HB 2715 – Local official removal process reform

PRO-TAXPAYER POSITION
Support
Senate Journal Page: 2651

HB 2715 simplifies and modernizes the process for removing local officials from office when they violate public trust. Instead of relying on various local judges or attorneys, all removal petitions must now go to the presiding judge of the administrative judicial region, ensuring greater consistency and impartiality. The bill also eliminates outdated requirements mandating specific county or district attorneys to prosecute these cases, reducing the potential for local bias or conflicts of interest. These changes promote clearer legal procedures and reduce bureaucratic complexity. This reduces redundant government roles, supports more efficient use of taxpayer-funded legal resources, and enhances accountability without growing government power or cost. Overall, the bill enforces limited government ideals by strengthening checks on local officials through an efficient and neutral judicial process.

PRO-TAXPAYER POSITION
Support
Vote Breakdown:
21
10
  • Pro-Taxpayer
  • Anti-Taxpayer
  • Absent
  • Speaker
  • Absent, Excused
  • Present, not voting
  • Not Applicable
LegislatorDistrictPartyVote
Carol Alvarado
6 Democrat
X
Paul Bettencourt
7 Republican
Check
Brian Birdwell
22 Republican
Check
César Blanco
29 Democrat
Check
Donna Campbell
25 Republican
Check
Molly Cook
15 Democrat
X
Brandon Creighton
4 Republican
Check
Sarah Eckhardt
14 Democrat
X
Pete Flores
24 Republican
Check
Roland Gutierrez
19 Democrat
X
Brent Hagenbuch
30 Republican
Check
Bob Hall
2 Republican
Check
Kelly Hancock
9 Republican
Check
Juan Hinojosa
20 Democrat
X
Adam Hinojosa
27 Republican
Check
Joan Huffman
17 Republican
Check
Bryan Hughes
1 Republican
Check
Nathan Johnson
16 Democrat
X
Phil King
10 Republican
Check
Lois Kolkhorst
18 Republican
Check
José Menéndez
26 Democrat
X
Mayes Middleton
11 Republican
Check
Borris Miles
13 Democrat
X
Robert Nichols
3 Republican
Check
Tan Parker
12 Republican
Check
Angela Paxton
8 Republican
Check
Charles Perry
28 Republican
Check
Charles Schwertner
5 Republican
Check
Kevin Sparks
31 Republican
Check
Royce West
23 Democrat
X
Judith Zaffirini
21 Democrat
X