What must a general-law city do when a municipal judge is temporarily unable to act?

• A. The governing body may appoint one or more persons meeting the qualifications for the position to sit for the regular municipal judge. The appointee has all powers and duties of the office and is entitled to compensation.
• B. The governor appoints a temporary judge.
• C. The vacancy remains unfilled until the judge returns.
• D. The city hires an outside contractor.

Answer: (A)

When a municipal judge in a general-law city is temporarily unable to act, the governing body has the authority to appoint a temporary judge to sit in for the regular judge. The appointee must meet the qualifications for the office and will exercise all the powers and duties of the municipal judge during that period, and be entitled to compensation. This ensures the court continues to operate and hearings proceed without waiting for the judge to return. The governor isn’t involved in this process for general-law cities, vacancies aren’t left unfilled, and hiring an outside contractor isn’t the standard method for presiding over the municipal court.