H.B. No. 3774         AN ACT   relating to the operation and administration of and practice and   procedure related to proceedings in the judicial branch of state   government.          BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:   ARTICLE 1. DISTRICT COURTS          SECTION 1.01.  (a) Effective January 1, 2022, Section   24.129(b), Government Code, is amended to read as follows:          (b)  The 27th, 146th, 169th, 264th, [and] 426th, and 478th   judicial districts have concurrent jurisdiction in Bell County.          (b)  Effective January 1, 2022, Subchapter C, Chapter 24,   Government Code, is amended by adding Section 24.60022 to read as   follows:          Sec. 24.60022.  478TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT (BELL COUNTY). (a)   The 478th Judicial District is composed of Bell County.          (b)  The terms of the 478th District Court begin on the first   Mondays in January, April, July, and October.          (c)  Section 24.129, relating to the 27th District Court,   contains provisions applicable to both that court and the 478th   District Court.          (c)  The 478th Judicial District is created on January 1,   2022.          SECTION 1.02.  (a) Subchapter C, Chapter 24, Government   Code, is amended by adding Section 24.60027 to read as follows:          Sec. 24.60027.  482ND JUDICIAL DISTRICT (HARRIS COUNTY).   The 482nd Judicial District is composed of Harris County.          (b)  The 482nd Judicial District is created on the effective   date of this Act.          SECTION 1.03.  (a)  Effective January 1, 2022, Subchapter C,   Chapter 24, Government Code, is amended by adding Section 24.60030   to read as follows:          Sec. 24.60030.  485TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT (TARRANT COUNTY).   (a) The 485th Judicial District is composed of Tarrant County.          (b)  The 485th District Court shall give preference to   criminal matters.          (b)  The 485th Judicial District is created on January 1,   2022.          SECTION 1.04.  (a) Effective October 1, 2022, Subchapter C,   Chapter 24, Government Code, is amended by adding Section 24.60025   to read as follows:          Sec. 24.60025.  480TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT (WILLIAMSON   COUNTY).  The 480th Judicial District is composed of Williamson   County.          (b)  The 480th Judicial District is created on October 1,   2022.          SECTION 1.05.  (a)  Effective January 1, 2022, Subchapter C,   Chapter 24, Government Code, is amended by adding Section 24.60026   to read as follows:          Sec. 24.60026.  481ST JUDICIAL DISTRICT (DENTON COUNTY).     The 481st Judicial District is composed of Denton County.          (b)  The 481st Judicial District is created on January 1,   2022.          SECTION 1.06.  (a) Effective September 1, 2022, Subchapter   C, Chapter 24, Government Code, is amended by adding Section   24.60028 to read as follows:          Sec. 24.60028.  483RD JUDICIAL DISTRICT (HAYS COUNTY). The   483rd Judicial District is composed of Hays County.          (b)  The 483rd Judicial District is created on September 1,   2022.          SECTION 1.07.  (a) Subchapter C, Chapter 24, Government   Code, is amended by adding Section 24.60029 to read as follows:          Sec. 24.60029.  484TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT (CAMERON COUNTY).   (a) The 484th Judicial District is composed of Cameron County.          (b)  The 484th District Court shall give preference to   juvenile matters under Title 3, Family Code.          (b)  The 484th Judicial District is created on the effective   date of this Act.          SECTION 1.08.  (a) Effective October 1, 2022, Section   24.120(b), Government Code, is amended to read as follows:          (b)  The 19th, 54th, 74th, 170th, [and] 414th, and 474th    district courts have concurrent jurisdiction in McLennan County.          (b)  Effective October 1, 2022, Subchapter C, Chapter 24,   Government Code, is amended by adding Section 24.60097 to read as   follows:          Sec. 24.60097.  474TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT (MCLENNAN COUNTY).   The 474th Judicial District is composed of McLennan County.          (c)  The 474th Judicial District is created on October 1,   2022.          SECTION 1.09.  (a)  Effective January 1, 2023, Subchapter C,   Chapter 24, Government Code, is amended by adding Section 24.60098   to read as follows:          Sec. 24.60098.  475TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT (SMITH COUNTY). The   475th Judicial District is composed of Smith County.          (b)  The 475th Judicial District is created January 1, 2023.          SECTION 1.10.  (a)  Effective September 1, 2022, Subchapter   C, Chapter 24, Government Code, is amended by adding Section   24.60099 to read as follows:          Sec. 24.60099.  476TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT (HIDALGO COUNTY).   The 476th Judicial District is composed of Hidalgo County.          (b)  The 476th Judicial District is created on September 1,   2022.   ARTICLE 2.  STATUTORY COUNTY COURTS AND CONSTITUTIONAL COUNTY   COURTS          SECTION 2.01.  Section 25.00211(a), Government Code, is   amended to read as follows:          (a)  Beginning on the first day of the state fiscal year, the   state shall annually compensate each county that collects the   additional fees under Section 51.704 in an amount equal to 60   percent of the annual base salary the state pays to a district judge   as set by the General Appropriations Act in accordance with Section   659.012(a) [$40,000] for each statutory probate court judge in the   county.          SECTION 2.02.  Section 25.0172(p), Government Code, is   amended to read as follows:          (p)  The county clerk shall keep a separate docket for each   county court at law. The county clerk shall appoint a deputy clerk   for each county court at law. [An appointment of a deputy clerk of   County Court at Law No. 2 or 3 takes effect when it is confirmed in   writing by the judge of the court to which the deputy clerk is   assigned and the deputy clerk serves at the pleasure of the judge of   the court to which he is assigned.] A deputy clerk must take the   constitutional oath of office and may be required to furnish bond in   an amount, conditioned and payable, as required by the county   clerk. A deputy clerk must attend all sessions of the court to   which the deputy clerk [he] is assigned. A deputy clerk acts in the   name of the county clerk and may perform any official act or service   required of the county clerk and shall perform any other service   required by the judge of a county court at law. The deputy clerks   may act for one another in performing services for the county courts   at law, but a deputy is not entitled to receive additional   compensation for acting for another deputy. If a vacancy occurs,   the county clerk shall immediately appoint another deputy clerk as   provided by this subsection.  [A deputy clerk of a county court at   law is entitled to the same amount of compensation as received by   the deputy clerks of the other county courts at law in Bexar County.   The commissioners court shall pay the salary of a deputy clerk in   equal monthly installments from county funds.]          SECTION 2.03.  Section 25.0173(g), Government Code, is   amended to read as follows:          (g)  The county clerk shall appoint a deputy clerk for each   statutory probate court. [An appointment takes effect when it is   confirmed in writing by the judge of the court to which the deputy   clerk is assigned.] A deputy clerk serves at the pleasure of the   judge of the court to which the deputy clerk is assigned. A deputy   clerk must take the constitutional oath of office, and the county   clerk may require the deputy clerk to furnish a bond in an amount,   conditioned and payable, as required by law. A deputy clerk acts in   the name of the county clerk and may perform any official act or   service required of the county clerk and shall perform any other   service required by the judge of a statutory probate court. A   deputy clerk must attend all sessions of the court to which the   deputy clerk [he] is assigned. [A deputy clerk is entitled to   receive an annual salary set by the judge in an amount that does not   exceed the amount paid the deputies of the county courts at law of   Bexar County. The salary shall be paid in equal monthly   installments as provided by law for the payment of salaries of   deputy clerks.]          SECTION 2.04.  (a)  Effective January 1, 2022, Sections   25.0631(b) and (c), Government Code, are amended to read as   follows:          (b)  Denton County has the following statutory probate   courts:                (1)  [one statutory probate court, the] Probate Court   of Denton County; and                (2)  Probate Court Number 2 of Denton County.          (c)  The statutory county courts of Denton County sit in the   county seat or at another location in the county as assigned by the   local administrative statutory county court judge. The statutory   probate courts [court] of Denton County sit [sits] in the county   seat and may conduct docket matters at other locations in the county   as the statutory probate court judges consider [judge considers]   necessary for the protection of wards or mental health respondents   or as otherwise provided by law.          (b)  Section 25.0632(i), Government Code, is amended to read   as follows:          (i)  A judge of a statutory probate court is subject to   assignment as provided by Section 25.0022.  On request by the judge   of a Denton County statutory county court, a judge of a statutory   probate court may be assigned by the regional presiding judge to the   requesting judge's court pursuant to Chapter 74. A statutory   probate court judge assigned to a statutory county court by the   regional presiding judge may hear any matter pending in the   requesting judge's court.          (c)  Section 25.0633(e), Government Code, is amended to read   as follows:          (e)  The County Court at Law No. 2 of Denton County has   jurisdiction:                (1)  over all civil causes and proceedings, original   and appellate, prescribed by law for county courts; and                (2)  regardless of the amount in controversy sought,   over:                      (A)  eminent domain cases as provided by Section   21.001, Property Code, for statutory county courts; and                      (B)  direct and inverse condemnation cases.          (d)  The Probate Court Number 2 of Denton County is created   on January 1, 2022.          SECTION 2.05.  (a)  Effective October 1, 2022, Subchapter C,   Chapter 25, Government Code, is amended by adding Sections 25.1331   and 25.1332 to read as follows:          Sec. 25.1331.  KENDALL COUNTY. Kendall County has one   statutory county court, the County Court at Law of Kendall County.          Sec. 25.1332.  KENDALL 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 Kendall County has:                (1)  concurrent jurisdiction with the district court in   state jail, third degree, and second degree felony cases on   assignment from a district judge presiding in Kendall County and   acceptance of the assignment by the judge of the county court at law   to:                      (A)  conduct arraignments;                      (B)  conduct pretrial hearings;                      (C)  accept guilty pleas and conduct sentencing;                      (D)  conduct jury trials and nonjury trials;                      (E)  conduct probation revocation hearings;                      (F)  conduct post-trial proceedings; and                      (G)  conduct family law cases and proceedings; and                (2)  jurisdiction in:                      (A)  Class A and Class B misdemeanor cases;                      (B)  probate proceedings;                      (C)  disputes ancillary to probate, eminent   domain, condemnation, or landlord and tenant matters relating to   the adjudication and determination of land titles and trusts,   whether testamentary, inter vivos, constructive, resulting, or any   other class or type of trust, regardless of the amount in   controversy or the remedy sought;                      (D)  eminent domain; and                      (E)  appeals from the justice and municipal   courts.          (b)  A judge of a county court at law shall be paid a total   annual salary set by the commissioners court in an amount that is   not less than $1,000 less than the annual salary received by a   district judge with equivalent years of service as a judge, as   provided under Section 25.0005, to be paid out of the county   treasury by the commissioners court.          (c)  The district clerk serves as clerk of a county court at   law in matters of concurrent jurisdiction with the district court,   and the county clerk serves as clerk of a county court at law in all   other matters. Each clerk shall establish a separate docket for a   county court at law.          (d)  The official court reporter of a county court at law is   entitled to receive the same compensation and to be paid in the same   manner as the court reporters of the district court in Kendall   County.          (b)  The County Court at Law of Kendall County is created on   October 1, 2022.          SECTION 2.06.  (a) Section 25.1571, Government Code, is   amended to read as follows:          Sec. 25.1571.  MCLENNAN COUNTY. McLennan County has the   following statutory county courts:                (1)  County Court at Law of McLennan County; [and]                (2)  County Court at Law No. 2 of McLennan County; and                (3)  County Court at Law No. 3 of McLennan County.          (b)  Section 25.1572, Government Code, is amended by   amending Subsections (a), (d), and (i) and adding Subsections (b),   (c), and (e) to read as follows:          (a)  In addition to the jurisdiction provided by Section   25.0003 and other law and except as limited by Subsection (b), a   county court at law in McLennan County has jurisdiction in third   degree felony cases and jurisdiction to conduct arraignments,   conduct pretrial hearings, accept guilty pleas, and conduct   probation revocation hearings in felony cases.          (b)  On request of a district judge presiding in McLennan   County, the regional presiding judge may assign a judge of a county   court at law in McLennan County to the requesting judge's court   under Chapter 74. A county court at law judge assigned to a   district court may hear any matter pending in the requesting   judge's court.          (c)  A county court at law does not have jurisdiction in:                (1)  suits on behalf of the state to recover penalties   or escheated property;                (2)  misdemeanors involving official misconduct; or                (3)  contested elections.          (d)  A judge of a county court at law shall be paid an annual   base salary set by the commissioners court in an amount not less   than $1,000 less than the annual base salary the state pays to a   district judge as set by the General Appropriations Act in   accordance with Section 659.012 with equivalent years of service as   the judge [of not more than $20,000]. A county court at law judge's   and a district judge's annual base salaries do not include   contributions and supplements paid by the county [Each judge   receives the same amount as salary. The salary shall be paid out of   the county treasury by the commissioners court].          (e)  The district clerk serves as clerk of a county court at   law in matters of concurrent jurisdiction with the district court.   The county clerk serves as the clerk of a county court at law in all   other matters. Each clerk shall establish a separate docket for a   county court at law.          (i)  The official court reporter of a county court at law is   entitled to receive a salary set by the judge of a county court at   law with the approval of the commissioners court [the same   compensation and to be paid in the same manner as the court   reporters of the district courts in McLennan County].          (c)  The County Court at Law No. 3 of McLennan County is   created on the effective date of this Act.          SECTION 2.07.  (a)  Section 25.1721, Government Code, is   amended to read as follows:          Sec. 25.1721.  MONTGOMERY COUNTY. Montgomery County has the   following statutory county courts:                (1)  County Court at Law No. 1 of Montgomery County;                (2)  County Court at Law No. 2 of Montgomery County;                (3)  County Court at Law No. 3 of Montgomery County;                (4)  County Court at Law No. 4 of Montgomery County;   [and]                (5)  County Court at Law No. 5 of Montgomery County;   and                (6)  County Court at Law No. 6 of Montgomery County.          (b)  The County Court at Law No. 6 of Montgomery County is   created on the effective date of this Act.          SECTION 2.08.  Sections 25.1972(a) and (b), Government Code,   are amended to read as follows:          (a)  In addition to the jurisdiction provided by Section   25.0003 and other law, and except as limited by Subsection (b), a   county court at law in Reeves County has:                (1)  concurrent jurisdiction with the district court:                      (A)  in disputes ancillary to probate, eminent   domain, condemnation, or landlord and tenant matters relating to   the adjudication and determination of land titles and trusts,   whether testamentary, inter vivos, constructive, resulting, or any   other class or type of trust, regardless of the amount in   controversy or the remedy sought;                      (B)  over civil forfeitures, including surety   bond forfeitures without minimum or maximum limitation as to the   amount in controversy or remedy sought;                      (C)  in all actions by or against a personal   representative, in all actions involving an inter vivos trust, in   all actions involving a charitable trust, and in all actions   involving a testamentary trust, whether the matter is appertaining   to or incident to an estate;                      (D)  in proceedings under Title 3, Family Code;   and                      (E)  in family law cases and proceedings [any   proceeding involving an order relating to a child in the possession   or custody of the Department of Family and Protective Services or   for whom the court has appointed a temporary or permanent managing   conservator];                (2)  jurisdiction in mental health matters, original or   appellate, provided by law for constitutional county courts,   statutory county courts, or district courts with mental health   jurisdiction, including proceedings under:                      (A)  Chapter 462, Health and Safety Code; and                      (B)  Subtitles C and D, Title 7, Health and Safety   Code;                (3)  jurisdiction over the collection and management of   estates of minors, persons with a mental illness or intellectual   disability, and deceased persons; and                (4)  jurisdiction in all cases assigned, transferred,   or heard under Sections 74.054, 74.059, and 74.094.          (b)  A county court at law does not have jurisdiction of:                (1)  felony cases, except as otherwise provided by law;                (2)  misdemeanors involving official misconduct unless   assigned under Sections 74.054 and 74.059; or                (3)  contested elections[; or                [(4)  except as provided by Subsections (a)(1)(D) and   (E), family law cases].          SECTION 2.09.  (a)  Effective January 1, 2023, Section   25.2071(a), Government Code, is amended to read as follows:          (a)  San Patricio County has the following [one] statutory   county courts:                (1)  [court,] the County Court at Law of San Patricio   County; and                (2)  the County Court at Law No. 2 of San Patricio   County.          (b)  Effective January 1, 2023, Section 25.2072, Government   Code, is amended by amending Subsections (a), (d), and (m) and   adding Subsections (g-1) and (g-2) to read as follows:          (a)  In addition to the jurisdiction provided by Section   25.0003 and other law, a county court at law in San Patricio County   has concurrent jurisdiction with the district court except that a   county court at law does not have jurisdiction of:                (1)  felony criminal matters; and                (2)  civil cases in which the matter in controversy   exceeds the maximum amount provided by Section 25.0003 [in matters   involving the juvenile and child welfare law of this state].          (d)  [The judge of a county court at law shall be paid an   annual salary in an amount of not less than $43,000.] The judge of a   county court at law is entitled to receive travel and necessary   office expenses, including administrative and clerical assistance.          (g-1)  The county clerk serves as clerk of a county court at   law except in family law cases. In family law cases, including   juvenile and child welfare cases, the district clerk serves as   clerk of a county court at law. The district clerk shall establish   a separate family law docket for each county court at law.          (g-2)  The commissioners court shall provide the deputy   clerks, bailiffs, and other personnel necessary to operate the   county courts at law.          (m)  The judge of the county court and the judges [judge] of   the [a] county courts [court] at law may agree on a plan governing   the filing, numbering, and docketing of cases within the concurrent   jurisdiction of their courts and the assignment of those cases for   trial. The plan may provide for the centralized institution and   filing of all such cases with one court, clerk, or coordinator   designated by the plan and for the systemized assignment of those   cases to the courts participating in the plan, and the provisions of   the plan for the centralized filing and assignment of cases shall   control notwithstanding any other provisions of this section. If   the judges of the county court and the county courts [court] at law   are unable to agree on a filing, docketing, and assignment of cases   plan, a board of judges composed of the district judges and the   county court at law judges for San Patricio County [the presiding   judge of the 36th Judicial District] shall design a plan for the   [both] courts.          (c)  The County Court at Law No. 2 of San Patricio County is   created January 1, 2023.          SECTION 2.10.  Effective January 1, 2023, Section   25.2223(l), Government Code, is amended to read as follows:          (l)  The County Criminal Court No. 5 of Tarrant County and   the County Criminal Court No. 6 of Tarrant County shall give   preference to cases brought under Title 5, Penal Code, involving   family violence as defined by Section 71.004, Family Code, and   cases brought under Sections 25.07, 25.072, and 42.072, Penal Code.          SECTION 2.11.  (a)  Effective October 1, 2022, Section   25.2481, Government Code, is amended to read as follows:          Sec. 25.2481.  WILLIAMSON COUNTY. Williamson County has the   following statutory county courts:                (1)  County Court at Law No. 1 of Williamson County;                (2)  County Court at Law No. 2 of Williamson County;                (3)  County Court at Law No. 3 of Williamson County;   [and]                (4)  County Court at Law No. 4 of Williamson County;   and                (5)  County Court at Law No. 5 of Williamson County.          (b)  The County Court at Law No. 5 of Williamson County is   created on October 1, 2022.          SECTION 2.12.  (a)  Sections 26.006(a) and (b), Government   Code, are amended to read as follows:          (a)  A county judge is entitled to an annual salary   supplement from the state in an amount equal to 18 percent of the   state base salary paid to a district judge as set by the General   Appropriations Act in accordance with Section 659.012(a) if at   least 18 [40] percent of the:                (1)  functions that the judge performs are judicial   functions; or                (2)  total hours that the judge works are in the   performance of judicial functions.          (b)  To receive a supplement under Subsection (a), a county   judge must file with the comptroller's judiciary section an   affidavit stating that at least 18 [40] percent of the:                (1)  functions that the judge performs are judicial   functions; or                (2)  total hours that the judge works are in the   performance of judicial functions.          (b)  The changes in law made by this section take effect on   the effective date of this Act and apply only to a salary payment   for a pay period beginning on or after that date. A salary payment   for a pay period beginning before the effective date of this Act is   governed by the law in effect on the date the pay period began, and   that law is continued in effect for that purpose.   ARTICLE 3. JUSTICE AND MUNICIPAL COURTS          SECTION 3.01.  Article 4.14(g), Code of Criminal Procedure,   is amended to read as follows:          (g)  A municipality may enter into an agreement with a   contiguous municipality or a municipality with boundaries that are   within one-half mile of the municipality seeking to enter into the   agreement to establish concurrent jurisdiction of the municipal   courts in the municipalities and provide original jurisdiction to a   municipal court in which a case is brought as if the municipal court   were located in the municipality in which the case arose, for:                (1)  all cases in which either municipality has   jurisdiction under Subsection (a) or (b); and                (2)  cases that arise under Section 821.022, Health and   Safety Code.          SECTION 3.02.  Subchapter B, Chapter 45, Code of Criminal   Procedure, is amended by adding Article 45.0241 to read as follows:          Art. 45.0241.  ACCEPTANCE OF DEFENDANT'S PLEA. A justice or   judge may not accept a plea of guilty or plea of nolo contendere   from a defendant in open court unless it appears to the justice or   judge that the defendant is mentally competent and the plea is free   and voluntary.          SECTION 3.03.  Article 103.003, Code of Criminal Procedure,   is amended by adding Subsection (a-1) to read as follows:          (a-1)  The clerk of a municipal court may collect money   payable to the municipal court under this title.          SECTION 3.04.  Article 103.0081, Code of Criminal Procedure,   is amended to read as follows:          Art. 103.0081.  UNCOLLECTIBLE FINES AND FEES. (a) Any   officer authorized by this chapter to collect a fine, fee, or item   of cost may request the trial court in which a criminal action or   proceeding was held to make a finding that a fine, fee, or item of   cost imposed in the action or proceeding is uncollectible if the   officer believes:                (1)  the defendant is deceased;                (2)  the defendant is serving a sentence for   imprisonment for life or life without parole; or                (3)  the fine, fee, or item of cost has been unpaid for   at least 15 years.          (b)  On a finding by a court that any condition described by   Subsections (a)(1)-(3) is true, the court may order the officer to   designate the fine, fee, or item of cost as uncollectible in the fee   record. The officer shall attach a copy of the court's order to the   fee record.          SECTION 3.05.  Section 29.003(i), Government Code, is   amended to read as follows:          (i)  A municipality may enter into an agreement with a   contiguous municipality or a municipality with boundaries that are   within one-half mile of the municipality seeking to enter into the   agreement to establish concurrent jurisdiction of the municipal   courts in the municipalities and provide original jurisdiction to a   municipal court in which a case is brought as if the municipal court   were located in the municipality in which the case arose, for:                (1)  all cases in which either municipality has   jurisdiction under Subsection (a) or (b); and                (2)  cases that arise under Section 821.022, Health and   Safety Code, or Section 65.003(a), Family Code.          SECTION 3.06.  Section 292.001(d), Local Government Code, is   amended to read as follows:          (d)  A justice of the peace court may not be housed or   conducted in a building located outside the court's precinct except   as provided by Section 27.051(f) or 27.0515, Government Code, or   unless the justice of the peace court is situated in the county   courthouse in a county with a population of at least 305,000   [275,000] persons and the county seat of which is located in the   Llano Estacado region of this state [but no more than 285,000   persons].   ARTICLE 4. JUVENILE JUSTICE AND FAMILY COURTS          SECTION 4.01.  Subchapter H, Chapter 6, Family Code, is   amended by adding Section 6.712 to read as follows:          Sec. 6.712.  DATE OF MARRIAGE REQUIREMENT IN FINAL DECREE.   (a) In a suit for dissolution of a marriage in which the court   grants a divorce, the court shall state the date of the marriage in   the decree of divorce.          (b)  This section does not apply to a suit for dissolution of   a marriage described by Section 2.401(a)(2).          SECTION 4.02.  Section 51.02, Family Code, is amended by   adding Subdivision (3-a) to read as follows:                (3-a)  "Dual status child" means a child who has been   referred to the juvenile justice system and is:                      (A)  in the temporary or permanent managing   conservatorship of the Department of Family and Protective   Services;                      (B)  the subject of a case for which family-based   safety services have been offered or provided by the department;                      (C)  an alleged victim of abuse or neglect in an   open child protective investigation; or                      (D)  a victim in a case in which, after an   investigation, the department concluded there was reason to believe   the child was abused or neglected.          SECTION 4.03.  Section 51.04(h), Family Code, is amended to   read as follows:          (h)  A judge exercising jurisdiction over a child in a suit   instituted under Subtitle E, Title 5, may refer any aspect of a suit   involving a dual status [the] child that is instituted under this   title to the appropriate associate judge appointed under Subchapter   C, Chapter 201, serving in the county and exercising jurisdiction   over the child under Subtitle E, Title 5, if the associate judge   consents to the referral. The scope of an associate judge's   authority over a suit referred under this subsection is subject to   any limitations placed by the court judge in the order of referral.          SECTION 4.04.  Section 51.0414(a), Family Code, is amended   to read as follows:          (a)  The juvenile court may transfer a dual status child's   case, including transcripts of records and documents for the case,   to a district or statutory county court located in another county   that is exercising jurisdiction over the child in a suit instituted   under Subtitle E, Title 5. A case may only be transferred under this   section with the consent of the judge of the court to which the case   is being transferred.          SECTION 4.05.  Sections 107.004(d) and (e), Family Code, are   amended to read as follows:          (d)  Except as provided by Subsection (e), an attorney ad   litem appointed for a child in a proceeding under Chapter 262, [or]   263, or 264 shall:                (1)  meet before each court hearing with:                      (A)  the child, if the child is at least four years   of age; or                      (B)  the individual with whom the child ordinarily   resides, including the child's parent, conservator, guardian,   caretaker, or custodian, if the child is younger than four years of   age; and                (2)  report to the court whether [if the child or   individual is not present at the court hearing, file a written   statement with the court indicating that] the attorney ad litem:                      (A)  complied with Subdivision (1); or                      (B)  requests that the court find good cause for   noncompliance because compliance was not feasible or in the best   interest of the child under Subsection (e).          (e)  An attorney ad litem appointed for a child in a   proceeding under Chapter 262, [or] 263, or 264 is not required to   comply with Subsection (d) before a hearing if the court finds at   that hearing that the attorney ad litem has shown good cause why the   attorney ad litem's compliance with that subsection is not feasible   or in the best interest of the child.  Additionally, a court may, on   a showing of good cause, authorize an attorney ad litem to comply   with Subsection (d) by conferring with the child or other   individual, as appropriate, by telephone or video conference.          SECTION 4.06.  The change in law made by Section 6.712,   Family Code, as added by this article, applies only to a suit for   dissolution of a marriage filed on or after the effective date of   this Act. A suit for dissolution of a marriage filed before the   effective date of this Act is governed by the law in effect on the   date the suit was filed, and the former law is continued in effect   for that purpose.   ARTICLE 5. MAGISTRATES AND MAGISTRATE COURTS          SECTION 5.01.  Article 4.01, Code of Criminal Procedure, is   amended to read as follows:          Art. 4.01.  WHAT COURTS HAVE CRIMINAL JURISDICTION. The   following courts have jurisdiction in criminal actions:                1.  The Court of Criminal Appeals;                2.  Courts of appeals;                3.  The district courts;                4.  The criminal district courts;                5.  The magistrates appointed by the judges of the   district courts of Bexar County, Dallas County, Tarrant County, or   Travis County that give preference to criminal cases and the   magistrates appointed by the judges of the criminal district courts   of Dallas County or Tarrant County;                6.  The county courts;                7.  All county courts at law with criminal   jurisdiction;                8.  County criminal courts;                9.  Justice courts;                10.  Municipal courts;                11.  The magistrates appointed by the judges of the   district courts of Lubbock County; [and]                12.  The magistrates appointed by the El Paso Council   of Judges;                13.  The magistrates appointed by the Collin County   Commissioners Court;                14.  The magistrates appointed by the Brazoria County   Commissioners Court or the local administrative judge for Brazoria   County; and                15.  The magistrates appointed by the judges of the   district courts of Tom Green County.          SECTION 5.02.  Section 54.1502, Government Code, is amended   to read as follows:          Sec. 54.1502.  JURISDICTION. A magistrate has concurrent   criminal jurisdiction with:                (1)  the judges of the justice of the peace courts of   Burnet County; and                (2)  a municipal court in Burnet County, if approved by   a memorandum of understanding between the municipality and Burnet   County.          SECTION 5.03.  Chapter 54, Government Code, is amended by   adding Subchapter PP to read as follows:   SUBCHAPTER PP. BRAZORIA COUNTY CRIMINAL LAW MAGISTRATE COURT          Sec. 54.2501.  CREATION. The Brazoria County Criminal Law   Magistrate Court is a court with the jurisdiction provided by this   subchapter.          Sec. 54.2502.  APPOINTMENT. (a) On recommendation from the   local administrative judge, the commissioners court of Brazoria   County may appoint one or more full- or part-time judges to preside   over the criminal law magistrate court for the term determined by   the commissioners court.  The local administrative judge shall   appoint one or more full- or part-time judges to preside over the   criminal law magistrate court if the commissioners court is   prohibited by law from appointing a judge.          (b)  To be eligible for appointment as a judge of the   criminal law magistrate court, a person must meet all the   requirements and qualifications to serve as a district court judge.          (c)  A judge of the criminal law magistrate court is entitled   to the salary set by the commissioners court. The salary may not be   less than the annual base salary paid to a district judge under   Chapter 659.          (d)  A judge appointed under this section serves at the   pleasure of the commissioners court or the local administrative   judge, as applicable.          Sec. 54.2503.  JURISDICTION. (a) Except as provided by this   subsection, the criminal law magistrate court has the criminal   jurisdiction provided by the constitution and laws of this state   for county courts at law.  The criminal law magistrate court does   not have jurisdiction to:                (1)  hear a trial of a misdemeanor offense, other than a   Class C misdemeanor, on the merits if a jury trial is demanded; or                (2)  hear a trial of a misdemeanor, other than a Class C   misdemeanor, on the merits if a defendant pleads not guilty.          (b)  The criminal law magistrate court has the jurisdiction   provided by the constitution and laws of this state for   magistrates. A judge of the criminal law magistrate court is a   magistrate as that term is defined by Article 2.09, Code of Criminal   Procedure.          (c)  Except as provided by this subsection, the criminal law   magistrate court has the criminal jurisdiction provided by the   constitution and laws of this state for a district court.  The   criminal law magistrate court does not have jurisdiction to:                (1)  hear a trial of a felony offense on the merits if a   jury trial is demanded;                (2)  hear a trial of a felony offense on the merits if a   defendant pleads not guilty;                (3)  sentence in a felony case unless the judge in whose   court the case is pending assigned the case to the criminal law   magistrate court for a guilty plea and sentence; or                (4)  hear any part of a capital murder case after   indictment.          (d)  A criminal law magistrate court may not issue writs of   habeas corpus in felony cases but may hear and grant relief on a   writ of habeas corpus issued by a district court and assigned by the   district court to the criminal law magistrate court.          (e)  A felony or misdemeanor indictment or information may   not be filed in or transferred to the criminal law magistrate court.          (f)  A judge of the criminal law magistrate court shall   exercise jurisdiction granted by this subchapter over felony and   misdemeanor indictments and informations only as judge presiding   for the court in which the indictment or information is pending and   under the limitations set out in the assignment order by the   assigning court or as provided by local administrative rules.          (g)  The criminal law magistrate court has concurrent   criminal jurisdiction with the justice courts located in Brazoria   County.          Sec. 54.2504.  POWERS AND DUTIES. (a) The criminal law   magistrate court or a judge of the criminal law magistrate court may   issue writs of injunction and all other writs necessary for the   enforcement of the jurisdiction of the court and may issue   misdemeanor writs of habeas corpus in cases in which the offense   charged is within the jurisdiction of the court or of any other   court of inferior jurisdiction in the county. The court and the   judge may punish for contempt as provided by law for district   courts. A judge of the criminal law magistrate court has all other   powers, duties, immunities, and privileges provided by law for:                (1)  justices of the peace when acting in a Class C   misdemeanor case;                (2)  county court at law judges when acting in a Class A   or Class B misdemeanor case; and                (3)  district court judges when acting in a felony   case.          (b)  A judge of the criminal law magistrate court may hold an   indigency hearing and a capias pro fine hearing. When acting as the   judge who issued the capias pro fine, a judge of the criminal law   magistrate court may make all findings of fact and conclusions of   law required of the judge who issued the capias pro fine. In   conducting a hearing under this subsection, the judge of the   criminal law magistrate court is empowered to make all findings of   fact and conclusions of law and to issue all orders necessary to   properly dispose of the capias pro fine or indigency hearing in   accordance with the provisions of the Code of Criminal Procedure   applicable to a misdemeanor or felony case of the same type and   level.          (c)  A judge of the magistrate court may accept a plea of   guilty or nolo contendere from a defendant charged with a   misdemeanor or felony offense.          Sec. 54.2505.  TRANSFER AND ASSIGNMENT OF CASES. (a) Except   as provided by Subsection (b) or local administrative rules, the   local administrative judge or a judge of the criminal law   magistrate court may transfer between courts a case that is pending   in the court of any magistrate in the criminal law magistrate   court's jurisdiction if the case is:                (1)  an unindicted felony case;                (2)  a Class A or Class B misdemeanor case if an   information has not been filed; or                (3)  a Class C misdemeanor case.          (b)  A case may not be transferred from or to the magistrate   docket of a district court judge, county court at law judge, or   justice of the peace without the consent of the judge of the court   to which it is transferred.          (c)  Except as provided by Subsection (d) or local   administrative rules, the local administrative judge may assign a   judge of the criminal law magistrate court to act as presiding judge   in a case that is pending in the court of any magistrate in the   criminal law magistrate court's jurisdiction if the case is:                (1)  an unindicted felony case;                (2)  a Class A or Class B misdemeanor case if an   information has not been filed; or                (3)  a Class C misdemeanor case.          (d)  A case may not be assigned to a district court judge,   county court at law judge, or justice of the peace without the   assigned judge's consent.          (e)  This section applies only to the district courts, county   courts at law, and justice courts in the county.          Sec. 54.2506.  PROCEEDING THAT MAY BE REFERRED. A district   judge, county court at law judge, or justice of the peace may refer   to a judge of the criminal law magistrate court any criminal case or   matter relating to a criminal case for any proceeding other than   presiding over a criminal trial on the merits, whether or not the   trial is before a jury.          Sec. 54.2507.  OATH OF OFFICE. A judge of the criminal law   magistrate court must take the constitutional oath of office   prescribed for appointed officers.          Sec. 54.2508.  JUDICIAL IMMUNITY. A judge of the criminal   law magistrate court has the same judicial immunity as a district   judge.          Sec. 54.2509.  CLERK. The clerk of a district court or   county court at law that refers a proceeding to a magistrate under   this subchapter shall perform the statutory duties necessary for   the magistrate to perform the duties authorized by this subchapter.          Sec. 54.2510.  SHERIFF. The county sheriff, either in   person or by deputy, shall attend the criminal law magistrate court   as required by the judge of that court.          Sec. 54.2511.  WITNESSES. (a) A witness who is sworn and who   appears before a magistrate is subject to the penalties for perjury   and aggravated perjury provided by law.           (b)  A referring court may fine or imprison a witness or   other court participant for failure to appear after being summoned,   refusal to answer questions, or other acts of direct contempt   before a magistrate.          SECTION 5.04.  Chapter 54, Government Code, is amended by   adding Subchapter QQ to read as follows:   SUBCHAPTER QQ.  CRIMINAL LAW MAGISTRATES IN TOM GREEN COUNTY          Sec. 54.2601.  APPOINTMENT. (a)  The judges of the district   courts of Tom Green County, with the consent and approval of the   commissioners court of Tom Green County, shall jointly appoint the   number of magistrates set by the commissioners court to perform the   duties authorized by this subchapter.          (b)  Each magistrate's appointment must be made with the   approval of at least two-thirds of all the judges described in   Subsection (a).          (c)  If the number of magistrates is less than the number of   district judges, each magistrate shall serve equally in the courts   of those judges.          Sec. 54.2602.  QUALIFICATIONS. To be eligible for   appointment as a magistrate, a person must:                (1)  be a resident of this state; and                (2)  have been licensed to practice law in this state   for at least four years.          Sec. 54.2603.  COMPENSATION. (a)  A full-time magistrate is   entitled to the salary determined by the commissioners court of Tom   Green County.  The salary may not be less than an amount equal to the   salary, supplements, and allowances paid to a justice of the peace   of Tom Green County as set by the annual budget of Tom Green County.          (b)  A magistrate's salary is paid from the county fund   available for payment of officers' salaries.          (c)  The salary of a part-time magistrate is equal to the   per-hour salary of a full-time magistrate.  The per-hour salary is   determined by dividing the annual salary by a 2,080 work-hour year.     The judges of the courts trying criminal cases in Tom Green County   shall approve the number of hours for which a part-time magistrate   is to be paid.          Sec. 54.2604.  JUDICIAL IMMUNITY. A magistrate has the same   judicial immunity as a district judge.          Sec. 54.2605.  TERMINATION OF SERVICES. (a)  A magistrate   who serves a single court serves at the will of the judge.          (b)  The services of a magistrate who serves more than one   court may be terminated by a majority vote of all the judges whom   the magistrate serves.          Sec. 54.2606.  PROCEEDING THAT MAY BE REFERRED. (a)  A judge   may refer to a magistrate any criminal case or matter relating to a   criminal 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 guilty;                (11)  setting conditions, modifying, revoking, and   surrendering of bonds, including surety bonds;                (12)  specialty court proceedings;                (13)  a waiver of extradition; and                (14)  any other matter the judge 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)  A magistrate may select a jury. A magistrate may not   preside over a criminal trial on the merits, whether or not the   trial is before a jury.          (e)  A magistrate may not hear a jury trial on the merits of a   bond forfeiture.          (f)  A judge of a designated juvenile court may refer to a   magistrate any proceeding over which a juvenile court has exclusive   original jurisdiction under Title 3, Family Code, including any   matter ancillary to the proceeding.          Sec. 54.2607.  ORDER OF REFERRAL. (a)  To refer one or more   cases to a magistrate, a judge 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 only receive and report on evidence;                (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)  provide the general powers and limitations of   authority of the magistrate applicable to any case referred.          Sec. 54.2608.  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;                (4)  rule on admissibility of evidence;                (5)  issue summons for the appearance of witnesses;                (6)  examine witnesses;                (7)  swear witnesses for hearings;                (8)  make findings of fact on evidence;                (9)  formulate conclusions of law;                (10)  rule on a pretrial motion;                (11)  recommend the rulings, orders, or judgment to be   made in a case;                (12)  regulate proceedings in a hearing;                (13)  accept a plea of guilty from a defendant charged   with misdemeanor, felony, or both misdemeanor and felony offenses;                (14)  select a jury;                (15)  accept a negotiated plea on probation revocation;                (16)  conduct a contested probation revocation   hearing;                (17)  sign a dismissal in a misdemeanor case;                (18)  in any case referred under Section 54.656(a)(1),   accept a negotiated plea of guilty or no contest and:                      (A)  enter a finding of guilty and impose or   suspend the sentence; or                      (B)  defer adjudication of guilty; and                (19)  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 adjudicated cases at sentencing under Section 12.45, Penal   Code.          (c)  A magistrate has all the powers of a magistrate under   the laws of this state and may administer an oath for any purpose.          Sec. 54.2609.  COURT REPORTER. At the request of a party in   a felony case, the court shall provide a court reporter to record   the proceedings before the magistrate.          Sec. 54.2610.  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. 54.2611.  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. 54.2612.  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. 54.2613.  MAGISTRATE. (a) If a magistrate appointed   under this subchapter is absent or unable to serve, the judge   referring the case may appoint another magistrate to serve for the   absent magistrate.          (b)  A magistrate serving for another magistrate under this   section has the powers and shall perform the duties of the   magistrate for whom the magistrate is serving.          Sec. 54.2614.  CLERK. The clerk of a district court that   refers a proceeding to a magistrate under this subchapter shall   perform the statutory duties necessary for the magistrate to   perform the duties authorized by this subchapter.          SECTION 5.05.  Section 54.653(b), Government Code, is   repealed.   ARTICLE 6.  ELECTRONIC FILING SYSTEM          SECTION 6.01.  Section 72.031(a), Government Code, is   amended by adding Subdivision (5) to read as follows:                (5)  "State court document database" means a database   accessible by the public and established or authorized by the   supreme court for storing documents filed with a court in this   state.          SECTION 6.02.  Section 72.031(b), Government Code, is   amended to read as follows:          (b)  The office as authorized by supreme court rule or order   may:                (1)  implement an electronic filing system for use in   the courts of this state;                (2)  allow public access to view information or   documents in the state court document database; and                (3)  charge a reasonable fee for additional optional   features in the state court document database.   ARTICLE 7.  TRANSFER OF CASES          SECTION 7.01.  Section 155.207, Family Code, is amended to   read as follows:          Sec. 155.207.  TRANSFER OF COURT FILES. (a)  Not later than   the 10th working day after the date an order of transfer is signed,   the clerk of the court transferring a proceeding shall send, using   the electronic filing system established under Section 72.031,   Government Code, to the proper court in the county to which transfer   is being made:                (1)  a transfer certificate and index of transferred   documents [the pleadings in the pending proceeding and any other   document specifically requested by a party];                (2)  [certified copies of all entries in the minutes;                [(3)]  a [certified] copy of each final order;                (3)  [and                [(4)]  a [certified] copy of the order of transfer   signed by the transferring court;                (4)  a copy of the original papers filed in the   transferring court;                (5)  a copy of the transfer certificate and index of   transferred documents from each previous transfer; and                (6)  a bill of any costs that have accrued in the   transferring court.          (a-1)  The clerk of the transferring court shall use the   standardized transfer certificate and index of transferred   documents form created by the Office of Court Administration of the   Texas Judicial System under Section 72.037, Government Code, when   transferring a proceeding under this section.          (b)  The clerk of the transferring court shall keep a copy of   [the] transferred pleadings [and other requested documents.  If the   transferring court retains jurisdiction of another child who was   the subject of the suit, the clerk shall send a copy of the   pleadings and other requested documents to the court to which the   transfer is made and shall keep the original pleadings and other   requested documents].          (c)  The [On receipt of the pleadings, documents, and orders   from the transferring court, the] clerk of the transferee court   shall:                (1)  accept documents transferred under Subsection   (a);                (2)  docket the suit; and                (3)  [shall] notify, using the electronic filing system   established under Section 72.031, Government Code [the judge of the   transferee court], all parties, the clerk of the transferring   court, and, if appropriate, the transferring court's local registry   that the suit has been docketed.          (c-1)  The clerk of the transferee court shall physically or   electronically mark or stamp the transfer certificate and index of   transferred documents to evidence the date and time of acceptance   under Subsection (c), but may not physically or electronically mark   or stamp any other document transferred under Subsection (a).          (d)  The clerk of the transferring court shall send a   certified copy of the order directing payments to the transferee   court:                (1)  [,] to any party [or employer] affected by the   [that] order, and, if appropriate, to the local registry of the   transferee court using the electronic filing system established   under Section 72.031, Government Code; and                (2)  to an employer affected by the order   electronically or by first class mail.          (e)  The clerks of both the transferee and transferring   courts may each produce under Chapter 51, Government Code,   certified or uncertified copies of documents filed in a case   transferred under this section, but shall also include a copy of the   transfer certificate and index of transferred documents with each   document produced.          (f)  Sections 80.001 and 80.002, Government Code, do not   apply to the transfer of documents under this section.          SECTION 7.02.  Section 51.3071, Government Code, is amended   to read as follows:          Sec. 51.3071.  TRANSFER OF CASES.  (a) If a case is   transferred from a district court to a county court, the clerk of   the district court shall [may] send to the county clerk using the   electronic filing system established under Section 72.031 [in   electronic or paper form]:                (1)  a transfer certificate and index of transferred   documents [certified transcript of the proceedings held in the   district court];                (2)  a copy of the original papers filed in the   transferring [district] court; [and]                (3)  a copy of the order of transfer signed by the   transferring court;                (4)  a copy of each final order;                (5)  a copy of the transfer certificate and index of   transferred documents from each previous transfer; and                (6)  a bill of any [the] costs that have accrued in the   transferring [district] court.          (b)  The clerk of the transferring court shall use the   standardized transfer certificate and index of transferred   documents form created by the Office of Court Administration of the   Texas Judicial System under Section 72.037 when transferring a case   under this section.          (c)  The clerk of the transferee court shall accept documents   transferred under Subsection (a) and docket the case.          (d)  The clerk of the transferee court shall physically or   electronically mark or stamp the transfer certificate and index of   transferred documents to evidence the date and time of acceptance   under Subsection (c), but may not physically or electronically mark   or stamp any other document transferred under Subsection (a).          (e)  Sections 80.001 and 80.002 do not apply to the transfer   of documents under this section.          SECTION 7.03.  Section 51.403, Government Code, is amended   to read as follows:          Sec. 51.403.  TRANSFER OF CASES. (a)  If a case is   transferred from a county court to a district court, the clerk of   the county court shall send to the district clerk using the   electronic filing system established under Section 72.031 [in   electronic or paper form]:                (1)  a transfer certificate and index of transferred   documents [certified transcript of the proceedings held in the   county court];                (2)  a copy of the original papers filed in the   transferring [county] court; [and]                (3)  a copy of the order of transfer signed by the   transferring court;                (4)  a copy of each final order;                (5)  a copy of the transfer certificate and index of   transferred documents from each previous transfer; and                (6)  a bill of any [the] costs that have accrued in the   transferring [county] court.          (a-1)  The clerk of the transferring court shall use the   standardized transfer certificate and index of transferred   documents form created by the Office of Court Administration of the   Texas Judicial System under Section 72.037 when transferring a case   under this section.          (a-2)  The clerk of the transferee court shall accept   documents transferred under Subsection (a) and docket the case.          (a-3)  The clerk of the transferee court shall physically or   electronically mark or stamp the transfer certificate and index of   transferred documents to evidence the date and time of acceptance   under Subsection (a-2), but may not physically or electronically   mark or stamp any other document transferred under Subsection (a).          (b)  If civil or criminal jurisdiction of a county court is   transferred to a district court, the clerk of the county court shall   send using the electronic filing system established under Section   72.031 a certified copy of the judgments rendered in the county   court that remain unsatisfied[, in electronic or paper form,] to   the district clerks of the appropriate counties.          (c)  Sections 80.001 and 80.002 do not apply to the transfer   of documents under this section.          SECTION 7.04.  Subchapter C, Chapter 72, Government Code, is   amended by adding Section 72.037 to read as follows:          Sec. 72.037.  TRANSFER CERTIFICATE AND INDEX OF TRANSFERRED   DOCUMENTS FORM. (a) The office shall develop and make available a   standardized transfer certificate and an index of transferred   documents form to be used for the transfer of cases and proceedings   under Section 155.207, Family Code, and Sections 51.3071 and 51.403   of this code.          (b)  In developing a form under this section, the office   shall consult with representatives of county and district clerks.          SECTION 7.05.  As soon as practicable after the effective   date of this Act, the Office of Court Administration of the Texas   Judicial System shall adopt rules and develop and make available   all forms and materials required by Section 72.037, Government   Code, as added by this Act.   ARTICLE 8.  HABEAS CORPUS          SECTION 8.01.  Section 3(b), Article 11.07, Code of Criminal   Procedure, is amended to read as follows:          (b)  An application for writ of habeas corpus filed after   final conviction in a felony case, other than a case in which the   death penalty is imposed, must be filed with the clerk of the court   in which the conviction being challenged was obtained, and the   clerk shall assign the application to that court. When the   application is received by that court, a writ of habeas corpus,   returnable to the Court of Criminal Appeals, shall issue by   operation of law. The clerk of that court shall make appropriate   notation thereof, assign to the case a file number (ancillary to   that of the conviction being challenged), and forward a copy of the   application by certified mail, return receipt requested, by secure   electronic mail, or by personal service to the attorney   representing the state in that court, who shall answer the   application not later than the 30th [15th] day after the date the   copy of the application is received. Matters alleged in the   application not admitted by the state are deemed denied.          SECTION 8.02.  Section 5(a), Article 11.072, Code of   Criminal Procedure, is amended to read as follows:          (a)  Immediately on filing an application, the applicant   shall serve a copy of the application on the attorney representing   the state[,] by:                (1)  [either] certified mail, return receipt   requested;                (2)  [, or] personal service;                (3)  electronic service through the electronic filing   manager authorized by Rule 21, Texas Rules of Civil Procedure; or                (4)  a secure electronic transmission to the attorney's   e-mail address filed with the electronic filing system as required   under Section 80.003, Government Code.          SECTION 8.03.  Section 3(b), Article 11.07, Code of Criminal   Procedure, as amended by this Act, applies only to an application   for a writ of habeas corpus filed on or after the effective date of   this Act. An application filed before the effective date of this   Act is governed by the law in effect on the date the application was   filed, and the former law is continued in effect for that purpose.          SECTION 8.04.  Section 5(a), Article 11.072, Code of   Criminal Procedure, as amended by this Act, applies only to an   application for a writ of habeas corpus filed on or after the   effective date of this Act.  An application filed before the   effective date of this Act is governed by the law in effect when the   application was filed, and the former law is continued in effect for   that purpose.   ARTICLE 9. PUBLICATION OF CITATION FOR RECEIVERSHIP          SECTION 9.01.  Section 64.101(c), Civil Practice and   Remedies Code, is amended to read as follows:          (c)  Except as provided by Section 17.032, the [The] citation   shall be published on the public information Internet website   maintained as required by Section 72.034, Government Code, as added   by Chapter 606 (S.B. 891), Acts of the 86th Legislature, Regular   Session, 2019, and in a newspaper of general circulation:                (1)  once in the county in which the missing person   resides; and                (2)  once in each county in which property of the   missing person's estate is located.          SECTION 9.02.  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)  a statement [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, as added by Chapter 606 (S.B.   891), Acts of the 86th Legislature, Regular Session, 2019; and                      (B)  an affidavit:                            (i)  made by the publisher of the newspaper   in which the citation or notice was published or an employee of the   publisher;                            (ii)  that contains or to which is attached a   copy of the published citation or notice; and                            (iii)  that states the date of publication   printed on the newspaper in which the citation or notice was   published.          SECTION 9.03.  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)  a statement [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, as added by Chapter 606 (S.B.   891), Acts of the 86th Legislature, Regular Session, 2019; and                      (B)  an affidavit that:                            (i)  is made by the publisher of the   newspaper in which the citation or notice was published or an   employee of the publisher;                            (ii)  contains or to which is attached a copy   of the published citation or notice; and                            (iii)  states the date of publication   printed on the newspaper in which the citation or notice was   published.   ARTICLE 10.  EVIDENCE          SECTION 10.01.  Section 2, Article 38.01, Code of Criminal   Procedure, is amended by adding Subdivision (4-a) to read as   follows:                (4-a)  "Forensic examination or test not subject to   accreditation" means an examination or test described by Article   38.35(a)(4)(A), (B), (C), or (D) that is exempt from accreditation.          SECTION 10.02.  Article 38.01, Code of Criminal Procedure,   is amended by adding Section 3-b to read as follows:          Sec. 3-b.  CODE OF PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY. (a)  The   commission shall adopt a code of professional responsibility to   regulate the conduct of persons, laboratories, facilities, and   other entities regulated under this article.          (b)  The commission shall publish the code of professional   responsibility adopted under Subsection (a).          (c)  The commission shall adopt rules establishing sanctions   for code violations.          (d)  The commission shall update the code of professional   responsibility as necessary to reflect changes in science,   technology, or other factors affecting the persons, laboratories,   facilities, and other entities regulated under this article.          SECTION 10.03.  Sections 4(a), (a-1), (b-1), and (c),   Article 38.01, Code of Criminal Procedure, are amended to read as   follows:          (a)  The commission shall:                (1)  develop and implement a reporting system through   which a crime laboratory may report professional negligence or   professional misconduct;                (2)  require a crime laboratory that conducts forensic   analyses to report professional negligence or professional   misconduct to the commission; and                (3)  investigate, in a timely manner, any allegation of   professional negligence or professional misconduct that would   substantially affect the integrity of:                      (A)  the results of a forensic analysis conducted   by a crime laboratory;                      (B)  an examination or test that is conducted by a   crime laboratory and that is a forensic examination or test not   subject to accreditation; or                      (C)  testimony related to an analysis,   examination, or test described by Paragraph (A) or (B).          (a-1)  The commission may initiate [for educational   purposes] an investigation of a forensic analysis or a forensic   examination or test not subject to accreditation, without receiving   a complaint[,] submitted through the reporting system implemented   under Subsection (a)(1), [that contains an allegation of   professional negligence or professional misconduct involving the   forensic analysis conducted] if the commission determines by a   majority vote of a quorum of the members of the commission that an   investigation of the [forensic] analysis, examination, or test   would advance the integrity and reliability of forensic science in   this state.          (b-1)  If the commission conducts an investigation under   Subsection (a)(3) of a crime laboratory that is not accredited   under this article or the investigation involves a forensic   examination or test not subject to accreditation [is conducted   pursuant to an allegation involving a forensic method or   methodology that is not an accredited field of forensic science],   the investigation may include the preparation of a written report   that contains:                (1)  observations of the commission regarding the   integrity and reliability of the applicable [forensic] analysis,   examination, or test conducted;                (2)  best practices identified by the commission during   the course of the investigation; or                (3)  other recommendations that are relevant, as   determined by the commission.          (c)  The commission by contract may delegate the duties   described by Subsections (a)(1) and (3) and Sections 4-d(b)(1),   (b-1), and (d) to any person the commission determines to be   qualified to assume those duties.          SECTION 10.04.  Section 4-a(c), Article 38.01, Code of   Criminal Procedure, is amended to read as follows:          (c)  The commission by rule may establish voluntary   licensing programs for forensic examinations or tests [disciplines   that are] not subject to accreditation [under this article].          SECTION 10.05.  Section 4-d(b-1), Article 38.01, Code of   Criminal Procedure, is amended to read as follows:          (b-1)  As part of the accreditation process established and   implemented under Subsection (b), the commission may:                (1)  establish minimum standards that relate to the   timely production of a forensic analysis to the agency requesting   the analysis and that are consistent with this article and   applicable laws;                (2)  validate or approve specific forensic methods or   methodologies; and                (3)  establish procedures, policies, standards, and   practices to improve the quality of forensic analyses conducted in   this state.          SECTION 10.06.  Article 38.01, Code of Criminal Procedure,   is amended by adding Section 14 to read as follows:          Sec. 14.  FUNDING FOR TRAINING AND EDUCATION. The   commission may use appropriated funds for the training and   education of forensic analysts.          SECTION 10.07.  Section 2254.002(2), Government Code, is   amended to read as follows:                (2)  "Professional services" means services:                      (A)  within the scope of the practice, as defined   by state law, of:                            (i)  accounting;                            (ii)  architecture;                            (iii)  landscape architecture;                            (iv)  land surveying;                            (v)  medicine;                            (vi)  optometry;                            (vii)  professional engineering;                            (viii)  real estate appraising; [or]                            (ix)  professional nursing; or                            (x)  forensic science;                      (B)  provided in connection with the professional   employment or practice of a person who is licensed or registered as:                            (i)  a certified public accountant;                            (ii)  an architect;                            (iii)  a landscape architect;                            (iv)  a land surveyor;                            (v)  a physician, including a surgeon;                            (vi)  an optometrist;                            (vii)  a professional engineer;                            (viii)  a state certified or state licensed   real estate appraiser; [or]                            (ix)  a registered nurse; or                            (x)  a forensic analyst or forensic science   expert; or                      (C)  provided by a person lawfully engaged in   interior design, regardless of whether the person is registered as   an interior designer under Chapter 1053, Occupations Code.   ARTICLE 11.  JURY SERVICE          SECTION 11.01.  Sections 61.003(a) and (c), Government Code,   are amended to read as follows:          (a)  Each person who reports for jury service shall be   personally provided a form letter that when signed by the person   directs the county treasurer to donate all, or a specific amount   designated by the person, of the person's daily reimbursement under   this chapter to:                (1)  the compensation to victims of crime fund   established under Subchapter J, Chapter 56B, Code of Criminal   Procedure;                (2)  the child welfare, child protective services, or   child services board of the county appointed under Section 264.005,   Family Code, that serves abused and neglected children;                (3)  any program selected by the commissioners court   that is operated by a public or private nonprofit organization and   that provides shelter and services to victims of family violence;                (4)  any other program approved by the commissioners   court of the county, including a program established under Article   56A.205, Code of Criminal Procedure, that offers psychological   counseling in criminal cases involving graphic evidence or   testimony; [or]                (5)  a veterans treatment court program established by   the commissioners court as provided by Chapter 124; or                (6)  a veterans county service office established by   the commissioners court as provided by Subchapter B, Chapter 434.          (c)  The county treasurer shall:                (1)  send all donations made under Subsection (a)(1) to   the comptroller, at the time and in the manner prescribed by the   attorney general, for deposit to the credit of the compensation to   victims of crime fund;                (2)  deposit donations made to the county child welfare   board under Subsection (a)(2) in a fund established by the county to   be used by the child welfare board in a manner authorized by the   commissioners court of the county; and                (3)  send all donations made under Subsection (a)(3),   [or] (a)(4), or (a)(6) directly to the program or office, as   applicable, specified on the form letter signed by the person who   reported for jury service.          SECTION 11.02.  Section 62.202(b), Government Code, is   amended to read as follows:          (b)  The district judge may draw a warrant on the jury fund or   other appropriate fund of the county in which the civil case is   tried to cover the cost of buying and transporting the meals to the   jury room. The judge may spend a reasonable amount [Not more than   $3] per meal [may be spent] for a juror serving on a jury in a civil   case.          SECTION 11.03.  Section 434.032, Government Code, is amended   by adding Subsection (c) to read as follows:          (c)  The commissioners court of a county that maintains an   office:                (1)  may not consider a juror's donation to the office   of the juror's daily reimbursement under Section 61.003 for   purposes of determining the county's budget for the office; and                (2)  may use donations described by Subdivision (1)   only to supplement, rather than supplant, amounts budgeted by the   county for the office.   ARTICLE 12.  SPECIALTY COURT PROGRAMS          SECTION 12.01.  Chapter 121, Government Code, is amended by   adding Sections 121.003 and 121.004 to read as follows:          Sec. 121.003.  APPOINTMENT OF PRESIDING JUDGE OR MAGISTRATE   FOR REGIONAL SPECIALTY COURT PROGRAM. A judge or magistrate of a   district court or statutory county court who is authorized by law to   hear criminal cases may be appointed to preside over a regional   specialty court program recognized under this subtitle only if:                (1)  the local administrative district and statutory   county court judges of each county participating in the program   approve the appointment by majority vote or another approval method   selected by the judges; and                (2)  the presiding judges of each of the administrative   judicial regions in which the participating counties are located   sign an order granting the appointment.          Sec. 121.004.  JURISDICTION AND AUTHORITY OF JUDGE OR   MAGISTRATE IN REGIONAL SPECIALTY COURT PROGRAM. (a) A judge or   magistrate appointed to preside over a regional specialty court   program may hear any misdemeanor or felony case properly   transferred to the program by an originating trial court   participating in the program, regardless of whether the originating   trial court and specialty court program are in the same county. The   appointed judge or magistrate may exercise only the authority   granted under this subtitle.          (b)  The judge or magistrate of a regional specialty court   program may for a case properly transferred to the program:                (1)  enter orders, judgments, and decrees for the case;                (2)  sign orders of detention, order community service,   or impose other reasonable and necessary sanctions;                (3)  send recommendations for dismissal and expunction   to the originating trial court for a defendant who successfully   completes the program; and                (4)  return the case and documentation required by this   subtitle to the originating trial court for final disposition on a   defendant's successful completion of or removal from the program.          (c)  A visiting judge assigned to preside over a regional   specialty court program has the same authority as the judge or   magistrate appointed to preside over the program.          SECTION 12.02.  Section 124.003(b), Government Code, is   amended to read as follows:          (b)  A veterans treatment court program established under   this chapter shall make, establish, and publish local procedures to   ensure maximum participation of eligible defendants in the program   [county or counties in which those defendants reside].          SECTION 12.03.  Sections 124.006(a) and (d), Government   Code, are amended to read as follows:          (a)  A veterans treatment court program that accepts   placement of a defendant may transfer responsibility for   supervising the defendant's participation in the program to another   veterans treatment court program that is located in the county   where the defendant works or resides or in a county adjacent to the   county where the defendant works or resides. The defendant's   supervision may be transferred under this section only with the   consent of both veterans treatment court programs and the   defendant.          (d)  If a defendant is charged with an offense in a county   that does not operate a veterans treatment court program, the court   in which the criminal case is pending may place the defendant in a   veterans treatment court program located in the county where the   defendant works or resides or in a county adjacent to the county   where the defendant works or resides, provided that a program is   operated in that county and the defendant agrees to the placement.   A defendant placed in a veterans treatment court program in   accordance with this subsection must agree to abide by all rules,   requirements, and instructions of the program.          SECTION 12.04.  (a) Section 121.003, Government Code, as   added by this Act, applies only to the appointment of a judge or   magistrate to preside over a regional specialty court program that   occurs on or after the effective date of this Act.          (b)  Section 121.004, Government Code, as added by this Act,   applies to a case pending in a regional specialty court program on   or after the effective date of this Act.   ARTICLE 13.  PROTECTIVE ORDERS          SECTION 13.01.  Section 72.151(3), Government Code, is   amended to read as follows:                (3)  "Protective order" means:                      (A)  an order issued by a court in this state under   Chapter 83 or 85, Family Code, to prevent family violence, as   defined by Section 71.004, Family Code;                      (B)  an order issued by a court in this state under   Subchapter A, Chapter 7B, Code of Criminal Procedure, to prevent   sexual assault or abuse, stalking, trafficking, or other harm to   the applicant; or                      (C)  [.  The term includes] a magistrate's order   for emergency protection issued under Article 17.292, Code of   Criminal Procedure, with respect to a person who is arrested for an   offense involving family violence.          SECTION 13.02.  Section 72.152, Government Code, is amended   to read as follows:          Sec. 72.152.  APPLICABILITY. This subchapter applies only   to:                (1)  an application for a protective order filed under:                      (A)  Chapter 82, Family Code;                      (B)  Subchapter A, Chapter 7B, Code of Criminal   Procedure; or                      (C) [(B)]  Article 17.292, Code of Criminal   Procedure, with respect to a person who is arrested for an offense   involving family violence; and                (2)  a protective order issued under:                      (A)  Chapter 83 or 85, Family Code;                      (B)  Subchapter A, Chapter 7B, Code of Criminal   Procedure; or                      (C) [(B)]  Article 17.292, Code of Criminal   Procedure, with respect to a person who is arrested for an offense   involving family violence.          SECTION 13.03.  Sections 72.154(b) and (d), Government Code,   are amended to read as follows:          (b)  Publicly accessible information regarding each   protective order must consist of the following:                (1)  the court that issued the protective order;                (2)  the case number;                (3)  the full name, county of residence, birth year,   and race or ethnicity of the person who is the subject of the   protective order;                (4)  the dates the protective order was issued and   served; and                (5)  [the date the protective order was vacated, if   applicable; and                [(6)]  the date the protective order expired or will   expire, as applicable.          (d)  The office may not allow a member of the public to access   through the registry any information related to:                (1)  a protective order issued under Article 7B.002 or   17.292, Code of Criminal Procedure, or Chapter 83, Family Code; or                (2)  a protective order that was vacated.          SECTION 13.04.  Section 72.155(a), Government Code, is   amended to read as follows:          (a)  The registry must include a copy of each application for   a protective order filed in this state and a copy of each protective   order issued in this state, including an [a vacated or] expired   order, or a vacated order other than an order that was vacated as   the result of an appeal or bill of review from a district or county   court.  Only an authorized user, the attorney general, a district   attorney, a criminal district attorney, a county attorney, a   municipal attorney, or a peace officer may access that information   under the registry.          SECTION 13.05.  Section 72.157, Government Code, is amended   by amending Subsection (b) and adding Subsection (b-1) to read as   follows:          (b)  Except as provided by Subsection (b-1), for [For] a   protective order that is vacated or that has expired, the clerk of   the applicable court shall modify the record of the order in the   registry to reflect the order's status as vacated or expired.  The   clerk shall ensure that a record of a vacated order is not   accessible by the public.          (b-1)  For a protective order that is vacated as the result   of an appeal or bill of review from a district or county court, the   clerk of the applicable court shall notify the office not later than   the end of the next business day after the date the protective order   was vacated.  The office shall remove the record of the order from   the registry not later than the third business day after the date   the notice from the clerk was received.          SECTION 13.06.  Section 72.158(a), Government Code, is   amended to read as follows:          (a)  The office shall ensure that the public may access   information about protective orders, other than information about   vacated orders or orders under Article 7B.002 or 17.292, Code of   Criminal Procedure, or Chapter 83, Family Code, through the   registry, only if:                (1)  a protected person requests that the office grant   the public the ability to access the information described by   Section 72.154(b) for the order protecting the person; and                (2)  the office approves the request.          SECTION 13.07.  Section 72.152, Government Code, as amended   by this Act, applies only to an application for a protective order   filed or a protective order issued on or after the effective date of   this Act.          SECTION 13.08.  As soon as practicable after the effective   date of this Act, the Office of Court Administration of the Texas   Judicial System shall:                (1)  remove the record of any protective orders that   have been vacated as the result of an appeal or bill of review from a   district or county court from the protective order registry   established under Subchapter F, Chapter 72, Government Code, as   amended by this Act; and                (2)  ensure that the records of vacated orders, other   than orders described by Subdivision (1) of this section that are   removed from the registry, are not accessible by the public.   ARTICLE 14.  DISTRICT AND COUNTY ATTORNEYS          SECTION 14.01.  Section 43.137, Government Code, is amended   by adding Subsections (c) and (d) to read as follows:          (c)  In addition to exercising the duties and authority   conferred on district attorneys by general law, the district   attorney represents the state in the district and inferior courts   in Ector County in all criminal cases, juvenile matters under Title   3, Family Code, and matters involving children's protective   services.          (d)  The district attorney has no power, duty, or privilege   in any civil matter, other than civil asset forfeiture and civil   bond forfeiture matters.          SECTION 14.02.  Subchapter B, Chapter 45, Government Code,   is amended by adding Section 45.168 to read as follows:          Sec. 45.168.  ECTOR COUNTY. (a) It is the primary duty of   the county attorney in Ector County to represent the state, Ector   County, and the officials of the county in all civil matters, other   than asset forfeiture and bond forfeiture matters for which the   district attorney is responsible, pending before the courts of   Ector County and any other court in which the state, Ector County,   or the county officials have matters pending.          (b)  The county attorney has no power, duty, or privilege in   Ector County relating to criminal matters, juvenile matters under   Title 3, Family Code, or matters involving children's protective   services.          SECTION 14.03.  Section 43.137, Government Code, as amended   by this Act, and Section 45.168, Government Code, as added by this   Act, apply only to a proceeding commenced on or after the effective   date of this Act. A proceeding commenced before the effective date   of this Act is governed by the law in effect on the date the   proceeding was commenced, and the former law is continued in effect   for that purpose.   ARTICLE 15. APPELLATE COURTS          SECTION 15.01.  Subchapter A, Chapter 22, Government Code,   is amended by adding Section 22.0042 to read as follows:          Sec. 22.0042.  RULES REGARDING EXEMPTIONS FROM SEIZURE OF   PROPERTY; FORM. (a) The supreme court shall adopt rules that:                (1)  establish a simple and expedited procedure for a   judgment debtor to assert an exemption to the seizure of personal   property by a judgment creditor or a receiver appointed under   Section 31.002, Civil Practice and Remedies Code;                (2)  require a court to stay a proceeding, for a   reasonable period, to allow for the assertion of an exemption under   Subdivision (1); and                (3)  require a court to promptly set a hearing and stay   proceedings until a hearing is held, if a judgment debtor timely   asserts an exemption under Subdivision (1).          (b)  Rules adopted under this section shall require the   provision of a notice in plain language to a judgment debtor   regarding the right of the judgment debtor to assert one or more   exemptions under Subsection (a)(1). The notice must:                (1)  be in English with an integrated Spanish   translation that can be readily understood by the public and the   court;                (2)  include the form promulgated under Subsection (c);                (3)  list all exemptions under state and federal law to   the seizure of personal property; and                (4)  provide information for accessing free or low-cost   legal assistance.           (c)  Rules adopted under this section shall include the   promulgation of a form in plain language for asserting an exemption   under Subsection (a)(1). A form promulgated under this subsection   must:                (1)  be in English with an integrated Spanish   translation that can be readily understood by the public and the   court; and                (2)  include instructions for the use of the form.          (d)  A court shall accept a form promulgated under Subsection   (c) unless the form has been completed in a manner that causes a   substantive defect that cannot be cured.          SECTION 15.02.  Not later than May 1, 2022, the Supreme Court   of Texas shall adopt rules and promulgate forms under Section   22.0042, Government Code, as added by this article.   ARTICLE 16. MISDEMEANOR CASES          SECTION 16.01.  The heading to Article 45.0445, Code of   Criminal Procedure, is amended to read as follows:          Art. 45.0445.  RECONSIDERATION OF SATISFACTION OF FINE OR   COSTS.          SECTION 16.02.  Article 66.252, Code of Criminal Procedure,   is amended by adding Subsection (b-1) to read as follows:          (b-1)  At any time before final disposition of the case, the   justice or judge of a court having jurisdiction of the case of a   misdemeanor described by Subsection (b)(3) may order a law   enforcement officer to use the uniform incident fingerprint card to   take the fingerprints of an offender who is charged with the   misdemeanor, but was not placed under custodial arrest at the time   of the offense.          SECTION 16.03.  The changes in law made by this article apply   only to a misdemeanor case that is initially filed in a justice or   municipal court on or after the effective date of this Act,   regardless of whether the offense for which the case is filed   occurred before, on, or after the effective date of this Act.   ARTICLE 17. COURT REPORTERS          SECTION 17.01.  Chapter 42, Code of Criminal Procedure, is   amended by adding Article 42.25 to read as follows:          Art. 42.25.  FILING OF REPORTER NOTES. A court reporter may   comply with Rule 13.6, Texas Rules of Appellate Procedure, by   electronically filing with the trial court clerk not later than the   20th day after the expiration of the time the defendant is allotted   to perfect the appeal the untranscribed notes created by the court   reporter using computer-aided software.          SECTION 17.02.  Section 52.001(a)(4), Government Code, is   amended to read as follows:                (4)  "Shorthand reporter" and "court reporter" mean a   person who is certified as a court reporter, apprentice court   reporter, or provisional court reporter under Chapter 154 to engage   [engages] in shorthand reporting.          SECTION 17.03.  Section 52.011, Government Code, is amended   to read as follows:          Sec. 52.011.  PROVISION OF SIGNED DEPOSITION CERTIFICATE;   CERTIFICATE REQUIREMENTS [CERTIFICATION]. (a)  A court reporting   firm representative or a court reporter who reported a deposition   for a case shall complete and sign a deposition certificate, known   as the further certification.          (b)  On request of a court reporter who reported a deposition   for a case, a court reporting firm shall provide the reporter with a   copy of the deposition certificate [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.          (c)  The deposition certificate must include:                (1)  a statement that the deposition transcript was   submitted to the deponent or the deponent's attorney for   examination and signature;                (2)  the date the transcript was submitted to the   deponent or the deponent's attorney;                (3)  the date the deponent returned the transcript, if   returned, or a statement that the deponent did not return the   transcript;                (4)  a statement that any changes the deponent made to   the transcript are reflected in a separate document attached to the   transcript;                (5)  a statement that the transcript was delivered in   accordance with Rule 203.3, Texas Rules of Civil Procedure;                (6)  the amount charged for preparing the original   deposition transcript;                (7)  a statement that a copy of the certificate was   served on all parties to the case; and                (8)  the date the copy of the certificate was served on   the parties to the case.          SECTION 17.04.  Section 52.046(d), Government Code, is   amended to read as follows:          (d)  A judge of a county court or county court at law shall   appoint a [certified] shorthand reporter to report the oral   testimony given in any contested probate matter in that judge's   court.          SECTION 17.05.  Section 154.001(a)(4), Government Code, is   amended to read as follows:                (4)  "Shorthand reporter" and "court reporter" mean a   person who is certified as a court reporter, apprentice court   reporter, or provisional court reporter under this chapter to   engage [engages] in shorthand reporting.          SECTION 17.06.  Section 154.101(e), Government Code, is   amended to read as follows:          (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 17.07.  Section 154.105, Government Code, is amended   by amending Subsection (b) and adding Subsections (c), (d), and (e)   to read as follows:          (b)  A [certified] shorthand reporter may administer oaths   to witnesses:                (1)  anywhere in this state;                (2)  in a jurisdiction outside this state if:                      (A)  the reporter is at the same location as the   witness; and                      (B)  the witness is or may be a witness in a case   filed in this state; and                (3)  at any location authorized in a reciprocity   agreement between this state and another jurisdiction under Section   152.202(b).          (c)  Notwithstanding Subsection (b), a shorthand reporter   may administer an oath as provided under this subsection to a person   who is or may be a witness in a case filed in this state without   being at the same location as the witness:                (1)  if the reporter is physically located in this   state at the time the oath is administered; or                (2)  as authorized in a reciprocity agreement between   this state and another jurisdiction under Section 152.202(b) if:                      (A)  the witness is at a location in the other   jurisdiction; and                      (B)  the reporter is at a location in the same   jurisdiction as the witness.          (d)  The identity of a witness who is not in the physical   presence of a shorthand reporter may be proven by:                (1)  a statement under oath on the record by a party to   the case stating that the party has actual knowledge of the   witness's identity;                (2)  a statement on the record by an attorney for a   party to the case, or an attorney for the witness, verifying the   witness's identity;                (3)  a statement on the record by a notary who is in the   presence of the witness verifying the witness's identity; or                (4)  the witness's presentation for inspection by the   court reporter of an official document issued by this state,   another state, a federal agency, or another jurisdiction that   verifies the witness's identity.          (e)  A shorthand reporter to which this section applies shall   state on the record and certify in each transcript of the deposition   the physical location of:                (1)  the witness; and                (2)  the reporter.          SECTION 17.08.  Section 154.112, Government Code, is amended   to read as follows:          Sec. 154.112.  EMPLOYMENT OF NONCERTIFIED PERSON FOR   SHORTHAND REPORTING [REPORTERS]. (a) A person who is not certified   as a court [noncertified shorthand] reporter may be employed to   engage in shorthand reporting until a certified shorthand reporter   is available.          (b)  A person who is not certified as a court [noncertified   shorthand] reporter may engage in shorthand reporting to report an   oral deposition only if:                (1)  the person [noncertified shorthand reporter]   delivers an affidavit to the parties or to their counsel present at   the deposition stating that a certified shorthand reporter is not   available; or                (2)  the parties or their counsel stipulate on the   record at the beginning of the deposition that a certified   shorthand reporter is not available.          (c)  This section does not apply to a deposition taken   outside this state for use in this state.          SECTION 17.09.  The changes in law made by this article apply   only to a deposition taken on or after the effective date of this   Act. A deposition taken before that date is governed by the law in   effect on the date the deposition was taken, and the former law is   continued in effect for that purpose.   ARTICLE 18. TRANSITION          SECTION 18.01.  A state agency subject to this Act 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 state agency may, but is not required to, implement a   provision of this Act using other appropriations available for that   purpose.   ARTICLE 19. EFFECTIVE DATE          SECTION 19.01.  Except as otherwise provided by this Act,   this Act takes effect September 1, 2021.       ______________________________ ______________________________      President of the Senate Speaker of the House                   I certify that H.B. No. 3774 was passed by the House on May 7,   2021, by the following vote:  Yeas 141, Nays 0, 1 present, not   voting; that the House refused to concur in Senate amendments to   H.B. No. 3774 on May 28, 2021, and requested the appointment of a   conference committee to consider the differences between the two   houses; and that the House adopted the conference committee report   on H.B. No. 3774 on May 30, 2021, by the following vote:  Yeas 134,   Nays 3, 2 present, not voting; and that the House adopted H.C.R. No.   118 authorizing certain corrections in H.B. No. 3774 on May 31,   2021, by the following vote: Yeas 134, Nays 0, 1 present, not   voting.     ______________________________   Chief Clerk of the House               I certify that H.B. No. 3774 was passed by the Senate, with   amendments, on May 26, 2021, by the following vote:  Yeas 31, Nays   0; at the request of the House, the Senate appointed a conference   committee to consider the differences between the two houses; and   that the Senate adopted the conference committee report on H.B. No.   3774 on May 30, 2021, by the following vote:  Yeas 31, Nays 0; and   that the Senate adopted H.C.R. No. 118 authorizing certain   corrections in H.B. No. 3774 on May 31, 2021, by the following vote:   Yeas 31, Nays 0.     ______________________________   Secretary of the Senate      APPROVED: __________________                   Date                       __________________                 Governor