(a) The chief administrative law judge may contract with a qualified individual to serve as a temporary administrative law judge if an administrative law judge employed by the office is not available to hear a case within a reasonable time.

(b) The chief administrative law judge shall adopt rules relating to the qualifications of a temporary judge.

Added by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 268, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1993.