Texas Gov. Greg Abbott vows to hold DAs accountable who don't uphold the law

The bill expands the definition of 'official misconduct' for which a district attorney can be removed from office.

Published: June 19, 2023 4:06pm

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott on Monday announced a new law he signed that will help 'reign in' rogue district attorneys. 

"A new law I signed will help reign in rogue district attorneys," the Republican wrote on Twitter. "Those who want to work in Texas law enforcement must uphold the laws and protect Texans. If not, they will be held accountable."

Tweet URL

Abbott's reference was to House Bill 17 which he signed earlier this month.

This bill allows for residents of Texas to call for the removal of district attorneys who refuse to prosecute a class or type of criminal offense by filing a petition.  

This bill was a response to left-wing district attorneys who vowed not to enforce abortion bans after the overturning of Roe V. Wade in the summer of 2022, according to Fox News

The bill also expands the definition of "official misconduct" for which a district attorney can be removed from office.

The law will take place immediately after it receives a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, in accordance with the Texas Constitution.

The Facts Inside Our Reporter's Notebook

Links

Other Media

Tweet URL

Unlock unlimited access

  • No Ads Within Stories
  • No Autoplay Videos
  • VIP access to exclusive Just the News newsmaker events hosted by John Solomon and his team.
  • Support the investigative reporting and honest news presentation you've come to enjoy from Just the News.
  • Just the News Spotlight

    Support Just the News