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SB664

Regular Session

Relating to qualifications, training, removal, and supervision of certain masters, magistrates, referees, associate judges, and hearing officers.

Moderate
Low Cost
Effective:2025-09-01
Enforcing Agencies

County Commissioners Courts • Local Administrative Judges (Primary Oversight) • Office of Court Administration • Regional Presiding Judges • State Commission on Judicial Conduct

SB664
Moderate
Relating to qualifications, training, removal, and supervision of certain masters, magistrates, referees, associate judges, and hearing officers.
Moderate Compliance Urgency
Requires near-term attention
Cost Impact
Low
Effective
2025-09-01
Enforcing Agencies
County Commissioners CourtsLocal Administrative JudgesOffice of Court AdministrationRegional Presiding Judges+1 more
Primary Author: Sen. Joan Huffman
89th Texas Legislature
jdkey.com
01

Compliance Analysis

Key implementation requirements and action items for compliance with this legislation

Implementation Timeline

  • Effective Date: September 1, 2025
  • Compliance Deadline: August 31, 2025 (You must finalize pending appointments or renewals by this date to utilize the "grandfather clause"; appointments made on or after September 1 must strictly comply with new standards).
  • Agency Rulemaking: No statutory deadline for new rules is set, but the Office of Court Administration is expected to issue guidance regarding the scope of "supervision" prior to the effective date.

Immediate Action Plan

  • Audit your current roster of appointed judges and magistrates immediately to identify those who do not meet the post-September 2025 standards.
  • Finalize contract renewals for current staff before September 1, 2025, to lock in "grandfathered" status under current, more lenient rules.
  • Update HR vetting protocols to include specific checks for election history and State Bar disciplinary records.
  • Verify that all officers setting bail possess a current Article 17.024 training certificate; suspend duties immediately if missing.

Operational Changes Required

Contracts

  • Employment Agreements: Must include automatic termination clauses triggered by loss of State Bar "Good Standing," failure to complete Article 17.024 bail training, or residency changes moving the appointee out of the jurisdiction.
  • Vendor Agreements: Master Services Agreements (MSAs) for staffing firms providing relief judges must indemnify the court/county against claims arising from the placement of an unqualified officer under SB664 standards.

Hiring/Training

  • Job Descriptions: Revise to mandate a minimum of five years of Texas licensure (unless specific statute allows 2 or 4) and residency within the specific jurisdiction.
  • Vetting: Implement a mandatory "Look-Back" check to verify the candidate was not defeated for reelection to a judicial office in the immediately preceding election cycle.
  • Training: Verify possession of the Article 17.024 bail training certificate for any officer setting bail.

Reporting & Record-Keeping

  • Qualification File: Create a mandatory compliance file for every appointee containing:
  • 1. State Bar certification of licensure duration.
  • 2. Documented disciplinary clearance (Supreme Court/Commission on Judicial Conduct).
  • 3. Proof of residency at the time of appointment.

Fees & Costs

  • Insurance: No statutory fee increases. However, review Professional Liability and Public Official Liability policies to ensure coverage extends to "administrative removal proceedings," as this bill creates a new statutory pathway for removal.

Strategic Ambiguities & Considerations

  • "Defeated for Reelection": The statute disqualifies candidates defeated in the "immediately preceding" election but does not distinguish between primary and general elections. Until clarified by case law, assume any electoral defeat disqualifies the candidate.
  • "Good Standing" Definition: The law does not specify if administrative suspensions (e.g., for non-payment of Bar dues) constitute a permanent breach of eligibility. Treat any lapse in standing as a potentially disqualifying event.
  • Scope of Supervision: The mandate for Local Administrative Judges to "supervise" appointees is undefined. Watch for OCA guidance on whether this requires active case file monitoring or merely administrative oversight.

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Information presented is for general knowledge only and is provided without warranty, express or implied. Consult qualified government affairs professionals and legal counsel before making compliance decisions.

02

Legislative Timeline

This bill's path through the Texas Legislature

Filed
Dec 19, 2024
Passed Senate
Apr 9, 2025
Passed House
May 20, 2025
Signed
May 30, 2025
TopicsCourtsCourts--county & StatutoryCourts--judgesCourts--personnelOccupational RegulationOccupational Regulation--other Trades & ProfessionsMagistratesStaff Development & TrainingCourt Administration, Office ofJudicial Conduct, State Commission On
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Senate Authors

Sen. Joan HuffmanRepublican · Primary Author

House Sponsor

Rep. David CookRepublican · Primary Sponsor

Bill Text(with markup)

View bill text in multiple formats on Texas Legislature website

Fiscal NoteView Original

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Quick Reference

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about SB664

Q

What does Texas SB664 do?

SB664 strips local courts of discretion regarding the qualifications of appointed judicial officers (magistrates, associate judges, referees), mandating strict state-level licensure, residency, and vetting standards effective September 1, 2025. This legislation impacts any entity employing part-time magistrates or relying on the validity of court orders, requiring immediate updates to hiring protocols and contract indemnities to prevent voidable judgments and statutory removal. Implementation Timeline Effective Date: September 1, 2025 Compliance Deadline: August 31, 2025 (You must finalize pending appointments or renewals by this date to utilize the "grandfather clause"; appointments made on or after September 1 must strictly comply with new standards).

Q

Who authored SB664?

SB664 was authored by Texas Senator Joan Huffman during the Regular Session.

Q

When was SB664 signed into law?

SB664 was signed into law by Governor Greg Abbott on May 30, 2025.

Q

Which agencies enforce SB664?

SB664 is enforced by County Commissioners Courts, Local Administrative Judges (Primary Oversight), Office of Court Administration, Regional Presiding Judges and State Commission on Judicial Conduct.

Q

How urgent is compliance with SB664?

The compliance urgency for SB664 is rated as "moderate". Businesses and organizations should review the requirements and timeline to ensure timely compliance.

Q

What is the cost impact of SB664?

The cost impact of SB664 is estimated as "low". This may vary based on industry and implementation requirements.

Q

What topics does SB664 address?

SB664 addresses topics including courts, courts--county & statutory, courts--judges, courts--personnel and occupational regulation.

Legislative data provided by LegiScanLast updated: November 25, 2025

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