AUSTIN (Talk1370.com) -- A Texas House Committee voted Friday to finalize financial penalties against Democrat lawmakers who fled the state last summer to block a redistricting vote. The House Administration Committee approved a total of $118,889.81 in enforcement costs and $303,000 in daily fines, resulting in a charge of approximately $8,354 per lawmaker.
The final approved total is about $1,000 less per member than initial estimates after the committee opted to remove penalties for two Sundays where the House was not in session.
The 6-5 party-line vote follows months of tension stemming from the Democrats' coordinated departure during last year’s special sessions. The move successfully denied the chamber a quorum, temporarily halting legislative proceedings. In response, Governor Greg Abbott directed the House to pursue punishments for those who "willfully absent themselves."
The approved costs cover a $500 per day daily fine for each absent member, along with reimbursement for costs incurred by the Texas Department of Public Safety, which was tasked with locating and returning the missing legislators.
Friday's decision followed a six-hour executive session involving attorneys for the Democrats and DPS officials. State Rep. Gene Wu, head of the Democrat Caucus, stated he intends to pay his fines personally, but noted that others may refuse in protest. State Rep. Jolanda Jones indicated that a legal challenge to the penalties is likely.
Notably, House rules prohibit the use of campaign funds for these payments, meaning the money must come directly from the lawmakers' personal finances.
Before the final vote, State Rep. Sheryl Cole unsuccessfully moved to reduce or eliminate the fines entirely.
The committee also voted to adopt new penalties to try and prevent future quorum breaks, including increasing daily fines by three times, escalating sanctions for members with extended absences, and potential expulsion. However, because House rules do not automatically carry over between sessions, these specific provisions would need to be re-adopted by future legislatures to remain in effect.
Committee approves $500 per day fine for each absent member plus reimbursement for DPS costs
Committee approves $500 per day fine for each absent member plus reimbursement for DPS costs
