1. (a) A retiree under Subtitle D or E of Title 8 may elect to be a judicial officer.

2. (b) An election under this section may be made:

   1. (1) not later than the 90th day after the date of the person's retirement in a document addressed to the chief justice of the supreme court; or
   2. (2) after the 90th day after the date of the person's retirement in a petition addressed to the supreme court.
3. (c) An election under Subsection (b)(2) takes effect only on approval of the petition by the supreme court.

4. (d) A retiree who makes an election under this section shall be:

   1. (1) designated a senior judge; and
   2. (2) considered a judge of a court of this state for the purpose of appointment to a judicial branch board, commission, or council.

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

Amended by Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 2, Sec. 8.41(a), eff. Aug. 28, 1989;

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

Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 646, Sec. 18, eff. Aug. 28, 1989.

Acts 2025, 89th Leg., 2nd C.S., Ch. 7 (H.B. 16), Sec. 7.19, eff. December 4, 2025.