TX
Texas Senate Bill SB2051

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB2051

Filed
3/7/25  
Out of Senate Committee
4/14/25  
Voted on by House
 
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

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 enactment of SB2051 will amend Chapters 665 and 21 of the Texas Government Code, specifically altering the process of impeachment. This includes stipulations that testimony must be given openly to members of the respective legislative bodies and requires a preparatory phase where committee findings are shared in advance of any voting. This structure aims to impose a higher standard of accountability and procedural fairness in how impeachment proceedings are conducted, potentially leading to more disciplined governance practices.

Summary

SB2051 is a legislative act proposed in Texas that focuses on reforming the procedures surrounding the impeachment and potential removal from office of certain public officers. This bill introduces comprehensive guidelines for impeachment proceedings, detailing the requirements for testimony and outlining the roles and responsibilities of various officials during these processes. The intent is to create transparency and ensure fair treatment for individuals who are subjects of such proceedings, incorporating provisions for witness testimony under oath and limiting the ability of committee members to vote if they are related to the officer involved.

Sentiment

The reception of SB2051 has been generally positive among proponents who advocate for clearer, more structured processes regarding impeachment, seeing it as a step towards accountability within public office. However, there are concerns among some critics who argue that changes could inadvertently hinder timely action against malfeasance by imposing rigid procedural rules. The discourse around the bill has elicited strong opinions on both sides, suggesting a significant interest in the implications of such reforms.

Contention

Notable points of contention include the provision which renders committee members ineligible to vote in impeachment proceedings if they have familial ties to the officer concerned. Some legislators express that this could prevent impartial decision-making, while others view it as a necessary safeguard to protect the integrity of the process. Furthermore, the requirement to present findings 72 hours prior to a vote is debated for its potential to delay legislative action in urgent cases, illustrating the tension between due process and efficient governance.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Government Code

  • Chapter 665. Impeachment And Removal
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: 081
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: 081
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: 081

Local Government Code

  • Chapter 21. General Provisions Affecting Governing Body Of Municipality
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: New Section
  • Chapter 87. Removal Of County Officers From Office; Filling Of Vacancies
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: New Section

Companion Bills

TX SJR68

Enabling for Proposing a constitutional amendment to clarify and implement certain provisions governing the impeachment, trial, removal from office, and disqualification of public officers.

TX HB5492

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.

Previously Filed As

TX SJR60

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.

TX HJR8

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.

TX HJR8

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.

TX SB1105

Relating to the suspension and removal of certain public officers.

TX HB3264

Relating to the grounds for removal of county officers from office.

TX SR35

Adopting Rules of Impeachment of Warren Kenneth Paxton Jr., Attorney General of the State of Texas.

TX SB1960

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.

TX SB232

Relating to the removal from office of an officer of a political subdivision for commission of certain criminal offenses.

TX SB218

Relating to the grounds for disciplinary action against peace officers and the use of body worn cameras by peace officers.

TX HB3617

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.

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