Texas Senate Passes Impeachment Reform Bills Following AG Paxton Trial Fallout

The Texas Senate unanimously passed Senate Bill 2051 and Senate Joint Resolution 68, authored by Senator Brian Birdwell (R), aiming to reform the state’s impeachment process. The legislation follows sharp criticism of the Texas House’s 2023 impeachment of Attorney General Ken Paxton, which ended in acquittal.

Lt. Governor Dan Patrick, who presided over the Senate trial, issued a statement backing the reforms.

“Promises made, promises kept,” Patrick said. “In 2023, House members were rushed into taking an impeachment vote without proper time to deliberate or even see the evidence themselves. No witnesses were placed under oath... [and] witness testimony fell apart when they were placed under oath at trial in the Senate.”

Patrick added that the impeachment process lacked transparency and fairness, citing the over $5.1 million it ultimately cost taxpayers, figures he says were hidden during the proceedings.

“Former Speaker Phelan did all he could to cover up the true cost of impeachment from taxpayers,” he said.

Under SB 2051, all witness testimony before the House General Investigating Committee must be given under oath. It also mandates a minimum 72-hour review period for House members to examine evidence before floor deliberations, followed by another 72-hour period after debate before a final vote can occur. Additionally, both legislative chambers will be required to disclose impeachment-related costs promptly following any trial.

SJR 68 guarantees that impeached state officeholders continue to receive their salaries while proceedings are ongoing addressing what Patrick called an “unjust” financial penalty that occurred when Paxton was not paid during the months between his impeachment and Senate acquittal.

“With a new speaker and many new members, it is time to look forward,” Patrick said. “Sen. Birdwell’s bill and joint resolution are about making sure future impeachments, should they be necessary, are fair for the accused and fully transparent for taxpayers.”

Passed in the Texas Senate, the measures now move to the Texas House for consideration.