Texas Lawmakers Pass Bill Allowing Removal of ‘Rogue’ Prosecutors Who Fail to Enforce Laws

The Texas State Capitol is seen on the first day of the 87th Legislature's third special session in Austin, Texas, on Sept. 20, 2021. Tamir Kalifa/Getty Images

The Texas Legislature passed a bill on May 28 that could pave the way for locally elected prosecutors to be removed from office for misconduct if they fail to enforce certain laws.

House Bill 17 (pdf) was introduced by Republican state Sen. Joan Huffman earlier this year and it passed the Senate Sunday in a 20–11 vote after passing both legislative houses in April.