3 weeks ago
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(NewsNation) — Texas House Democrats returned to the authorities Capitol nether constabulary surveillance aft House Speaker Dustin Burrows declared a quorum had been reached successful a 2nd peculiar legislative session.
Texas Department of Public Safety troopers person been ordered to supply "around-the-clock escorts" for lawmakers aft Democrats fled the authorities to artifact a ballot connected a Republican-backed redistricting proposal.
State Rep. Nicole Collier, D-Fort Worth, refused the constabulary escort, stating she'd alternatively walk the nighttime wrong the Capitol than hold to person a trooper show her movements. She was inactive successful the Capitol connected aboriginal Tuesday, livestreaming from the House floor.
"They are nether the custody of DPS," Collier said, of her colleagues. "They're not escaped to spell anyplace unless the DPS is pursuing them. I would accidental that they are besides being detained. I'm being detained connected the level due to the fact that I'm being defiant and refusing to bow down to everything that they say."
Burrows ordered the enclosure doors locked and has required written support for members to leave. Democrats who antecedently broke quorum and faced apprehension warrants indispensable hold to beryllium released into the custody of a designated trooper, who volition escort them backmost for the adjacent session.
Texas democrats look penalties for breaking quorum
Civil apprehension warrants stay progressive for the lawmakers, on with fines, fund cuts and different penalties for breaking quorum.
Burrows said those who fled the authorities outgo the DPS astatine slightest six figures successful overtime — a outgo the Democrats are expected to cover. Each lawmaker is besides liable for a $500 regular fine, which adds up to $7,000 each for their 14-day absence.
Partisan disagreement successful Texas redistricting fight
Republicans reason the constabulary escorts are simply an enforcement of the rules, but Democrats accidental the measures are an maltreatment of power.
Collier urged Democrats successful different states to redraw their ain maps to counteract Republicans' efforts successful Texas.
Lawmakers were scheduled to reconvene Wednesday morning.
