Section 54A.007 - Order of Referral(a) To refer one or more cases to an associate judge, a judge must issue a written order of referral that specifies the associate judge's duties.(b) An order of referral may: (1) limit the powers of the associate judge and direct the associate judge 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 associate judge's findings;(5) designate proceedings for more than one case over which the associate judge shall preside;(6) direct the associate judge to call the court's docket; and(7) set forth general powers and limitations or authority of the associate judge applicable to any case referred.Tex. Gov't. Code § 54A.007
Added by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., 1st C.S., Ch. 3, Sec. 6.01, eff. 1/1/2012.