89R1215 TSS-D
By: West S.J.R. No. 13
A JOINT RESOLUTION
proposing a constitutional amendment regarding the disciplinary
powers of the State Commission on Judicial Conduct.
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Section 1-a(8), Article V, Texas Constitution,
is amended to read as follows:
(8) After such investigation as it deems necessary,
the Commission may in its discretion issue a [private or] public
admonition, warning, reprimand, or requirement that the person
obtain additional training or education, or if the Commission
determines that the situation merits such action, it may institute
formal proceedings and order a formal hearing to be held before it
concerning a person holding an office or position specified in
Subsection (6) of this Section, or it may in its discretion request
the Supreme Court to appoint an active or retired District Judge or
Justice of a Court of Appeals, or retired Judge or Justice of the
Court of Criminal Appeals or the Supreme Court, as a Master to hear
and take evidence in the matter, and to report thereon to the
Commission. The Master shall have all the power of a District
Judge in the enforcement of orders pertaining to witnesses,
evidence, and procedure. If, after formal hearing, or after
considering the record and report of a Master, the Commission finds
good cause therefor, it shall issue an order of public admonition,
warning, reprimand, censure, or requirement that the person holding
an office or position specified in Subsection (6) of this Section
obtain additional training or education, or it shall recommend to a
review tribunal the removal or retirement, as the case may be, of
the person and shall thereupon file with the tribunal the entire
record before the Commission.
SECTION 2. The following temporary provision is added to
the Texas Constitution:
TEMPORARY PROVISION. (a) This temporary provision applies
to the constitutional amendment proposed by the 89th Legislature,
Regular Session, 2025, regarding the disciplinary powers of the
State Commission on Judicial Conduct.
(b) The amendment to Section 1-a(8), Article V, of this
constitution takes effect January 1, 2026.
(c) This temporary provision expires January 1, 2028.
SECTION 3. This proposed constitutional amendment shall be
submitted to the voters at an election to be held November 4, 2025.
The ballot shall be printed to permit voting for or against the
proposition: "The constitutional amendment regarding the
disciplinary powers of the State Commission on Judicial Conduct."