ASSIGNMENT OF JUDGES AND VISITING ASSOCIATE JUDGES.

(a) This chapter does not limit the authority of a presiding judge to assign a judge eligible for assignment under Chapter 74, Government Code, to assist in processing cases in a reasonable time.

(b) The presiding judge of an administrative judicial region may assign a visiting associate judge to perform the duties of an associate judge appointed under this subchapter only if:

(1) the associate judge is temporarily unable to perform the associate judge's official duties because of absence resulting from:

(A) illness;

(B) injury;

(C) disability;

(D) personal emergency;

(E) military service;

(F) vacation; or

(G) attendance at a continuing legal education program;

(2) the associate judge requests assistance due to a heavy workload or a pandemic-related emergency; or

(3) a vacancy occurs in the position of associate judge.

(c) The presiding judge of an administrative judicial region may assign a visiting associate judge under Subsection (b) during the period the associate judge is unable to perform the associate judge's duties, during the period assistance is needed to manage the associate judge's workload, or until another associate judge is appointed to fill the vacancy.

(d) A person is not eligible for assignment under this section unless the person has served as a master or associate judge under this chapter, a district judge, or a statutory county court judge for at least two years before the date of assignment.

(e) A visiting associate judge assigned under this section is subject to each provision of this chapter that applies to an associate judge serving under a regular appointment under this subchapter. A visiting associate judge assigned under this section is entitled to compensation, to be determined by a majority vote of the presiding judges of the administrative judicial regions, through use of funds under this subchapter. A visiting associate judge is not considered to be a state employee for any purpose.

(f) Section 2252.901, Government Code, does not apply to the assignment of a visiting associate judge under this section.