Judges and Chancellors - As enacted, creates a pilot project to provide for criminal magistrates in the 10 counties in which the criminal courts experience the highest judicial caseload, if authorized by the legislative body of an eligible county; authorizes the judges of the county with criminal jurisdiction to appoint the criminal magistrate, who shall serve at the pleasure of the majority of the judges of the county with criminal jurisdiction. - Amends TCA Title 16; Title 17 and Title 40.

HB 2251 creates a pilot program for criminal magistrates in Tennessee's 10 counties with the highest criminal court caseloads, as identified by the comptroller's annual study. Counties must pass an ordinance to establish the position, after which local judges appoint magistrates to handle specific duties like arraignments, initial hearings, bond setting, plea acceptances for minor offenses, and warrant issuance. Magistrates serve four-year terms at the judges' pleasure and are compensated from county funds, with removal possible by majority vote of the judges. This bill directly affects criminal court operations in those 10 counties by adding a new role to manage caseloads, without altering the structure of county courts.