Texas Senate Bill SB1242

Texas 2011 - 82nd Regular

• Out of Senate Committee: 3/30/11
• Introduced: 3/7/11
• Voted on by Senate: 4/7/11
• Refer: 3/16/11
• Out of House Committee: 4/27/11
• Report Pass: 3/30/11
• Voted on by House: 5/13/11
• Engrossed: 4/7/11
• Governor Action: 5/28/11
• Refer: 4/11/11
• Report Pass: 4/20/11
• Enrolled: 5/16/11
• Passed: 5/28/11

Caption

Relating to the judicial immunity and powers of certain magistrates.

Impact

A noteworthy change introduced by the bill is the provision granting magistrates the same judicial immunity as district judges, as stipulated in the newly added Section 54.1177. This provision enhances the legal protections afforded to magistrates, allowing them to perform their duties without the fear of personal liability, which could otherwise dissuade them from making bold or necessary rulings.

Summary

SB1242 relates to the judicial immunity and powers of certain magistrates in the state of Texas. The bill amends existing provisions in the Government Code, specifically Section 54.1176, which addresses the recommendations made by magistrates. Under the amended law, judges must adopt, modify, or reject these recommendations within three working days; if they fail to act, the magistrate's recommendations are inherently adopted. This change aims to streamline judicial processes by ensuring timely decisions from judges regarding magistrate recommendations.

Contention

While the bill primarily focuses on administrative improvements and legal protections for magistrates, there could be points of contention regarding the broader implications for judicial accountability. Opponents may argue that granting magistrates enhanced immunity could lead to unchecked power in certain cases, as it limits the ability of individuals to seek recourse for potential misconduct. This aspect may raise concerns among advocacy groups focused on legal reform and accountability within the judicial system.

Implementation

The new provisions will become effective on September 1, 2011, notably applying to causes of action referred to magistrates on or after the effective date. This timely enforcement aims to clarify the roles of magistrates and their interactions with district judges, potentially impacting the resolution of various legal matters in the state.