Texas Democrats who left the state on Sunday are facing fines of $500 daily as they attempt to block the GOP’s efforts to redraw the map for the state Capitol. They are also seeking the arrest of Governor Greg Abbott (R) for his actions.
Democrats have refused to allow enough members to be present and have denied any attempts to adjust the zoning proposals, creating potential risks for their backers.
This situation escalated Monday when Abbott issued a warrant to the Texas Department of Public Safety, stating that members who have not fulfilled their obligations to Texans need to return to the House until all the absent Democrats are accounted for.
In the meantime, the Democrats who remain outside of Texas are facing those daily fines, which add to their living expenses away from home. With over 50 lawmakers having left the state, the costs are beginning to mount.
The fines are consequences of the latest quorum break.
This isn’t the first instance where Texas Democrats have broken quorum to hinder legislative progress—a strategy they’ve employed before. They did this in 2003 and again in 2021 when Republicans sought to impose new voting restrictions.
Even though they effectively slowed down proceedings, ultimately, the legislation passed.
It’s been less than two years since the Democrats’ last quorum break in 2021, which led to a standstill of more than five weeks. A new penalty was introduced for lawmakers who disrupt quorum.
Under the rules passed in 2023, lawmakers who skip out on family sessions with the intent to obstruct operations may face fines, responsibilities, and even potential expulsion, among other consequences.
Donors might help cover some costs.
Democrats have shared little specific information on how they plan to mitigate these costs stemming from their protests. However, it’s been reported that some donors are ready to step in. Some appear to be exploring ways around regulations that prevent lawmakers from using campaign funds to cover fines.
Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker (D) affirmed on Sunday that state legislators have the right to generate funds but has not committed to personally supporting them. Similarly, New York Governor Kathy Hochul (D) mentioned that lawmakers might incur significant legal expenses and encouraged others to support their cause.
Beyond fines, the costs associated with staying away from the state are also significant.
In 2021, along with former Representative Beto O’Rourke (D), Texas Democrats reportedly received $600,000 to help with housing, food, and transportation while they were in Washington, D.C.
The timing affects potential costs.
Texas state legislators earn around $600 monthly in addition to their base salary and a daily allowance when the session is active. Considering the $500 daily fine, a few weeks away could quickly surpass a lawmaker’s regular pay.
The quorum was broken for four days in 2003 and nearly six weeks in 2021. The legislators who left the state may soon exhaust their time during the ongoing 30-day special session that kicked off on July 21. Abbott, however, has the authority to call unlimited additional special sessions.
Democrats aim to challenge the map before the 2026 submission period, which is crucial to preventing it from taking effect prior to the midterm elections. Yet, by leaving, they’re halting other legislative processes as well.
It remains unclear how long the Democrats can sustain this strategy, both logistically and financially.
“We’re here. We’re committed to this. We’re all away from our families. This isn’t a decision we take lightly,” noted Texas Rep. Gene Wu (D) when questioned about the duration of their efforts.
Abbott threatens fines and arrests.
State Democrats involved in the quorum break risk losing their House seats as Abbott warned of stripping away memberships for legislators who were absent when the House reconvened. He also suggested that accepting support to cover fines could violate the state’s bribery laws.
Abbott claimed that these lawmakers might be guilty of a felony for abandoning their responsibilities and noted that many missing Democrats were seeking financial assistance to pay off their fines.
He might even pursue bribery charges with additional fines. On Monday, Abbott ordered the arrest of absent Democrats to ensure compliance with legislative requirements, branding them “delinquent.” He hinted that further actions would follow.
Shortly after, the Texas House Democrat Caucus responded to the governor’s threats with a defiant message: “Come and take it.”
