Texas House Orders Arrest of Absent Democrats Over Quorum Dispute

Lack of Quorum and Speaker's Address

• 📌 The Texas House of Representatives convened but could not conduct business due to a lack of quorum, with many members absent.
• 🗣️ The Speaker commended the members present for honoring their oath and addressing critical issues like disaster recovery and human trafficking.
• ⚠️ The Speaker condemned the absent members for abandoning their duties and constituents, influenced by out-of-state politicians and activists.

Measures to Compel Attendance

• ⚖️ The Speaker declared that leaving the state only delays business and increases costs, vowing to use all available means to establish quorum.
• 🚨 A motion was made and passed to place a call on the House, compelling the return of absent members.
• 📜 Following the motion, the Speaker announced the intention to sign warrants for civil arrest for members who are not present.

Procedural Votes and Adjournment

• 🗳️ A motion to call the House until consideration of HB4 on third reading was passed with 86 yeas and 6 nays.
• 🔒 The Sergeant-at-Arms was directed to secure and maintain the attendance of absent members, potentially under warrant of arrest.
• 🤝 The House adjourned until 1 p.m. Tuesday, with members requiring written permission from the Speaker to leave the chamber while under call.