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Amend CSSB 1204 by adding new appropriately numbered SECTIONS 
to read as follows:
	SECTION ___.  Section 201.007(a), Family Code,  is amended 
to read as follows:
	(a)  Except as limited by an order of referral, an associate 
judge may:      
		(1)  conduct a hearing;                                                       
		(2)  hear evidence;                                                           
		(3)  compel production of relevant evidence;                                  
		(4)  rule on the admissibility of evidence;                                   
		(5)  issue a summons for the appearance of witnesses;                         
		(6)  examine a witness;                                                       
		(7)  swear a witness for a hearing;                                           
		(8)  make findings of fact on evidence;                                       
		(9)  formulate conclusions of law;                                            
		(10)  recommend an order to be rendered in a case;                            
		(11)  regulate all proceedings in a hearing before the 
associate judge;     
		(12)  order the attachment of a witness or party who 
fails to obey a subpoena;
		(13)  order the detention of a witness or party found 
guilty of contempt, pending approval by the referring court as 
provided by Section 201.013;
		(14)  without prejudice to the right of appeal under 
Section 201.015, render and sign:
			(A)  a final order agreed to in writing as to both 
form and substance by all parties;
			(B)  a final default order;  or                                              
			(C)  a temporary order;  and                                                 
		(15)  take action as necessary and proper for the 
efficient performance of the associate judge's duties.
	SECTION ___.  The heading to Section 201.009, Family Code,  
is amended to read as follows:
	Sec. 201.009.  COURT REPORTER;  RECORD.                                 
	SECTION ___.  Sections 201.009(a) and (c), Family Code,  are 
amended to read as follows:
	(a)  A court reporter may be provided during a hearing held 
by an associate judge appointed under this chapter.  A court 
reporter is required to be provided when the associate judge 
presides over a jury trial or a contested final termination 
hearing.
	(c)  Except as provided by Subsection (a), in the absence of 
a court reporter or on agreement of the parties, the [The] record 
may be preserved [in the absence of a court reporter] by any [other] 
means approved by the associate judge.