Section 54.657 - Order of Referral(a) To refer one or more cases to a magistrate, a judge must issue an order of referral specifying the magistrate's duties.(b) An order of referral may: (1) limit the powers of the magistrate and direct the magistrate to report only on specific issues, do particular acts, or receive and report on evidence only;(2) set the time and place for the hearing;(3) prescribe a closing date for the hearing;(4) provide a date for filing the magistrate's findings;(5) designate proceedings for more than one case over which the magistrate shall preside;(6) direct the magistrate to call the court's docket; and(7) set forth general powers and limitations of authority of the magistrate applicable to any case referred.Tex. Gov't. Code § 54.657
Added by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 81, Sec. 1, eff. 8/31/1987.