By: Zaffirini S.B. No. 898
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to the procedures of the State Commission on Judicial
Conduct.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Section 33.0211(b), Government Code, is amended
to read as follows:
(b) The commission, [at least quarterly] until final
disposition of the complaint, shall notify the person filing the
complaint of any change in the status of the complaint
investigation unless the notice would jeopardize an undercover
investigation.
SECTION 2. Subchapter B, Chapter 33, Government Code, is
amended by adding Sections 33.02114, 33.02115, and 33.02116 to read
as follows:
Sec. 33.02114. COMPLAINT INFORMATION ON COMMISSION
WEBSITE. The commission shall maintain on the commission's
Internet website a statement that a complainant is not required to
maintain confidentiality of the complaint filed by the complainant.
Sec. 33.02115. SANCTION GUIDELINES. The commission shall
establish guidelines for the imposition of a sanction to ensure
each sanction imposed is proportional to the judicial misconduct.
Sec. 33.02116. COMPLAINT SCHEDULE. The commission shall
establish a schedule outlining times for commission action on a
complaint. The schedule must allow the executive director to
approve an extension of time for complaint disposition due to
extenuating circumstances, including a need for further
investigation.
SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2021.