Governor Abbott Vetoes House Bill 4103 (84R)
Pursuant to Article IV, Section 14, of the Texas Constitution, I, Greg Abbott, Governor of Texas, do hereby disapprove of and veto House Bill No. 4103 as passed by the Eighty-Fourth Texas Legislature, Regular Session, because of the following objections:
The Texas Constitution requires all elected or appointed officers to take the following oath: "I, do solemnly swear (or affirm), that I will faithfully execute the duties of the office of of the State of Texas, and will to the best of my ability preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution and laws of the United States and of this State, so help me God." The oath is commonly re-taken when an existing officeholder begins a new term. House Bill 4103 would exempt municipal judges from the need to take the oath for a subsequent term of office. Judges, of all offices, should never be excused from the obligation to swear to preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution.
Since the Eighty-Fourth Texas Legislature, Regular Session, by its adjournment has prevented the return of this bill, I am filing these objections in the office of the Secretary of State and giving notice thereof by this public proclamation according to the aforementioned constitutional provision.
GREG ABBOTT
Governor
View a PDF of the veto here