H.B. No. 2715 amends the Local Government Code to streamline the process for the removal of certain officers from political subdivisions. The bill specifies that petitions for removal must be addressed to the appropriate judicial authority, with the presiding judge of the administrative judicial region now responsible for overseeing these cases. The amendments clarify that the petition must detail the grounds for removal in clear language and include specific information about the alleged acts. Additionally, the bill removes references to prosecuting attorneys in certain sections, thereby standardizing the removal process for all officers under this subchapter.

The legislation also includes provisions for the assignment of judges to handle removal proceedings, ensuring that a district court judge from a different judicial district is assigned to avoid conflicts of interest. Furthermore, it mandates that a prosecuting attorney from another district or county be appointed to represent the state in these proceedings. The changes will only apply to petitions filed after the effective date of the Act, with prior petitions governed by the law in effect at the time of filing. The Act is set to take effect immediately upon receiving a two-thirds vote from both houses or on September 1, 2025, if that threshold is not met.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: ()
House Committee Report: Local Government Code 87.015, Local Government Code 87.0151, Local Government Code 87.018 (Local Government Code 87)
Engrossed: Local Government Code 87.015, Local Government Code 87.0151, Local Government Code 87.018 (Local Government Code 87)
Senate Committee Report: Local Government Code 87.015, Local Government Code 87.0151, Local Government Code 87.018 (Local Government Code 87)
Enrolled: Local Government Code 87.015, Local Government Code 87.0151, Local Government Code 87.018 (Local Government Code 87)