Sec. 30.004945.  MAGISTRATES.  (a)  The governing body may appoint one or more magistrates in addition to magistrates provided under Article 2.09, Code of Criminal Procedure.
(b)  A magistrate does not have to possess all the qualifications necessary to be a municipal court of record judge.
(c)  A magistrate may not preside over the court or hear contested cases.
(d)  A magistrate may:
(1)  conduct an arraignment;
(2)  hold an indigency hearing;
(3)  accept a plea;
(4)  sign a judgment;
(5)  set the amount of a bond;  or
(6)  perform other functions under Article 15.17, Code of Criminal Procedure.
Added by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 691, Sec. 46, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.