Sec. 54.307. ORDER OF REFERRAL

(a) To refer one or more cases to a magistrate, a judge must issue an order of referral specifying the magistrate's duties.

(b) An order of referral may:

(1) limit the powers of the magistrate and direct the magistrate to report only on specific issues, do particular acts, or receive and report on evidence only;

(2) set the time and place for the hearing;

(3) prescribe a closing date for the hearing;

(4) provide a date for filing the magistrate's findings;

(5) designate proceedings for more than one case over which the magistrate shall preside;

(6) direct the magistrate to call the court's docket; and

(7) set forth general powers and limitations of authority of the magistrate applicable to any case referred.

Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.