Which body is responsible for conducting impeachment trials in Texas?

The body responsible for conducting impeachment trials in Texas is the Senate. In the impeachment process, the House of Representatives has the authority to impeach a public official by bringing charges against them, similar to an indictment. However, it is the Senate that holds the trial once the House has impeached an official. During the trial, the Senate acts as the jury and determines whether the official will be removed from office.

This process is outlined in Article 15 of the Texas Constitution, which stipulates that the Senate must conduct the trials and that a two-thirds majority is required for conviction and removal. This framework ensures that impeachment is a thorough process involving multiple branches of government, reflecting the seriousness of the actions being considered against the official. Additionally, having a separate body for the trial helps maintain checks and balances within the state government.