Government Code § 54.306

Sec. 54.306. PROCEEDING THAT MAY BE REFERRED. (a) A judge may refer to a magistrate any matter arising out of a criminal case involving: (1) a negotiated plea of guilty or nolo contendere before the court; (2) a bond forfeiture; (3) a pretrial motion; (4) a postconviction writ of habeas corpus; (5) an examining trial; (6) an occupational driver's license; (7) an appeal of an administrative driver's license revocation hearing; and (8) any other matter the judge considers necessary and proper. (b) The magistrate may not preside over a trial on the merits, whether or not the trial is before a jury. Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985. Amended by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 215, Sec. 2, eff. May 23, 1997; Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 811, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.