Relating to qualifications, training, removal, and supervision of certain masters, magistrates, referees, associate judges, and hearing officers.

SB664 strips local courts of discretion regarding the qualifications of appointed judicial officers (magistrates, associate judges, referees), mandating strict state-level licensure, residency, and vetting standards effective September 1, 2025. This legislation impacts any entity employing part-time magistrates or relying on the validity of court orders, requiring immediate updates to hiring protocols and contract indemnities to prevent voidable judgments and statutory removal.

SB664 was authored by Texas Senator Joan Huffman during the Regular Session.

SB664 was signed into law by Governor Greg Abbott on May 30, 2025.

SB664 is enforced by County Commissioners Courts, Local Administrative Judges (Primary Oversight), Office of Court Administration, Regional Presiding Judges and State Commission on Judicial Conduct.

The regulatory priority for SB664 is rated as "moderate". Businesses and organizations should review the legislation to understand potential impacts.

The cost impact of SB664 is estimated as "low". This may vary based on industry and implementation requirements.

SB664 addresses topics including courts, courts--county & statutory, courts--judges, courts--personnel and occupational regulation.

Key dates for SB664: Effective date is 2025-09-01. Consult with legal counsel regarding applicability.

SB664 establishes the following penalties: administrative penalty of Removal from office for Failure to meet residency, licensing, or standing requirements; failure to complete required bail training; or constitutional grounds for removal.; administrative penalty of Professional Censure/Discipline for Referring courts found culpable in violations of appointee oversight may be reported to the State Commission on Judicial Conduct.. Consult with legal counsel for specific applicability to your situation.