Oath (or Affirmation) of Office

Pursuant to Art. XVI, Sec. 1, Texas Constitution, 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.” The Oath must be taken AFTER the officer has subscribed to the Statement of Elected (or appointed) Officer. The Oath must be administered by someone authorized to administer an oath under Texas law. The most commonly-used person to administer oaths is a notary public. Additionally, Section 602.002 of the Texas Government Code authorizes all city secretaries to administer oaths for matters relating to city business. In a Type A general law city, the mayor may also administer the oath. Tex. Local Gov’t Code Ann. § 22.042. Other officials who may administer an oath include: a judge, retired judge, senior judge, clerk, or commissioner of a court of record; a justice of the peace or a clerk of a justice court; a legislator or retired legislator. (See Chapter 602, Government Code, for the complete list.)