texas proposition 12
proposition 12: Judicial Oversight or Political Weapon?
Texans are being told that Proposition 12 will bring more transparency to the way judges are disciplined. But hidden in the fine print is a major power shift: the Governor would appoint the majority of the Commission that oversees judges. That raises serious questions about whether this “reform” is really about accountability — or about giving partisan appointees a new way to intimidate the courts.
Prop 12 (SJR 27) would dissolve the current Commission on Judicial Conduct and rebuild it in 2026 with 6 judges appointed by the Texas Supreme Court and 7 public members appointed directly by the Governor. For the first time, the Governor’s appointees would hold the majority.
📖 Read the full text of SJR 27 (Prop 12): 89(R) SJR 27 - Enrolled version
📖 Read the enabling legislation (SB 293): 89(R) SB 293 - Enrolled version
📑 Read the Senate Research Center’s Bill Analysis
👉 Want to understand the criticisms of the current Commission, what changes Prop 12 would actually make, and how it fits into a larger pattern of “citizen enforcement” laws in Texas? Read our full breakdown on Substack, where we explain what it really does and why it matters.
Continue reading on Substack → Proposition 12: Judicial Oversight or Political Weapon