LEGISLATIVE BUDGET BOARD

Austin, Texas

FISCAL NOTE, 78TH LEGISLATIVE REGULAR SESSION

April 22, 2003

TO:	Honorable Kenny Marchant, Chair, House Committee on State Affairs
FROM:	John Keel, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:	HJR48 by Wilson (Proposing a constitutional amendment providing for the removal of justices of the peace by the legislature and specifying when the house and the senate may consider the removal of justices of the peace and other officers.), As Introduced

No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated, other than the cost of publication.

The cost to the state for publication of the resolution is $85,275.

The bill would amend Article XV of the Texas Constitution by stating that the power of impeachment shall be vested in the House of Representatives.  The House would exercise the power of impeachment at any regular or special session. When the Legislature is not in session the Speaker would convene the House for that purpose for a period of time prescribed by the Speaker.  The Senate would try the impeachment of an officer at any regular or special session. When the Legislature is not in session and the House of Representatives has preferred articles of impeachment against an officer, the Lieutenant Governor would convene the Senate to try the impeachment.

 

This proposed constitutional amendment would be submitted to the voters at an election to be held November 4, 2003.

Local Government Impact

No fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated.

Source Agencies:
LBB Staff:	JK, RR, MS