A Texas House Committee voted to impose nearly $422,000 in fines on Democratic lawmakers who fled the state last August to block a Republican-led redistricting plan, escalating a political fight that has stretched on for months.
The Texas House Committee on House Administration approved $303,000 in fines and $118,889.81 in enforcement costs, for a total of about $8,354 per lawmaker.
The 6-5 vote came after a six-hour executive session involving attorneys for the Democrats and officials from the Texas Department of Public Safety. The penalties cover a $500 per day fine for each absent member, along with reimbursement for state costs tied to efforts to locate and return the lawmakers.
The final amount was lowered slightly after the committee removed penalties for two Sundays when the House was not in session.
The walkout involved 52 Democratic members who left Texas for more than two weeks, denying the chamber a quorum and temporarily halting legislative business. Republicans argued the move obstructed the House, while Democrats said they were using a constitutional tool to protect their constituents from a mid-decade congressional redistricting plan backed by President Donald Trump and Gov. Greg Abbott.
Democrats criticized both the process and the penalties.
"Americans just like us, from both sides of the aisle, have been murdered over politics in the past year. We can't play any part in bringing that to Texas," said State Rep. Joe Moody (D), warning against escalating political rhetoric.
State Rep. Sheryl Cole argued the process failed basic fairness standards, saying, "These proposed fines... can only be levied pursuant to the House's legitimate authority and after due process."
State Rep. Gene Wu said Democrats are considering their next steps.
"The House can enforce its rules, and members can use constitutional tools when our constituents' representation is under attack," said Wu. "But if leadership is going to impose thousands of dollars in personal penalties, it has to provide timely notice, transparent records, and a meaningful chance to respond."
The committee vote closes one phase of the quorum standoff, but the dispute is far from over. With Democrats signaling possible legal challenges and Republicans advancing even tougher future penalties, the battle over redistricting and legislative power in Texas is likely to continue.
