Sec. 1. OFFICIAL OATH OF OFFICE.

308 words·~1 min read·/tx/the-texas-constitution/article-16-general-provisions/1·

A research copy — for the controlling text, always check the official state or federal source. Not legal advice.

(a)All elected and appointed officers, before they enter upon the duties of their offices, shall take the following Oath or Affirmation:

"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."

(b)All elected or appointed officers, before taking the Oath or Affirmation of office prescribed by this section and entering upon the duties of office, shall subscribe to the following statement:

"I, _______________________, do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I have not directly or indirectly paid, offered, promised to pay, contributed, or promised to contribute any money or thing of value, or promised any public office or employment for the giving or withholding of a vote at the election at which I was elected or as a reward to secure my appointment or confirmation, whichever the case may be, so help me God."

(c)Members of the Legislature, the Secretary of State, and all other elected and appointed state officers shall file the signed statement required by Subsection

(b)of this section with the Secretary of State before taking the Oath or Affirmation of office prescribed by Subsection

(a)of this section. All other officers shall retain the signed statement required by Subsection

(b)of this section with the official records of the office.

(Feb. 15, 1876. Amended Nov. 8, 1938, and Nov. 6, 1956; Subsecs. (a)-(c) amended and (d)-(f) added Nov. 7, 1989; Subsecs.

(a)and

(b)amended, Subsecs.

(c)and

(d)deleted, and Subsecs.

(e)and

(f)amended and redesignated as Subsec.

(c)Nov. 6, 2001.) (TEMPORARY TRANSITION PROVISION for Sec. 1: See Appendix, Note 3.)