| Vote Recommendation | Economic Freedom | Property Rights | Personal Responsibility | Limited Government | Individual Liberty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yes | Neutral | Neutral | Neutral | Positive | Positive |
Relating to associate judges for guardianship proceedings and protective services proceedings in certain courts.
No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
HB 79 would permit the appointment of associate judges in county or statutory county courts with jurisdiction over guardianship and protective services proceedings. The bill would regulate the appointment, qualifications, compensation, training, and powers of such judges consistent with other sections of code applicable to associate judges.
Texas Action supports HB 79 because it would promote judicial efficiency and bolster the right to speedy judicial proceedings in relevant cases. The appointment of more judges to handle specific cases would help to guarantee that citizens receive their right to speedy adjudication. HB 79 would only permit the presiding judge of each administrative judicial region in the state to appoint associate judges for these types of cases, rather than requiring them to.