TX HB3716

Authorizes the Bell County Commissioners Court to appoint criminal law magistrates to serve courts with criminal jurisdiction, with positions designated as full-time or part-time at the commissioners court's discretion

Requires magistrates to either have served as a justice of the peace or municipal court judge, or be a licensed attorney in Texas

Grants magistrates concurrent criminal jurisdiction with justice of the peace courts and standard magistrate powers under the Code of Criminal Procedure, including authority to administer oaths

Directs magistrates to prioritize duties under Article 15.17 (initial appearance hearings) and give preference to cases of individuals held in county jail when conducting hearings on bail, admonishments, and appointment of counsel

Provides magistrates with the same judicial immunity as district court judges and subjects witnesses appearing before them to perjury penalties