Lawmakers would hold hearings before asking governor to remove officers, except state lawmakers and lieutenant governor

A majority in each chamber would approve a hearing plan before a removal hearing. The process covers officers other than the lieutenant governor and state lawmakers. The plan must name the officer, state the reasons for removal, and give the hearing’s date, time, place, and rules. The officer must get the reasons and hearing details at least 10 days before the hearing.

A hearing would let the officer answer the claims against them. The hearing may take place in the House, the Senate, or both chambers together. The officer may have a lawyer, present evidence, question witnesses, and choose whether to testify. Those seeking removal must clearly and convincingly prove the alleged facts. Each lawmaker then decides whether the proven facts justify removal.

A committee would decide whether there is good reason to seek an officer’s removal. These steps apply to removal requests for officers other than the lieutenant governor and state lawmakers. The hearing plan may allow an early inquiry. If its committee does not find majority support for a reason to seek removal, it must report that result to the Speaker, ending the matter. If a committee majority finds good reason after the full hearing, the House must prepare a report with its reasons and evidence. A request for the governor to remove the officer must pass by a two-thirds vote in each chamber. At the close of the full hearing, the committee would vote if a motion is made.