US EditionGov. Greg Abbott Asks for New Penalties for Lawmakers Who Flee to Halt Legislative Sessions
The expanded agenda follows Democrats leaving Texas to block a GOP redistricting plan, with proposed penalties including vacating seats after seven days absent, state officials said.
- On August 20, 2025, Gov. Greg Abbott expanded the second special session agenda to include penalties for lawmakers fleeing the state to block business, saying it's "important issues that will benefit Texas."
- Earlier this month, more than 50 Texas House Democrats fled to Illinois, Boston, and Albany, New York, depriving the chamber of the two‑thirds quorum required to conduct business and shutting down the first special session.
- Republicans imposed permission slips and Texas DPS troopers escorts, while House Bill 64 would vacate a member's seat if they leave Texas for 7 days during a session.
- With Democrats back in the chamber, the Texas House passed House Bill 4 by an 88-52 vote, potentially creating up to five new GOP-leaning districts and advancing it to the Texas Senate.
- Abbott also placed ivermectin and groundwater-study bills on the special session call, saying Texas cannot afford a repeat of lawmakers fleeing to break quorum.
15 Articles
15 Articles
Gov. Greg Abbott asks for new penalties for Texas lawmakers who flee to halt legislative sessions
The governor announced he was expanding his special session agenda shortly after the Texas House passed a congressional map that Democrats had delayed by leaving the state.
Abbott adds new legislation to second special session, including punishing awol legislators
(The Center Square) – After the Texas House passed a Congressional redistricting bill Wednesday, Gov. Greg Abbott announced that he was adding new legislation to the call for the second special legislative session.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott adds more items to the Special Session #2 Agenda
AUSTIN, Texas (KVIA) -- Texas Governor Greg Abbott says he added three items to the Special Session #2 Agenda. Those items include: Legislation to impose penalties or punishments for legislators who willfully absent themselves during a session Legislation to authorize a person to purchase Ivermectin at a pharmacy Legislation relating to a groundwater study of East Texas aquifers by the Texas Water Development Board prior to the issuance of perm…
Gov. Abbott adds quorum break penalties, Ivermectin access to special session call
AUSTIN (Nexstar) -- Gov. Greg Abbott is calling on lawmakers to pass more legislation during the ongoing Special Session. Wednesday evening, he announced that he added three items to the Special Session #2 agenda. A news release from the Governor's office outlined the additional items, which he called "important issues that will benefit Texas." Legislation to impose penalties or punishments for legislators who willfully absent themselves during…
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