In the impeachment process in Texas, who is responsible for impeaching and who tries the case?

In Texas, the impeachment process is structured such that the responsibility for impeaching an official lies with the House of Representatives, while the trial of that impeachment is conducted by the Senate. This distinct division of responsibilities serves to create a system of checks and balances within the state government.

When a public official, such as the Governor or a member of the judiciary, is accused of misconduct, the House takes the initiative to investigate the allegations and decide whether there is sufficient evidence to bring formal impeachment charges. This step serves as a safeguard to ensure that impeachment is reserved for serious breaches of public trust.

Once the House approves articles of impeachment, the Senate then steps in to conduct a trial, which is where evidence is presented, witnesses may be called, and arguments are made regarding the official's conduct. A two-thirds majority vote in the Senate is required to convict and remove the official from office. This method reflects the importance of deliberation and ensures that a fair hearing takes place before an official can be removed from their position.

This process is specifically designed to maintain accountability among public officials while respecting their rights and providing a proper judicial process. Overall, the division of duties between the House and the Senate in the impeachment process exemplifies the principles of checks and balances fundamental