AT THE CAPITOL
News from the 88th legislative session
NUMBER TO KNOW have set aside in a 1,030-page budget, which will fund a variety of state programs for fiscal years 2023-24 and 2024-25. $321B That’s how much Texas lawmakers UPDATES FROM LOCAL LEGISLATORS
Paxton impeachment trial to begin Sept. 5 in Senate After two days of discussions behind closed doors, the Texas Senate set a Sept. 5 start date for the impeachment trial of suspended Attorney General Ken Paxton and adopted rules governing the proceedings. BY HANNAH NORTON FEB. 10 Paxton enters into a $3.3 million settlement agreement with four former employees who said they were wrongfully fired in 2020. A TIMELINE OF THE IMPEACHMENT OF ATTORNEY GENERAL KEN PAXTON
The 31 state senators will serve as jurors, and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick will preside over the court, similar to a judge. Sen. Angela Paxton, R-McKinney, the attorney gener- al’s wife, must be present for the trial, but is not allowed to participate or vote, according to a resolution adopted in a 25-3 vote June 21. The attorney general is accused of bribery, conspiracy, retaliation against former employees and more. The Texas House adopted 20 articles of impeachment against him with a 121-23 vote May 27. Paxton was suspended without pay following the House vote. The Senate will decide whether he will be reinstated or permanently removed from office. Former Secretary of State John Scott is serving as interim attorney general in the meantime. Paxton can plead guilty or not guilty to 16 articles of impeachment during the trial. A two-thirds vote is needed to convict him of any charges. Houston attorneys Tony Buzbee and Dan Cogdell will defend the attorney general during the trial. Dick DeGuerin and Rusty Hardin, who are also based in Houston, will prosecute Paxton on behalf of the House.
MARCH 8-20 House General Investigating Committee opens an investigation into Paxton and the proposed settlement. MAY 24 Attorneys present material from the investigation during a four-hour committee hearing. FEB. 21 Paxton asks the Texas Legislature to fund his settlement with taxpayer money. MAY 25 The committee unanimously adopts 20 articles of impeachment against Paxton. The articles and a full transcript of the hearing are shared with House lawmakers. MAY 31 Gov. Greg Abbott appoints former Secretary of State John Scott to serve as interim attorney general. MAY 27 After four hours of debate, Texas House votes 121-23 to impeach Paxton. He is immediately suspended from office. SEPT. 5 The impeachment trial is scheduled to begin in the Texas Senate. State senators will serve as jurors and determine if Paxton is guilty of 16 individual charges. JUNE 21 After two days of deliberations, the Texas Senate adopts 31 rules governing the impeachment trial.
REP. MIKE SCHOFIELD Katy Republican Elected: 2020
House Bill 294 Mike Schofield, R-Katy, filed HB 294 early in the 88th legislative session. The bill aims to separate federal elections from state and local elections on ballots, changing procedures to “reduce voter disruption and confusion to the greatest extent possible.” The bill was referred to the elections committee in late February where it stayed until the session ended. The bill was refiled in the summer special sessions, seeing no movement as of press time.
SOURCE: TEXAS LEGISLATURE ONLINE/COMMUNITY IMPACT
Leg Pain Keeping You from Living Your Best Life? Get Top Specialty Care in Katy, TX! IF YOU EXPERIENCE:
• Burning, numbness in legs/feet • Leg skin discoloration, hair loss • Swelling and edema in legs • Sores or ulcers on legs or feet • Leg pain when walking but not at rest • Varicose or bulging veins • Poor circulation • Leg pain, heaviness, and fatigue You may have Arterial or Vein Disease We treat artery and vein issues with advanced minimally invasive procedures! Avoid surgery. Covered by most insurance plans.
(281) 201-1917 23510 Kingsland Blvd Suite 100, Katy, TX 77494 HamiltonVascular.com We accept most major insurances including Medicare
11
KATY SOUTH - FULSHEAR EDITION • JULY 2023
Powered by FlippingBook