Judicial conduct ballot proposal would expand Abbott’s growing influence over courts

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On Tuesday, Texas voters have their last opportunity to decide whether the state should change the makeup of the group that disciplines judges.

Advocates say it’s an overdue strengthening of the state’s judicial accountability systems, but opponents worry it will give Gov. Greg Abbott undue power over the judicial branch, politicizing what is supposed to be an independent body.

Currently, the 13-member State Commission on Judicial Conduct is made up of six judges, appointed by the Supreme Court of Texas; two attorneys appointed by the State Bar of Texas; and five citizens appointed by the governor. Former members of the commission say this balance ensured n