They are used to investigate claims that a sitting judge has acted improperly and may be removed rom office.
- Click here for the link.
GOVERNMENT CODE
TITLE 2. JUDICIAL BRANCH
SUBTITLE B. JUDGES
CHAPTER 33. STATE COMMISSION ON JUDICIAL CONDUCT
SUBCHAPTER A. GENERAL PROVISIONS
(12) "Special master" means a master appointed by the supreme court under Section 1-a, Article V, Texas Constitution.
______
Sec. 33.004. COMPENSATION AND EXPENSES OF COMMISSION MEMBERS, SPECIAL MASTERS, AND OTHER EMPLOYEES. (a) A member of the commission serves without compensation for services, but is entitled to reimbursement for expenses as provided by this section.
(b) A special master who is an active district judge or justice of the court of appeals is entitled to a per diem of $25 for each day or part of a day that the person spends in the performance of the duties of special master. The per diem is in addition to other compensation and expenses authorized by law.
(c) A special master who is a retired judge of a district court or the court of criminal appeals or a retired justice of a court of appeals or the supreme court is entitled to compensation in the same manner as provided by Section 74.061. For purposes of this subsection, the term "court" in Section 74.061(c) means the district court in the county in which formal proceedings are heard by the special master.
(d) A member or employee of the commission, special counsel, or any other person appointed by the commission to assist the commission in performing the duties of the commission, or a special master is entitled to necessary expenses for travel, board, and lodging incurred in the performance of official duties.
(e) Payment shall be made under this section on certificates of approval by the commission.
