1. (a) The governing body may appoint one or more magistrates in addition to magistrates provided under Article 2A.151, Code of Criminal Procedure.
2. (b) A magistrate does not have to possess all the qualifications necessary to be a municipal court of record judge.
3. (c) A magistrate may not preside over the court or hear contested cases.

4. (d) A magistrate may:

   1. (1) conduct an arraignment;
   2. (2) hold an indigency hearing;
   3. (3) accept a plea;
   4. (4) sign a judgment;
   5. (5) set the amount of a bond; or
   6. (6) perform other functions under Article 15.17, Code of Criminal Procedure.

Added by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 691, Sec. 46, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.

Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 765 (H.B. 4504), Sec. 2.059, eff. January 1, 2025.