Honorable Will Hartnett, Chair, House Committee on Judicial Affairs
FROM:
John Keel, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:
HB404 by Madden (Relating to the participation of a judge in political party activities.), As Introduced
No fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
The bill would amend Government Code, Chapter 33 relating to the participation of a judge in political party activities. The bill would provide that a judge's voting in a political party convention and/or serving as a delegate to political party conventions could not be a basis for a finding of judicial misconduct under the Code of Judicial Conduct or any other law. The bill would apply to political activities regardless of whether the State Commission on Judicial Conduct has commenced an investigation or formal proceeding before the effective date of the bill. The bill would take effect immediately if the bill receives the vote of two-thirds the members of each house. Otherwise, the bill would take effect September 1, 2003.
Local Government Impact
No fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated.