Texas SB248 allows judges in the Texas-Mexico border region to refer criminal cases to associate judges and seek reimbursement for their salaries.

Texas SB248 amends the Government Code to allow judges in the Texas-Mexico border region to refer criminal cases involving alleged criminal trespass by non-lawfully present individuals to associate judges. The commissioners court of a county in the border region can request reimbursement for the associate judge's salary from the Texas Judicial Council using border security funds. The council can create rules to implement this process. Additionally, the bill allows for reimbursement of interpreters' salaries for cases referred under this provision. The changes take effect September 1, 2025.

Texas SB248 allows judges in the Texas-Mexico border region to refer criminal cases to associate judges and seek reimbursement for their salaries.

Texas SB248 amends the Government Code to allow judges in the Texas-Mexico border region to refer criminal cases involving alleged criminal trespass by non-lawfully present individuals to associate judges. The commissioners court of a county in the border region can request reimbursement for the associate judge's salary from the Texas Judicial Council using border security funds. The council can create rules to implement this process. Additionally, the bill allows for reimbursement of interpreters' salaries for cases referred under this provision. The changes take effect September 1, 2025.