Proposing a constitutional amendment to require the attorney general to be licensed and eligible to practice law in this state.
If enacted, this constitutional amendment would prevent individuals not licensed to practice law in Texas from serving as Attorney General. This change is expected to enhance the integrity and competency of the office, thereby reinforcing public trust in the legal representation of the state. Additionally, it could have implications for future candidates, as they would need to meet this new standard of eligibility, potentially impacting the pool of individuals who can run for this office.
HJR31 is a proposed constitutional amendment in Texas that mandates the Attorney General to be licensed and eligible to practice law in the state. The amendment seeks to amend Section 22 of Article IV of the Texas Constitution, which outlines the powers and responsibilities of the Attorney General. The requirement for licensure aims to ensure that the individual holding this significant legal position has the requisite qualifications and legal background to serve the state effectively.
There are some points of contention surrounding this amendment, particularly regarding the implications it has for current officeholders. The bill includes a temporary provision stating that any person in office who does not meet the new qualifications effective December 31, 2015, will be removed from their position. This provision could raise concerns about abrupt changes in leadership and the potential for political instability within the office, depending on how existing personnel align with the new requirements.