AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — A state investigation that could result in the impeachment of a University of Texas System regent will cost taxpayers $300 an hour in outside legal fees.
The Austin American-Statesman reported Monday that the UT System is also expected to pay $525 an hour for private attorneys while a House committee takes a closer look into Regent Wallace Hall Jr. The investigation is expected to last months and could end with a considerable price tag.
Hall is under scrutiny for burying the flagship UT Austin campus under open records requests. Some lawmakers believe Hall wants to oust university President Bill Powers, whose strong political support doesn’t include Gov. Rick Perry.
No appointed state official has ever been impeached.
House lawmakers hired prominent Houston attorney Rusty Hardin to lead its investigation.