POWERS

(a) Except as limited by an order of referral, a magistrate to whom a case is referred may: (1) conduct hearings; (2) hear evidence; (3) compel production of relevant evidence; (4) rule on admissibility of evidence; (5) issue summons for the appearance of witnesses; (6) examine witnesses; (7) swear witnesses for hearings; (8) make findings of fact on evidence; (9) formulate conclusions of law; (10) rule on a pretrial motion; (11) recommend the rulings, orders, or judgment to be made in a case; (12) regulate proceedings in a hearing; (13) accept a plea of guilty or nolo contendere from a defendant charged with: (A) a felony offense; (B) a misdemeanor offense when charged with both a misdemeanor offense and a felony offense; or (C) a misdemeanor offense; (14) notwithstanding Article 18.01(c), Code of Criminal Procedure, issue a search warrant under Article 18.02(a)(10), Code of Criminal Procedure; and (15) do any act and take any measure necessary and proper for the efficient performance of the duties required by the order of referral. (b) A magistrate does not have authority under Subsection (a)(14) to issue a subsequent search warrant under Article 18.02(a)(10), Code of Criminal Procedure.