TITLE: Relating to the procedures of the State Commission on Judicial Conduct.

SUMMARY: Relating to the procedures of the State Commission on Judicial Conduct.

FULL TEXT:
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.