POWERS.

(a) Except as limited by an order of referral, a magistrate to whom a case is referred may:

(1) conduct hearings;

(2) hear evidence;

(3) compel production of relevant evidence;

(4) rule on admissibility of evidence;

(5) issue summons for the appearance of witnesses;

(6) examine witnesses;

(7) swear witnesses for hearings;

(8) make findings of fact on evidence;

(9) formulate conclusions of law;

(10) rule on a pretrial motion;

(11) recommend the rulings, orders, or judgment to be made in a case;

(12) regulate proceedings in a hearing;

(13) accept a plea of guilty or nolo contendere from a defendant charged with:

(A) a felony offense;

(B) a misdemeanor offense when charged with both a misdemeanor offense and a felony offense; or

(C) a misdemeanor offense;

(14) notwithstanding Article 18.01(c), Code of Criminal Procedure, issue a search warrant under Article 18.02(a)(10), Code of Criminal Procedure; and

(15) do any act and take any measure necessary and proper for the efficient performance of the duties required by the order of referral.

(b) A magistrate does not have authority under Subsection (a)(14) to issue a subsequent search warrant under Article 18.02(a)(10), Code of Criminal Procedure.