Bills › 91st General Assembly
Relating to magistrate qualifications
Sponsored by Rep. Dean Fisher (R)
Topics:Courts & civil law
Where it is now
- Done: IntroducedFebruary 11, 2025
- Done: SubcommitteeFebruary 12, 2025
- Stopped: House committeeDied when the General Assembly ended
- Next: Passes the House
- Next: Senate committeeFunnel: by March 20, 2026
- Next: Passes the Senate
- Next: To the Governor
- Next: Signed into law
Died when the session ended The 2026 session adjourned on May 3, 2026, the General Assembly’s last regular session. Bills that didn’t pass both chambers died. What’s a funnel?
What’s in it
AI summary People who want to become magistrates would no longer be required to be licensed attorneys. Instead, the law would give licensed attorneys the first chance to be chosen for these positions.1
Read the official explanation
This bill relates to magistrate qualifications. Under current law, a magistrate is required to be an attorney licensed to practice in the state unless the magistrate was holding office on April 1, 2009. The bill removes the requirement that a magistrate be a licensed attorney and provides that licensed attorneys instead receive first consideration. The bill substantively matches the provision in effect prior to 2009.
House subcommittee
Named February 12, 2025. Meeting: Monday, February 17 · 12:30 PM · House Lounge 2.
Three legislators hear a bill first and recommend what the committee should do; it’s the best time to weigh in. How to take part