Texas Capitol Evacuated Amidst Protests Over Redistricting and Representative Collier's Stance

Capitol Evacuation and Threat

• 🚨 Officials ordered the evacuation of the state capitol in Austin due to a reported threat on Tuesday evening.
• 📌 The evacuation occurred while protesters gathered outside the House chamber to support Representative Nicole Collier.

Representative Collier's Protest

• ✊ Representative Nicole Collier refused to sign paperwork that would require her to leave the House floor only with a police escort.
• 🏛️ This stipulation was imposed on Democrats who had previously left Texas to break quorum.
• 💬 Collier stated her refusal, saying, "I am here today to tear up my permission slip."
• ⚖️ She took legal action, claiming the House Speaker lacks the authority to detain her in the capital.

Redistricting Debate and Quorum Break

• 🗺️ Republicans are preparing to vote on a redistricting map that is expected to favor the party.
• 🗣️ Democrats who broke quorum by leaving the state during the first special session returned for the second.
• 📢 Upon their return, the speaker informed them they could only leave the capital with a permission slip and a DPS escort.
• 🚫 Collier was the first and only representative to refuse this condition and has remained in the capital since Monday.

Governor Abbott's Stance

• 😠 Governor Greg Abbott criticized the lawmakers who broke quorum, calling them "cowards."
• ⚠️ He warned of consequences, including legal violations and violations of Texas House rules.

Upcoming Legislative Matters

• 🗳️ The vote on the new congressional map is expected on Wednesday, after which all representatives can leave freely.
• 👧 Lawmakers will also debate new safety measures at youth camps, following the deaths of 27 girls in flooding at Camp Mystic.
• 💔 Families of the victims will testify, stating that existing safeguards were insufficient.