Proposing a constitutional amendment allowing an impeached officer to continue in office pending the impeachment trial.

Texas House Joint Resolution 149 (HJR149) proposes a constitutional amendment that would allow state officers who have been impeached to remain in office until their impeachment trial concludes. Currently, the Texas Constitution mandates that an officer under impeachment is automatically suspended from their duties, and the governor has the authority to appoint an interim replacement. If HJR149 is approved by voters, this automatic suspension and the governor's appointment power would be eliminated, enabling impeached officials to continue serving until the trial's outcome. ([texaspolicyresearch.com](https://www.texaspolicyresearch.com/bills/89th-legislature-hjr-149/?utm_source=openai))

Supporters of HJR149 argue that the current automatic suspension of impeached officials can be disruptive and may not always be justified, especially if the impeachment proceedings are lengthy or unfounded. By allowing officials to remain in office pending trial, the amendment could ensure continuity in governance and prevent potential misuse of the impeachment process. ([texaspolicyresearch.com](https://www.texaspolicyresearch.com/bills/89th-legislature-hjr-149/?utm_source=openai))

Critics of HJR149 express concern that permitting impeached officials to stay in office during the trial could undermine the integrity of the impeachment process. They fear it might allow officials facing serious allegations to continue exercising their powers, potentially influencing the trial's outcome or further damaging public trust in the institution. ([texaspolicyresearch.com](https://www.texaspolicyresearch.com/bills/89th-legislature-hjr-149/?utm_source=openai))