The special judge must be a retired or former district court, statutory county court, statutory probate court, business court, or appellate court judge who:

1. (1) has served as a judge for at least four years in a district court, a statutory county court, a statutory probate court, the business court, an appellate court, or a combination of the preceding courts;
2. (2) has developed substantial experience in the judge's area of specialty;
3. (3) has not been removed from office or resigned while under investigation for discipline or removal; and
4. (4) annually demonstrates completion in the past calendar year of at least five days of continuing legal education in courses approved by the state bar or the supreme court.

Added by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 167, Sec. 3.16(a), eff. Sept. 1, 1987.

Amended by Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 2, Sec. 4.06(a), eff. Aug. 28, 1989;

Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 179, Sec. 2(a), eff. Sept. 1, 1989;

Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. 33, Sec. 1, eff. April 19, 1991.

Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1049 (H.B. 1923), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2015.

Acts 2025, 89th Leg., R.S., Ch. 912 (H.B. 40), Sec. 20, eff. September 1, 2025.