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.
Impact
The impact of HB 5492 on state laws is significant, as it amends existing government code sections related to the impeachment of public officers. The provisions introduced by this bill would standardize the processes across various levels of government concerning impeachment, thus impacting the authority and responsibilities of legislative bodies in Texas. The clarity and specificity of procedures laid out in this bill promote a more organized approach to handling impeachments, potentially leading to fairer outcomes and greater public trust in the political process.
Summary
House Bill 5492 addresses the impeachment and removal procedures of certain public officers in Texas. It proposes new laws regarding how impeachment proceedings will be conducted, stipulating that all witness testimonies must be given under oath, and the sessions must be open to all members involved. This is aimed at increasing the transparency and accountability of such significant actions against public officials. The bill also includes specific provisions regarding who can vote on these proceedings, explicitly disqualifying members related to the officer in question to ensure fairness.
Contention
One notable point of contention surrounding HB 5492 is its introduction of procedural changes that could be seen as either enhancing justice or complicating the impeachment process. Proponents argue that these amendments will ensure that impeachment trials are more transparent and fair by establishing strict guidelines for testimonies and voting eligibility. On the other hand, critics may view these changes as infringing on legislative flexibility and potentially prolonging the impeachment process, which could result in political instability or manipulation of outcomes in favor of certain agendas.
Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected
Government Code
Chapter 665. Impeachment And Removal
Section: New Section
Section: 081
Local Government Code
Chapter 21. General Provisions Affecting Governing Body Of Municipality
Section: New Section
Chapter 87. Removal Of County Officers From Office; Filling Of Vacancies
Identical
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.
Enabling for
Proposing a constitutional amendment to clarify and implement certain provisions governing the impeachment, trial, removal from office, and disqualification of public officers.
Proposing a constitutional amendment providing requirements for the exercise of the power of impeachment by the House of Representatives and providing that officers against whom articles of impeachment are preferred receive pay during the pendency of impeachment proceedings.
Proposing a constitutional amendment providing requirements for the exercise of the power of impeachment by the House of Representatives and providing that officers against whom articles of impeachment are preferred receive pay during the pendency of impeachment proceedings.
Proposing a constitutional amendment providing for the suspension of certain public officers by the governor and the trial, removal, and reinstatement of certain public officers by the senate.
Relating to the carrying of weapons by community supervision and corrections department officers, juvenile probation officers, and certain retired law enforcement officers and to criminal liability for taking a weapon from certain of those officers.
Relating to the carrying of weapons by community supervision and corrections department officers, juvenile probation officers, and certain retired law enforcement officers and to criminal liability for taking a weapon from certain of those officers.
Campaign finance: contributions and expenditures; provision related to officeholders raising funds when facing a recall; modify, and require candidate to establish a separate account used for recall purposes. Amends secs. 3, 11, 12, 21, 24 & 52 of 1976 PA 388 (MCL 169.203 et seq.) & adds sec. 21b.
Campaign finance: contributions and expenditures; funds donated to a candidate for recall efforts; require candidate to establish a separate account used for recall purposes. Amends secs. 3, 11, 12, 21, 24 & 52 of 1976 PA 388 (MCL 169.203 et seq.) & adds sec. 21b.
A concurrent resolution recognizing wild rice as sacred and central to the culture and health of Indigenous Peoples in Minnesota and critical to the health and identity of all Minnesota citizens and ecosystems and establishing a commitment to passing legislation to protect wild rice and the freshwater resources upon which it depends.