1. (a) To refer one or more cases to an associate judge, a judge must issue a written order of referral that specifies the associate judge's duties.

2. (b) An order of referral may:

   1. (1) limit the powers of the associate judge and direct the associate judge to report only on specific issues, do particular acts, or receive and report on evidence only;
   2. (2) set the time and place for the hearing;
   3. (3) prescribe a closing date for the hearing;
   4. (4) provide a date for filing the associate judge's findings;
   5. (5) designate proceedings for more than one case over which the associate judge shall preside;
   6. (6) direct the associate judge to call the court's docket; and
   7. (7) set forth general powers and limitations or authority of the associate judge applicable to any case referred.

Added by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., 1st C.S., Ch. 3 (H.B. 79), Sec. 6.01, eff. January 1, 2012.