TX SB2051

Requires all witness testimony in impeachment proceedings to be given under oath and in sessions open to all House members or committee members, with officers allowed to testify in their defense with legal counsel present

Mandates committees provide impeachment reports and materials to House members at least 72 hours before deliberations begin, and prohibits voting for 72 hours after deliberations conclude

Bars House and Senate members from voting in impeachment proceedings involving relatives within the third degree by blood or marriage, or former spouses

Designates the Chief Justice of the Texas Supreme Court as presiding officer for governor/lieutenant governor impeachment trials, with succession to the Court of Criminal Appeals presiding judge, then 15th Court of Appeals chief justice

Limits removal from office to acts committed while holding an elected or appointed position, eliminating removal for pre-office conduct

Requires both chambers to report all impeachment-related costs within 60 days to the comptroller, lieutenant governor, speaker, Legislative Budget Board, and finance committee chairs

Takes effect January 1, 2026, contingent on voter approval of a related constitutional amendment proposed by the 89th Legislature