Texas House Reaches Quorum After Democratic Legislator Walkout

Resumption of House Business

• 🎯 A quorum has been re-established in the Texas House of Representatives, allowing legislative work to resume.
• 🗣️ The Speaker emphasized the need to restore order and respect, acknowledging the recent contentious two weeks.
• ⚖️ The rules of engagement are now clear: debate is welcome, but personal attacks and name-calling will not be tolerated.

Historical Context and Functioning of the House

• 🏛️ The Speaker noted that the Texas House has endured significant historical events, including wars and economic depressions, and has survived previous quorum breaks.
• 🤝 The enduring mark of a functioning Texas House is that the majority has the right to prevail, and the minority has the right to be heard.

Moving Forward with Legislative Action

• ⚡ The focus is now on action and completing work, with a demanding schedule until the tasks are finished.
• 📝 Members who were present before today and did not have arrest warrants will receive permission to return. Those for whom warrants were issued will be granted permission to leave only after agreeing to be released into the custody of a designated DPS officer to ensure their return.
• ⚠️ Civil arrest warrants remain in force for some members.
• 🗓️ The House will adjourn after completing a few items of business today and will reconvene on Wednesday at 10:00 a.m.