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.
Impact
The repeal of a requirement that an officer facing impeachment be suspended from their duties during the proceedings has been a notable point of contention. This change could allow officials to continue serving in their positions while under investigation, potentially impacting governance and public trust. Advocates argue that this change protects due process rights and prevents hasty actions that could disrupt governance. However, opponents fear it could undermine the seriousness of impeachment and lead to conflicts of interest during investigations.
Summary
HJR29 proposes a constitutional amendment that revises the procedures related to the impeachment of state officers by the House of Representatives. The proposed changes require that any impeachment of an officer be preceded by the adoption of specific articles of impeachment by a committee of the House. Furthermore, it establishes that the House cannot consider these articles until at least 14 days after they have been filed. This change is aimed at ensuring a more structured and transparent process during impeachment proceedings, promoting accountability within legislative actions.
Contention
The amendment also requires that a witness testifying in an impeachment investigation do so under oath, further specifying the rights of the officers involved, including the right to cross-examine witnesses. This requirement is designed to enhance the integrity of the impeachment process but may raise concerns about the implications for fair legal proceedings and the potential politicization of impeachment investigations in the future. The bill has gathered diverse opinions, with ongoing discussions about its potential impact on the separation of powers and the legislative branch's ability to check executive authority.
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.
Adopting rules to govern its proceedings in the trial of Warren Kenneth Paxton Jr., Attorney General, upon articles of impeachment presented by the House of Representatives.
Proposing a constitutional amendment to remove the requirement that a home equity loan be closed only at the office of the lender, an attorney at law, or a title company.
Proposes temporary constitutional amendment allowing State constitutional convention convened to reform system of property taxation to propose statutory changes.
Proposes temporary constitutional amendment allowing State constitutional convention convened to reform system of property taxation to propose statutory changes.