ASSIGNMENT OF JUDGES AND APPOINTMENT OF VISITING ASSOCIATE JUDGES.

(a) This subchapter does not limit the authority of a presiding judge of an administrative judicial region to assign a judge eligible for assignment under Chapter 74 to assist in processing guardianship proceedings or protective services proceedings in a reasonable time.

(b) If an associate judge appointed under this subchapter is temporarily unable to perform the associate judge's official duties because of absence resulting from family circumstances, illness, injury, disability, or military service, or if a vacancy occurs in the position of associate judge, the presiding judge of the administrative judicial region, or the presiding judges of the administrative judicial regions by majority vote, as applicable, in which the associate judge serves or the vacancy occurs may appoint a visiting associate judge to perform the duties of the associate judge during the period the associate judge is unable to perform the associate judge's duties or until another associate judge is appointed to fill the vacancy.

(c) A person is not eligible for appointment under this section unless the person has served for at least two years before the date of appointment as an associate judge under this subchapter, a district judge, a statutory county court judge, or a statutory probate judge.

(d) A visiting associate judge appointed under this section:

(1) is subject to each provision of this subchapter that applies to an associate judge appointed under this subchapter;

(2) is entitled to compensation in the amount determined by a majority vote of the presiding judges of the administrative judicial regions using money available under this subchapter; and

(3) is not considered a state employee for any purpose.

(e) Section 2252.901 does not apply to the appointment of a visiting associate judge under this section.