Amends TCA Title 16, Chapter 18, Part 3.

Present law authorizes municipalities to provide, by ordinance, for the election of a city judge by popular vote. Present law also authorizes municipal court judges and general sessions judges to sit by interchange for other municipal court judges. <br /> <br /> This bill adds that if a municipal judge is unable to preside over municipal court for any reason, then the determination of a special substitute judge will be determined pursuant to an ordinance of the governing body. This bill authorizes, in the absence of such an ordinance, the municipal judge to designate the name of a special substitute judge to hold court in the municipal judge's place. The special substitute judge must meet the qualifications of a municipal judge, and take the same oath, and will have the same authority as the regular municipal judge to hold court. The appointment of a special substitute judge will be effective for no more than 30 days, after which a new appointment will be required.<br /> <br />