1. (a) A judge may refer to a magistrate any matter arising out of a criminal case involving:

   1. (1) a negotiated plea of guilty or nolo contendere before the court;
   2. (2) a bond forfeiture;
   3. (3) a pretrial motion;
   4. (4) a postconviction writ of habeas corpus;
   5. (5) an examining trial;
   6. (6) an occupational driver's license;
   7. (7) an appeal of an administrative driver's license revocation hearing; and
   8. (8) any other matter the judge considers necessary and proper.
2. (b) The magistrate may not preside over a trial on the merits, whether or not the trial is before a jury.

Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.

Amended by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 215, Sec. 2, eff. May 23, 1997;

Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 811, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.