In a recent development, the Texas House of Representatives has imposed fines exceeding $9,000 on the Democratic lawmakers who left the state earlier this month in a bid to break quorum.
These legislators, who attempted to thwart the passage of mid-census congressional redistricting plans, are required to pay these fines from their personal finances, as campaign funds are not permissible for this purpose.
According to Breitbart, Scott Braddock of the Quorum Report disclosed on social media that letters were dispatched to the Democrats involved, notifying them of the financial penalties. The House rules stipulate a fine of $500 per day for representatives who exit the state with the intent of disrupting quorum.
This move by the Texas Democrats, who took flight in a failed effort to derail the redistricting process, resulted in the premature conclusion of the first special session. Governor Greg Abbott promptly convened a second special session, compelling the Democrats to return to the Capitol and fulfill their legislative responsibilities.
Subsequently, the Texas House approved revised congressional maps, which aim to establish five additional Republican seats, passing the measure with a partisan vote of 88-52. The proposed legislation now awaits consideration by the Senate, with a vote anticipated on Friday, and ultimately requires Governor Abbott's endorsement to become law.
Brad Johnson of The Texan News shared a copy of the letter sent to the Democratic representatives, outlining the financial repercussions of their absence. The letter specifies a total of $7,000 in fines, alongside $2,354.25 in costs incurred by the House due to their unauthorized departure. The payment deadline is set for August 25, unless the lawmakers opt to request a due process hearing.
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