TX HB4278

Expands the pool of judges eligible for assignment as visiting judges to include retired or former constitutional county court judges and justices of the peace, who can be assigned by the presiding judge of their administrative region

Allows presiding judges to count service as a constitutional county court judge or justice of the peace toward the 96-month active service requirement for visiting judge eligibility when there is a shortage of qualified judges in the region

Applies this exception only when the presiding judge cannot name sufficient eligible retired or former judges to handle the accumulated caseload in the administrative region

Requires retired or former judges seeking visiting judge assignments to meet existing eligibility criteria, including no removal from office, no public reprimand or censure, completion of annual judicial education requirements, and certification of willingness not to practice law for two years

Takes effect September 1, 2025