Bill > HB1267

This bill proposes to allow the Texas Legislature to recall a United States Senator representing Texas through a majority vote in both legislative chambers, effectively creating a state-level mechanism to remove a federally elected senator. The bill's preamble argues that the 17th Amendment (which established direct popular election of senators) has diminished states' rights and that the federal government has overreached its constitutional authorities. Specifically, the proposed legislation would add a new Chapter 147 to the Texas Election Code, enabling the state legislature to remove a U.S. Senator, with the recall taking effect immediately upon a successful vote, which would create a vacancy in the senate seat. The bill would take effect either immediately if it receives a two-thirds majority vote in both legislative chambers, or on September 1, 2025, if it does not obtain the required supermajority. The underlying motivation appears to be restoring what the bill's sponsors view as the original constitutional design of senators serving state interests, though such a provision would likely face significant legal challenges regarding federal election laws and constitutional procedures.

Government Affairs

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB1267