Amends TCA Title 17, Chapter 2.

Present law authorizes the circuit court judges in Davidson County to appoint a full-time master to serve as a judicial officer in the absence of any such judges. Present law also authorizes the circuit courts exercising domestic or probate jurisdiction in Davidson County to appoint one or more persons to act as masters at the pleasure of the judge.<br /> <br /> This bill:<br /> <br /> (1) Extends the applicability of the above provisions to all counties, instead of just Davidson County, but requires 2/3 vote of the county legislative body to authorize the appointment of masters (Davidson County, having been authorized under present law to so appoint, will not be required to have such a vote in order to continue to appoint masters;<br /> <br /> (2) Authorizes chancery court judges to appoint masters; and<br /> <br /> (3) Specifies that matters related to probate are matters that the appropriate judge may direct the master to hear.<br />