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HJR 140

Proposing a constitutional amendment regarding the membership of the State Commission on Judicial Conduct and the authority of the commission and the Texas Supreme Court to more effectively sanction judges and justices for judicial misconduct.

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by Janis Holt

Proposes constitutional amendment expanding Texas judicial discipline powers and restructuring State Commission on Judicial Conduct to strengthen sanctions against judicial misconduct.

Referred to Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence
#courts--judges(i0140) #governor(i0375) #judicialconduct #statecommissionon(v0014) #resolutions--constitutionalamendments(i0661) #senate #texas(v0227) #supremecourt(v0311)
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Bill Summary · HJR 140

Legislative bill overview

HJR 140 proposes a constitutional amendment to modify the Texas State Commission on Judicial Conduct's membership structure and expand the disciplinary powers of both the Commission and Texas Supreme Court regarding judicial misconduct. The amendment would strengthen the mechanisms available to sanction judges and justices for violations of judicial conduct standards.

Why is this important

Judicial conduct systems directly affect public confidence in the courts and the integrity of the justice system. Expanding disciplinary authority could enable faster or more severe consequences for misconduct, but could also raise questions about judicial independence and due process protections for judges facing discipline.

Potential points of contention

  • Judicial independence concerns: Expanding sanction authority, particularly if the Supreme Court gains unilateral power, could blur the separation between judicial discipline and political influence
  • Commission membership changes: Alterations to the Commission's composition may shift power dynamics between judicial and non-judicial appointees in ways that could be viewed as either improving accountability or compromising impartiality
  • Scope of sanctioning authority: The bill's undefined expansion of "authority to more effectively sanction" leaves unclear what new penalties or processes would be implemented, making full evaluation difficult

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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