Rep. Nicole Collier's Protest: Refusal to Leave Texas House Chamber Over DPS Escort

House Democrats' Return and Redistricting Push

• 🏛️ Following a two-week absence, House Democrats have returned to Austin, allowing Republicans to advance redistricting efforts.
• 🗺️ The new congressional maps, potentially revealed and passed this weekend, aim to add five GOP seats in the US House, with some seats targeted for North Texas.
• 📣 This push is reportedly influenced by President Trump's request to Texas lawmakers.

Representative Collier's Continued Protest

• 📍 Representative Nicole Collier of Fort Worth remains inside the Texas House chamber, continuing her protest.
• 📝 Collier refused to sign an agreement requiring DPS troopers to escort and track members during the special session.
• 🔒 As a result, she has been unable to leave the chamber, with House rules allowing the speaker to lock doors when a call is on the House.

Support and House Rules

• 🤝 Representative Gene Wu of Houston was seen in the chamber, indicating Collier was not alone overnight.
• ✅ Keeping a member in the chamber is permissible under House rules when a call is active, and the member is not being held against their will.
• 🚪 Collier can leave if she agrees to the escort, but her refusal means she remains confined to the chamber.