Proposing a constitutional amendment to clarify and implement certain provisions governing the impeachment, trial, removal from office, and disqualification of public officers.
Impact
If HJR214 is approved, it would formalize the suspension of public officers under impeachment proceedings with provisions for provisional appointments by the Governor. This adjustment would mean that during an impeachment, suspended officers would continue to receive pay, ensuring their financial stability during what can be lengthy impeachment processes. Furthermore, it enhances the legislative authority to enact general laws regarding these processes, which might create more structured procedures for future cases of misconduct by public officials.
Summary
HJR214 proposes a constitutional amendment aimed at clarifying and implementing provisions related to the impeachment, trial, removal from office, and disqualification of public officers in Texas. The resolution addresses the existing constitutional framework, specifically amending Sections 5 and 7 of Article XV of the Texas Constitution. The proposed changes intend to refine the processes governing the impeachment process and underscore the legislature's role in providing the necessary legal frameworks for trial and removal procedures that are not explicitly detailed in the current Constitution.
Contention
The push for HJR214 comes amid ongoing discussions about the effectiveness and clarity of the current impeachment process in Texas. Notably, critics may argue that these changes could lead to ambiguities in accountability for public officials, potentially protecting those in power from swift consequences for misconduct. Additionally, the proposal to allow provisional appointments by the Governor could raise concerns about excessive executive power, particularly if the Governor's appointee does not reflect the electorate's wishes. As the bill moves toward a public vote in November 2025, it is likely to spark further debate on the balance of power within the state's governance structure.
Identical
Proposing a constitutional amendment to clarify and implement certain provisions governing the impeachment, trial, removal from office, and disqualification of public officers.
Enabled by
Relating to the impeachment or removal from office of certain public officers, including procedures governing the impeachment, trial on impeachment, and disqualification of state officers, and to the grounds for which certain public officers may be removed from office.
Proposing a constitutional amendment to clarify and implement certain provisions governing the impeachment, trial, removal from office, and disqualification of public officers.
Relating to the impeachment or removal from office of certain public officers, including procedures governing the impeachment, trial on impeachment, and disqualification of state officers, and to the grounds for which certain public officers may be removed from office.
Relating to the impeachment or removal from office of certain public officers, including procedures governing the impeachment, trial on impeachment, and disqualification of state officers, and to the grounds for which certain public officers may be removed from office.
Proposing a constitutional amendment prescribing certain requirements applicable to the impeachment of an officer by the house of representatives and repealing the requirement that an officer against whom articles of impeachment have been preferred be suspended from the exercise of the duties of office during the pendency of the impeachment.
Proposes a constitutional amendment to extend the power of impeachment and trial of impeachment to any former office holder for impeachable conduct committed while such person was in office; provides for disqualification of such person from holding public office in the future.