Election Code § 241.009

Sec. 241.009. MASTER OF DISCOVERY. (a) As soon as practicable after receiving the contestee's answer, the presiding officer of the house having jurisdiction shall appoint a master of discovery to supervise discovery proceedings and the taking of depositions, to issue any necessary process, to receive and report evidence, and to perform any other duties assigned by the presiding officer or by the committee to which the contest is referred. (b) The master must be a member of the house in which the contest is pending. (c) The presiding officer or the committee may limit the master's authority in the same manner as a civil court in appointing a master in chancery. (d) The master acts under the direction of the presiding officer before the case is referred to a committee and acts under the direction of the committee after the referral. (e) The master's rulings are subject to review by the committee to which the contest is referred unless otherwise provided by rules of the house. Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 211, Sec. 1, eff. Jan. 1, 1986. Amended by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 759, Sec. 9, eff. Sept. 1, 1993.