SJR 39 – Requires impeachments to be tried by the Senate, rather than the Supreme Court

• Sponsor: Ridgeway
• LR Number: 4116S.01I
• Committee: Judiciary and Civil & Criminal Jurisprudence
• Last Action: 2/1/2006 - Second Read and Referred S Judiciary and Civil & Criminal Jurisprudence Committee
• Journal Page: S151
• Effective Date: Upon voter approval

Current Bill Summary

SJR 39 - This proposed constitutional amendment, if approved by the voters, modifies procedures for the impeachment of certain state officials. Currently, impeachments are tried before the supreme court or a commission appointed by the court. This act requires impeachments to be tried before the senate. When the governor is tried, the chief justice of the supreme court shall preside. Currently, no person can be impeached without the concurrence of five-sevenths of the court. This act provides that two-thirds of the senators present must vote for impeachment.

JIM ERTLE