Texas Government Code 665.004 – Convening House for Impeachment Purposes When House Is Not in Session
(a) When the house is not in session it may be convened to conduct an impeachment proceeding:
(1) by proclamation of the governor;
(2) by proclamation of the speaker of the house if the speaker is petitioned in writing by 50 or more members of the house; or
(3) by proclamation in writing signed by a majority of the members of the house.
(b) Each member of the house who is in the state and accessible must be given a copy of the proclamation in person or by registered mail:
(1) by the speaker of the house or under the direction of the speaker; or
(2) by the members signing the proclamation or one or more individuals who signed the proclamation designated by the members that signed the proclamation if the proclamation was issued under Subsection (a)(3).
Terms Used In Texas Government Code 665.004
- Impeachment: (1) The process of calling something into question, as in "impeaching the testimony of a witness." (2) The constitutional process whereby the House of Representatives may "impeach" (accuse of misconduct) high officers of the federal government for trial in the Senate.
- in writing: includes any representation of words, letters, or figures, whether by writing, printing, or other means. See Texas Government Code 312.011
- Person: includes corporation, organization, government or governmental subdivision or agency, business trust, estate, trust, partnership, association, and any other legal entity. See Texas Government Code 311.005
- Signed: includes any symbol executed or adopted by a person with present intention to authenticate a writing. See Texas Government Code 311.005
(c) The proclamation must:
(1) state in general terms the reason for convening the house;
(2) state a time for the house to convene; and
(3) be published in at least three daily newspapers of general circulation.