Ken Paxton’s impeachment cost Texas taxpayers more than $4 million
The bulk of the costs came from bills from Rusty Hardin’s law firm, according to records released this week. Full Story
![From left, House Impeachment Manager Andrew Murr, R-Junction speaks with prosecution lawyers Dick DeGuerin and Rusty Hardin during a short recess on the second day of the impeachment trial for suspended Attorney General Ken Paxton Wednesday, Sept. 6, 2023 in Austin.](https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/RyU6G9bpaIPH6Wo8d5AHHN2dm5I=/850x570/smart/filters:quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/3be581d600fe0382930313307cc6df95/0906%20Impeach%20Trial%20Day%202%20EH%20TT%2035.jpg)
The latest Andrew Murr news from The Texas Tribune.
The bulk of the costs came from bills from Rusty Hardin’s law firm, according to records released this week. Full Story
Murr, who represents Junction, suggested he wanted to come home to spend more time with family. He had become a target of hardline conservative supporters of Attorney General Paxton. Full Story
The five-term House member, and his mustache, gained notoriety during the high-profile impeachment of Paxton. He warned tolerating corruption could hurt Republicans in the long term. Full Story
Paxton’s campaign promised more details soon on a “statewide Fall tour,” including campaign stops with the candidates. Full Story
The House impeachment managers faced a high bar: convincing enough Republican senators to vote against their own political self-interest. Full Story
Finally freed of a gag order, the opposing sides pulled no punches after the attorney general was acquitted. Full Story
The lieutenant governor criticized the House for a secretive and rushed process that “wasted” taxpayer dollars. The House speaker fired back, saying Patrick confessed his bias and contempt. Full Story
Led by Andrew Murr, a West Texas rancher and lawyer, and Ann Johnson, a former prosecutor, the team of 12 includes 11 with law degrees. Full Story
Seven Republicans and five Democrats make up the board of managers who will handle the prosecution in the trial. In the Senate, a committee will recommend rules of procedure on June 20. Full Story
The long list of accusations were outlined as part of 20 charges of impeachment adopted by the Texas House. Full Story
The House voted 121-23 to suspend the attorney general and refer him to the Senate for trial on charges of bribery, abuse of office and obstruction. It was the first such impeachment since 1975. Full Story
Republicans have chosen to remain largely silent during years of alleged misconduct and lawbreaking by the attorney general. Now they will have to take a public stand. Full Story
Many allegations against Paxton were already known, but the airing of them revealed the scope of the investigation by the committee, which has the power to recommend censure or impeachment. Full Story
Weeks after the committee issued four subpoenas without disclosing what they were for, it moves forward with its investigation into an unnamed lawmaker. Full Story
The bill was amended to make the benefits retroactive, supporting the family of a soldier whose name is on the legislation. Full Story
The Texas House on Tuesday approved House Bill 20, one of Gov. Greg Abbott's emergency items this year, and sent it to the Senate. Full Story
Texas courts have long been criticized for keeping people in jail pending trial who can't afford to post bond. Two priority bills this session would change the bail system, but they're primarily aimed at keeping potentially dangerous defendants behind bars. Full Story
Multiple federal courts have found Texas' cash bail practices discriminatory against poor people. The governor has said his priority bill will instead focus on keeping "dangerous criminals" in jail before they're convicted. Full Story
Even in a legislative session that began with estimates of a generous increase in state revenue, lawmakers spent a lot of time talking about big, big tax bills — all the way to the end. Full Story
Two years after a bail reform bill died in the Legislature, new bail legislation has other factors working in its favor. Full Story