AUSTIN (Talk1370.com) -- Ken Paxton's impeachment trial before the Texas Senate will get underway on September 5, after two days of deliberations to draft rules for the upcoming proceedings.
The adopted rules will block Paxton's wife Angela, who serves as a Republican state senator from McKinney, from voting in the trial. The rules say she will be seated as a member of the jury, but "not be eligible to vote on any matter, motion, or question, or participate in closed sessions or deliberations."
The rules were adopted on a 25-3 vote Wednesday evening, with Paxton as well as Sens. Bob Hall (R-Edgewood), and Sarah Eckhardt (D-Austin) voting against them.
A separate resolution, adopted on a 28-0 vote, calls on Ken Paxton to appear in person with counsel to "answer the said charges of impeachment" prior to the beginning of the trial.
Similar to an impeachment at the federal level, the 31 senators will serve as a jury, ultimately voting to convict or acquit Paxton on the 20 articles of impeachment against him. A two-thirds majority - 21 votes - will be required to permanently remove Paxton from office.
The proceedings carry no criminal aspect; senators will only determine whether Paxton is fit to remain in office.
Following the votes Wednesday, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick specifically highlighted two sections of the adopted rules - one that blocks members of the court and their staffs from discussing or commenting "on any matter relating to the merits of the proceedings before the court of impeachment" with anyone outside the Senate. The rules also block members from "advocating a position on the merits" of the case among themselves until deliberations begin.
