Establishes criminal associate judges in Coke, Concho, Irion, Runnels, Schleicher, Sterling, and Tom Green Counties.

The bill creates a new role of criminal associate judge in Coke, Concho, Irion, Runnels, Schleicher, Sterling, and Tom Green Counties. Judges of the 51st, 119th, 340th, or 391st district court can appoint a full-time or part-time criminal associate judge if the county's commissioners court authorizes the position. Criminal associate judges can handle various criminal case proceedings, including accepting guilty pleas, selecting juries, and issuing orders. However, they cannot preside over criminal trials or hear bond forfeiture cases. The bill takes effect September 1, 2025.

Establishes criminal associate judges in Coke, Concho, Irion, Runnels, Schleicher, Sterling, and Tom Green Counties.

The bill creates a new role of criminal associate judge in Coke, Concho, Irion, Runnels, Schleicher, Sterling, and Tom Green Counties. Judges of the 51st, 119th, 340th, or 391st district court can appoint a full-time or part-time criminal associate judge if the county's commissioners court authorizes the position. Criminal associate judges can handle various criminal case proceedings, including accepting guilty pleas, selecting juries, and issuing orders. However, they cannot preside over criminal trials or hear bond forfeiture cases. The bill takes effect September 1, 2025.