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.

SB 2025 creates a pilot program for criminal magistrates in Tennessee's 10 counties with the highest criminal court caseloads, as determined by the state comptroller's annual study. Participating counties must first pass a local ordinance to authorize the position, after which judges (excluding general sessions judges) appoint the magistrate to handle specific duties like initial court appearances, setting bail, accepting guilty pleas for misdemeanors and certain felonies, and issuing warrants. The magistrate serves a four-year term and can be removed by the judges, with compensation set by the judges and approved by the county legislature. This program begins January 1, 2027, and is limited to counties that choose to participate.