TITLE: Proposing a constitutional amendment regarding the disciplinary powers of the State Commission on Judicial Conduct.

SUMMARY: Proposing a constitutional amendment regarding the disciplinary powers of the State Commission on Judicial Conduct.

FULL TEXT:
89(R) SJR 64-Introduced version-Bill Text 89R1215 TSS-D By: Zaffirini S.J.R. No. 64 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."