(Texas Scorecard) – Texas senators have passed a constitutional amendment that would increase public membership in the state agency tasked with investigating allegations of judicial misconduct.
Senate Joint Resolution 27, filed by State Sen. Joan Huffman (R-Houston), was approved 27-4 by lawmakers Monday on the Senate floor.
The proposal would substantially alter the makeup of the State Commission on Judicial Conduct, a body tasked with investigating and penalizing rogue judges.
Currently, the commission consists of one appeals court judge, one district judge, two members of the State Bar with 10 years of experience, five members of the public who do not practice law, and four local county court judges.
Huffman’s proposal would change the commission to include two individuals who serve as a justice or a judge from a higher court, two members of the public licensed to practice law, seven members of the public who do not practice law, and two individuals who serve as a Justice of the Peace or a municipal court judge.
SJR 27 would also remove the commission’s ability to issue private sanctions against public officials. Instead, all sanctions would have to be made public.
An additional floor amendment approved by senators would authorize the commission to recommend that a judge be removed or retired by a review tribunal appointed by the Supreme Court.
“These constitutional changes would ensure that the commission maintains appropriate oversight, while also increasing transparency,” said Huffman.
Huffman’s proposal comes amid a growing public distrust of the judicial system, spurred by recent decisions from lower-level federal courts blocking parts of President Donald Trump’s agenda.
Currently, the Trump administration and the courts are battling over how to handle the case of Kilmar Abrego Garcia. Garcia is a citizen of El Salvador and was accused of being a member of MS-13 before being deported back.
SJR 27 now heads to the Texas House. If passed, it will be put forth for citizens to approve in the November election.