Here’s how the impeachment process could unfold for Attorney General

Ken Paxton.

First, the House must convene a hearing.

Is the House still in session?

The House may conduct an impeachment hearing during the regular legislative session, which ends on May 29.

The House must receive a proclamation to hold an impeachment hearing.

This can come from the governor; the speaker of the House plus at least 50 members of the House; or from a majority of the House.

If the legislative session ends during the hearing, the House can continue the impeachment proceedings or adjourn to a later date.

HOUSE HEARING

One House seat is currently vacant

At the end of the hearing, if a simple majority (75 in this case with one seat currently vacant) in the House votes to impeach, the Senate will hold a trial. Paxton would be removed from office until after the trial.

Is the Senate still in session?

The Senate will schedule a trial to consider the articles of impeachment from the House.

If the Senate is not in session, the House will deliver a copy of the articles of impeachment to the governor, lieutenant governor and the 31 senators.

If the legislative session ends during the trial, the Senate can continue or meet again later.

Gov. Greg Abbott has 10 days to tell the Senate to start a trial.

If the governor doesn’t act, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick can call a trial within five days after that.

If the lieutenant governor doesn’t act, the president pro tempore of the Senate, Sen. Kelly Hancock, can act within five days after that.

Finally, if none of these officials makes a proclamation, a majority of senators (16) can call for a trial. Paxton’s wife, Angela, is a senator.

The Senate will then consider the articles of impeachment in a public trial.

SENATE TRIAL

If two-thirds of senators (21) vote in favor of impeachment, Paxton would be permanently removed from office.

Here’s how the impeachment process could unfold for Attorney General

Ken Paxton.

First, the House must convene a hearing.

Is the House still in session?

The House may conduct an impeachment hearing during the regular legislative session, which ends on May 29.

The House must receive a proclamation to hold an impeachment hearing.

This can come from the governor; the speaker of the House plus at least 50 members of the House; or from a majority of the House.

If the legislative session ends during the hearing, the House can continue the impeachment proceedings or adjourn to a later date.

HOUSE HEARING

One House seat is currently vacant

At the end of the hearing, if a simple majority (75 in this case with one seat currently vacant) in the House votes to impeach, the Senate will hold a trial. Paxton would be removed from office until after the trial.

Is the Senate still in session?

The Senate will schedule a trial to consider the articles of impeachment from the House.

If the Senate is not in session, the House will deliver a copy of the articles of impeachment to the governor, lieutenant governor and the 31 senators.

If the session ends during the trial, the Senate can continue or meet again later.

Gov. Greg Abbott has 10 days to tell the Senate to start a trial.

If the governor doesn’t act, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick can call a trial within five days after that.

If the lieutenant governor doesn’t act, the president pro tempore of the Senate, Sen. Kelly Hancock, can act within five days after that.

Finally, if none of these officials makes a proclamation, a majority of senators (16) can call for a trial. Paxton’s wife, Angela, is a senator.

The Senate will then consider the articles of impeachment in a public trial.

SENATE TRIAL

If two-thirds of senators (21) vote in favor of impeachment, Paxton would be permanently removed from office.