Georgia Legislative Watch

State Rep. Ron Forester’s impeachment resolution is now online:

WHEREAS, Article V, Section I, Paragraph VI of the Constitution of the State of Georgia states: “The Governor and Lieutenant Governor shall, before entering on the duties of office, take such oath or affirmation as prescribed by law.”; and

WHEREAS, Official Code of Georgia Annotated Section 45-3-1 provides that as a part of the oath of office, every public officer shall swear that he or she will support the Constitution of the United States and of this state; and

WHEREAS, Article III, Section V, Paragraph XIII of the Constitution of the State of Georgia provides that when the house of origination votes to override a veto by the Governor, the same shall be immediately transmitted to the other house where it shall be immediately considered; and

WHEREAS, the Lieutenant Governor has violated his oath of office to support the Constitution of the state by failing to immediately consider vetoes transmitted to the Senate by the House of Representatives; and

WHEREAS, Article III, Section VII, Paragraph I of the Constitution provides that the House of Representatives shall have the sole power to vote impeachment charges against any executive or judicial officer of this state; and

WHEREAS, Article III, Section VII, Paragraph I of the Constitution provides: “In cases of impeachment, judgments shall not extend further than removal from office and disqualification to hold and enjoy any office of honor, trust, or profit within this state or to receive a pension therefrom, but no such judgment shall relieve any party from any criminal or civil liability.”; and this instance merits a judgment of at least a partial loss of compensation.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that this body upon adoption of this resolution and articles of impeachment does hereby bring charges of impeachment against the Lieutenant Governor of this state.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Speaker of the House is authorized and directed to appoint Managers of the charges of impeachment from the membership of the House.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Managers appointed by the Speaker of the House are authorized and directed to transmit this resolution and the articles of impeachment to the Senate.