2)  have been licensed to practice law in this state for at least four years;(3)  not have been removed from office by impeachment, by the supreme court, by the governor on address to the legislature, by a tribunal reviewing a recommendation of the State Commission on Judicial Conduct, or by the legislature's abolition of the judge's court; and(4)  not have resigned from office after having received notice that formal proceedings by the State Commission on Judicial Conduct had been instituted as provided by Section 33.022 and before final disposition of the proceedings.|Added by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., 1st C.S., Ch. 3 (H.B. 79), Sec. 6.01, eff. January 1, 2012.|
TX Govt Code § 54A.004 (2021)
2021 Texas Statutes|Government Code|Title 2 - Judicial Branch|Subtitle D - Judicial Personnel and Officials|Chapter 54A - Associate Judges|Subchapter A. Criminal Associate Judges|Section 54A.004. Compensation

Sec. 54A.004.  COMPENSATION.  (a)  An associate judge shall be paid a salary determined by the commissioners court of the county in which the associate judge serves.(b)  If an associate judge serves in more than one county, the associate judge shall be paid a salary as determined by agreement of the commissioners courts of the counties in which the associate judge serves.(c)  The associate judge's salary is paid from the county fund available for payment of officers' salaries.|Added by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., 1st C.S., Ch. 3 (H.B. 79), Sec. 6.01, eff. January 1, 2012.|
TX Govt Code § 54A.005 (2021)
2021 Texas Statutes|Government Code|Title 2 - Judicial Branch|Subtitle D - Judicial Personnel and Officials|Chapter 54A - Associate Judges|Subchapter A. Criminal Associate Judges|Section 54A.005. Termination

Sec. 54A.005.  TERMINATION.  (a)  An associate judge who serves a single court serves at the will of the judge of that court.(b)  The employment of an associate judge who serves more than two courts may only be terminated by a majority vote of all the judges of the courts the associate judge serves.(c)  The employment of an associate judge who serves two courts may be terminated by either of the judges of the courts the associate judge serves.(d)  To terminate an associate judge's employment, the appropriate judges must sign a written order of termination.  The order must state:(1)  the associate judge's name and state bar identification number;(2)  each court ordering termination; and(3)  the date the associate judge's employment ends.|Added by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., 1st C.S., Ch. 3 (H.B. 79), Sec. 6.01, eff. January 1, 2012.|
TX Govt Code § 54A.006 (2021)
2021 Texas Statutes|Government Code|Title 2 - Judicial Branch|Subtitle D - Judicial Personnel and Officials|Chapter 54A - Associate Judges|Subchapter A. Criminal Associate Judges|Section 54A.006. Proceedings That May Be Referred

Sec. 54A.006.  PROCEEDINGS THAT MAY BE REFERRED.  (a)  A judge may refer to an associate judge any matter arising out of a criminal case involving:(1)  a negotiated plea of guilty or no contest before the court;(2)  a bond forfeiture;(3)  a pretrial motion;(4)  a writ of habeas corpus;(5)  an examining trial;(6)  an occupational driver's license;(7)  an appeal of an administrative driver's license revocation hearing;(8)  a civil commitment matter under Subtitle C, Title 7, Health and Safety Code;(9)  setting, adjusting, or revoking bond;(10)  the issuance of search warrants, including a search warrant under Article 18.02(a)(10), Code of Criminal Procedure, notwithstanding Article 18.01(c), Code of Criminal Procedure; and(11)  any other matter the judge considers necessary and proper.(b)  An associate judge may accept an agreed plea of guilty or no contest from a defendant charged with misdemeanor, felony, or both misdemeanor and felony offenses and may assess punishment if a plea agreement is announced on the record between the defendant and the state.(c)  An associate judge has all of the powers of a magistrate under the laws of this state and may administer an oath for any purpose.(d)  An associate judge may select a jury.  Except as provided in Subsection (b), an associate judge may not preside over a trial on the merits, whether or not the trial is before a jury.|Added by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., 1st C.S., Ch. 3 (H.B. 79), Sec. 6.01, eff. January 1, 2012.Amended by: Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 467 (H.B. 4170), Sec. 8.005, eff. September 1, 2019.|
TX Govt Code § 54A.007 (2021)
2021 Texas Statutes|Government Code|Title 2 - Judicial Branch|Subtitle D - Judicial Personnel and Officials|Chapter 54A - Associate Judges|Subchapter A. Criminal Associate Judges|Section 54A.007. Order of Referral

Sec. 54A.007.  ORDER OF REFERRAL.  (a)  To refer one or more cases to an associate judge, a judge must issue a written order of referral that specifies the associate judge's duties.(b)  An order of referral may:(1)  limit the powers of the associate judge and direct the associate judge to report only on specific issues, do 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 associate judge's findings;(5)  designate proceedings for more than one case over which the associate judge shall preside;(6)  direct the associate judge to call the court's docket; and(7)  set forth general powers and limitations or authority of the associate judge applicable to any case referred.|Added by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., 1st C.S., Ch. 3 (H.B. 79), Sec. 6.01, eff. January 1, 2012.|
TX Govt Code § 54A.008 (2021)
2021 Texas Statutes|Government Code|Title 2 - Judicial Branch|Subtitle D - Judicial Personnel and Officials|Chapter 54A - Associate Judges|Subchapter A. Criminal Associate Judges|Section 54A.008. Powers

Sec. 54A.008.  POWERS.  (a)  Except as limited by an order of referral, an associate judge to whom a case is referred may:(1)  conduct hearings;(2)  hear evidence;(3)  compel production of relevant evidence;(4)  rule on the admissibility of evidence;(5)  issue summons for the appearance of witnesses;(6)  examine a witness;(7)  swear a witness for a hearing;(8)  make findings of fact on evidence;(9)  formulate conclusions of law;(10)  rule on pretrial motions;(11)  recommend the rulings, orders, or judgment to be made in a case;(12)  regulate proceedings in a hearing;(13)  order the attachment of a witness or party who fails to obey a subpoena;(14)  accept a plea of guilty from a defendant charged with misdemeanor, felony, or both misdemeanor and felony offenses;(15)  select a jury;(16)  notwithstanding Article 18.01(c), Code of Criminal Procedure, issue a search warrant, including a search warrant under Article 18.02(a)(10), Code of Criminal Procedure; and(17)  take action as necessary and proper for the efficient performance of the duties required by the order of referral.(b)  An associate judge may not enter a ruling on any issue of law or fact if that ruling could result in dismissal or require dismissal of a pending criminal prosecution, but the associate judge may make findings, conclusions, and recommendations on those issues.(c)  Except as limited by an order of referral, an associate judge who is appointed by a district or statutory county court judge and to whom a case is referred may accept a plea of guilty or nolo contendere in a misdemeanor case for a county criminal court.  The associate judge shall forward any fee or fine collected for the misdemeanor offense to the county clerk.(d)  An associate judge may, in the interest of justice, refer a case back to the referring court regardless of whether a timely objection to the associate judge hearing the trial on the merits or presiding at a jury trial has been made by any party.|Added by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., 1st C.S., Ch. 3 (H.B. 79), Sec. 6.01, eff. January 1, 2012.Amended by: Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 467 (H.B. 4170), Sec. 8.006, eff. September 1, 2019.|
TX Govt Code § 54A.009 (2021)
2021 Texas Statutes|Government Code|Title 2 - Judicial Branch|Subtitle D - Judicial Personnel and Officials|Chapter 54A - Associate Judges|Subchapter A. Criminal Associate Judges|Section 54A.009. Attendance of Bailiff

Sec. 54A.009.  ATTENDANCE OF BAILIFF.  A bailiff shall attend a hearing by an associate judge if directed by the referring court.|Added by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., 1st C.S., Ch. 3 (H.B. 79), Sec. 6.01, eff. January 1, 2012.|
TX Govt Code § 54A.010 (2021)
2021 Texas Statutes|Government Code|Title 2 - Judicial Branch|Subtitle D - Judicial Personnel and Officials|Chapter 54A - Associate Judges|Subchapter A. Criminal Associate Judges|Section 54A.010. Court Reporter

Sec. 54A.010.  COURT REPORTER.  At the request of a party, the court shall provide a court reporter to record the proceedings before the associate judge.|Added by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., 1st C.S., Ch. 3 (H.B. 79), Sec. 6.01, eff. January 1, 2012.|
TX Govt Code § 54A.011 (2021)
2021 Texas Statutes|Government Code|Title 2 - Judicial Branch|Subtitle D - Judicial Personnel and Officials|Chapter 54A - Associate Judges|Subchapter A. Criminal Associate Judges|Section 54A.011. Witness

Sec. 54A.011.  WITNESS.  (a)  A witness appearing before an associate judge is subject to the penalties for perjury provided by law.(b)  A referring court may issue attachment against and may fine or imprison a witness whose failure to appear after being summoned or whose refusal to answer questions has been certified to the court.|Added by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., 1st C.S., Ch. 3 (H.B. 79), Sec. 6.01, eff. January 1, 2012.|
TX Govt Code § 54A.012 (2021)
2021 Texas Statutes|Government Code|Title 2 - Judicial Branch|Subtitle D - Judicial Personnel and Officials|Chapter 54A - Associate Judges|Subchapter A. Criminal Associate Judges|Section 54A.012. Papers Transmitted to Judge

Sec. 54A.012.  PAPERS TRANSMITTED TO JUDGE.  At the conclusion of the proceedings, an associate judge shall transmit to the referring court any papers relating to the case, including the associate judge's findings, conclusions, orders, recommendations, or other action taken.|Added by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., 1st C.S., Ch. 3 (H.B. 79), Sec. 6.01, eff. January 1, 2012.|
TX Govt Code § 54A.013 (2021)
2021 Texas Statutes|Government Code|Title 2 - Judicial Branch|Subtitle D - Judicial Personnel and Officials|Chapter 54A - Associate Judges|Subchapter A. Criminal Associate Judges|Section 54A.013. Judicial Action

Sec. 54A.013.  JUDICIAL ACTION.  (a)  Not later than the 30th day after the date an action is taken by an associate judge, a referring court may modify, correct, reject, reverse, or recommit for further information the action taken by the associate judge.(b)  If the court does not modify, correct, reject, reverse, or recommit an action to the associate judge, the action becomes the decree of the court.|Added by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., 1st C.S., Ch. 3 (H.B. 79), Sec. 6.01, eff. January 1, 2012.|
TX Govt Code § 54A.014 (2021)
2021 Texas Statutes|Government Code|Title 2 - Judicial Branch|Subtitle D - Judicial Personnel and Officials|Chapter 54A - Associate Judges|Subchapter A. Criminal Associate Judges|Section 54A.014. Judicial Immunity

Sec. 54A.014.  JUDICIAL IMMUNITY.  An associate judge has the same judicial immunity as a district judge.|Added by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., 1st C.S., Ch. 3 (H.B. 79), Sec. 6.01, eff. January 1, 2012.|
TX Govt Code § 54A.101 (2021)
2021 Texas Statutes|Government Code|Title 2 - Judicial Branch|Subtitle D - Judicial Personnel and Officials|Chapter 54A - Associate Judges|Subchapter B. Civil Associate Judges|Section 54A.101. Applicability

Sec. 54A.101.  APPLICABILITY.  This subchapter applies to a district court or a statutory county court that is assigned civil cases.|Added by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., 1st C.S., Ch. 3 (H.B. 79), Sec. 6.01, eff. January 1, 2012.|
TX Govt Code § 54A.102 (2021)
2021 Texas Statutes|Government Code|Title 2 - Judicial Branch|Subtitle D - Judicial Personnel and Officials|Chapter 54A - Associate Judges|Subchapter B. Civil Associate Judges|Section 54A.102. Appointment

Sec. 54A.102.  APPOINTMENT.  (a)  A judge of a court subject to this subchapter may appoint a full-time or part-time associate judge to perform the duties authorized by this subchapter if the commissioners court of the county in which the court has jurisdiction has authorized the creation of an associate judge position.(b)  If a district court has jurisdiction in more than one county, an associate judge appointed by that court may serve only in a county in which the commissioners court has authorized the appointment.(c)  If more than one court in a county is subject to this subchapter, the commissioners court may authorize the appointment of an associate judge for each court or may authorize one or more associate judges to share service with two or more courts.(d)  If an associate judge serves more than one court, the associate judge's appointment must be made as established by local rule, but in no event by less than a vote of two-thirds of the judges under whom the associate judge serves.|Added by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., 1st C.S., Ch. 3 (H.B. 79), Sec. 6.01, eff. January 1, 2012.|
TX Govt Code § 54A.103 (2021)
2021 Texas Statutes|Government Code|Title 2 - Judicial Branch|Subtitle D - Judicial Personnel and Officials|Chapter 54A - Associate Judges|Subchapter B. Civil Associate Judges|Section 54A.103. Qualifications

Sec. 54A.103.  QUALIFICATIONS.  To qualify for appointment as an associate judge under this subchapter, a person must:(1)  be a resident of this state and one of the counties the person will serve;(2)  have been licensed to practice law in this state for at least four years;(3)  not have been removed from office by impeachment, by the supreme court, by the governor on address to the legislature, by a tribunal reviewing a recommendation of the State Commission on Judicial Conduct, or by the legislature's abolition of the judge's court; and(4)  not have resigned from office after having received notice that formal proceedings by the State Commission on Judicial Conduct had been instituted as provided in Section 33.022 and before final disposition of the proceedings.|Added by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., 1st C.S., Ch. 3 (H.B. 79), Sec. 6.01, eff. January 1, 2012.|
TX Govt Code § 54A.104 (2021)
2021 Texas Statutes|Government Code|Title 2 - Judicial Branch|Subtitle D - Judicial Personnel and Officials|Chapter 54A - Associate Judges|Subchapter B. Civil Associate Judges|Section 54A.104. Compensation

Sec. 54A.104.  COMPENSATION.  (a)  An associate judge shall be paid a salary determined by the commissioners court of the county in which the associate judge serves.(b)  If an associate judge serves in more than one county, the associate judge shall be paid a salary as determined by agreement of the commissioners courts of the counties in which the associate judge serves.(c)  The associate judge's salary is paid from the county fund available for payment of officers' salaries.|Added by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., 1st C.S., Ch. 3 (H.B. 79), Sec. 6.01, eff. January 1, 2012.|
TX Govt Code § 54A.105 (2021)
2021 Texas Statutes|Government Code|Title 2 - Judicial Branch|Subtitle D - Judicial Personnel and Officials|Chapter 54A - Associate Judges|Subchapter B. Civil Associate Judges|Section 54A.105. Termination

Sec. 54A.105.  TERMINATION.  (a)  An associate judge who serves a single court serves at the will of the judge of that court.(b)  The employment of an associate judge who serves more than two courts may only be terminated by a majority vote of all the judges of the courts the associate judge serves.(c)  The employment of an associate judge who serves two courts may be terminated by either of the judges of the courts the associate judge serves.(d)  To terminate an associate judge's employment, the appropriate judges must sign a written order of termination.  The order must state:(1)  the associate judge's name and state bar identification number;(2)  each court ordering termination; and(3)  the date the associate judge's employment ends.|Added by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., 1st C.S., Ch. 3 (H.B. 79), Sec. 6.01, eff. January 1, 2012.|
TX Govt Code § 54A.106 (2021)
2021 Texas Statutes|Government Code|Title 2 - Judicial Branch|Subtitle D - Judicial Personnel and Officials|Chapter 54A - Associate Judges|Subchapter B. Civil Associate Judges|Section 54A.106. Cases That May Be Referred

Sec. 54A.106.  CASES THAT MAY BE REFERRED.  (a)  Except as provided by this section, a judge of a court may refer any civil case or portion of a civil case to an associate judge for resolution.(b)  Unless a party files a written objection to the associate judge hearing a trial on the merits, the judge may refer the trial to the associate judge.  A trial on the merits is any final adjudication from which an appeal may be taken to a court of appeals.(c)  A party must file an objection to an associate judge hearing a trial on the merits or presiding at a jury trial not later than the 10th day after the date the party receives notice that the associate judge will hear the trial.  If an objection is filed, the referring court shall hear the trial on the merits or preside at a jury trial.|Added by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., 1st C.S., Ch. 3 (H.B. 79), Sec. 6.01, eff. January 1, 2012.|
TX Govt Code § 54A.107 (2021)
2021 Texas Statutes|Government Code|Title 2 - Judicial Branch|Subtitle D - Judicial Personnel and Officials|Chapter 54A - Associate Judges|Subchapter B. Civil Associate Judges|Section 54A.107. Methods of Referral

Sec. 54A.107.  METHODS OF REFERRAL.  (a)  A case may be referred to an associate judge by an order of referral in a specific case or by an omnibus order.(b)  The order of referral may limit the powers or duties of an associate judge.|Added by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., 1st C.S., Ch. 3 (H.B. 79), Sec. 6.01, eff. January 1, 2012.|
TX Govt Code § 54A.108 (2021)
2021 Texas Statutes|Government Code|Title 2 - Judicial Branch|Subtitle D - Judicial Personnel and Officials|Chapter 54A - Associate Judges|Subchapter B. Civil Associate Judges|Section 54A.108. Powers

Sec. 54A.108.  POWERS.  (a)  Except as limited by an order of referral, an associate judge may:(1)  conduct hearings;(2)  hear evidence;(3)  compel production of relevant evidence;(4)  rule on the admissibility of evidence;(5)  issue summons for the appearance of witnesses;(6)  examine a witness;(7)  swear a witness for a hearing;(8)  make findings of fact on evidence;(9)  formulate conclusions of law;(10)  rule on pretrial motions;(11)  recommend the rulings, orders, or judgment to be made in a case;(12)  regulate proceedings in a hearing;(13)  order the attachment of a witness or party who fails to obey a subpoena; and(14)  take action as necessary and proper for the efficient performance of the duties required by the order of referral.(b)  An associate judge may, in the interest of justice, refer a case back to the referring court regardless of whether a timely objection to the associate judge hearing the trial on the merits or presiding at a jury trial has been made by any party.|Added by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., 1st C.S., Ch. 3 (H.B. 79), Sec. 6.01, eff. January 1, 2012.|
TX Govt Code § 54A.109 (2021)
2021 Texas Statutes|Government Code|Title 2 - Judicial Branch|Subtitle D - Judicial Personnel and Officials|Chapter 54A - Associate Judges|Subchapter B. Civil Associate Judges|Section 54A.109. Witness

Sec. 54A.109.  WITNESS.  (a)  A witness appearing before an associate judge is subject to the penalties for perjury provided by law.(b)  A referring court may fine or imprison a witness who:(1)  failed to appear before an associate judge after being summoned; or(2)  improperly refused to answer questions if the refusal has been certified to the court by the associate judge.|Added by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., 1st C.S., Ch. 3 (H.B. 79), Sec. 6.01, eff. January 1, 2012.|
TX Govt Code § 54A.110 (2021)
2021 Texas Statutes|Government Code|Title 2 - Judicial Branch|Subtitle D - Judicial Personnel and Officials|Chapter 54A - Associate Judges|Subchapter B. Civil Associate Judges|Section 54A.110. Court Reporter; Record

Sec. 54A.110.  COURT REPORTER; RECORD.  (a)  A court reporter may be provided during a hearing held by an associate judge appointed under this subchapter.  A court reporter is required to be provided when the associate judge presides over a jury trial.(b)  A party, the associate judge, or the referring court may provide for a reporter during the hearing if one is not otherwise provided.(c)  Except as provided by Subsection (a), in the absence of a court reporter or on agreement of the parties, the record may be preserved by any means approved by the associate judge.(d)  Repealed by Acts 2021, 87th Leg., R.S., Ch. 472 (S.B. 41), Sec. 5.01(c)(15), eff. January 1, 2022.(e)  On appeal of the associate judge's report or proposed order, the referring court may consider testimony or other evidence in the record if the record is taken by a court reporter.|Added by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., 1st C.S., Ch. 3 (H.B. 79), Sec. 6.01, eff. January 1, 2012.Amended by: Acts 2021, 87th Leg., R.S., Ch. 472 (S.B. 41), Sec. 5.01(c)(15), eff. January 1, 2022.|