Texas Senate Passes Redistricting Bill After Democratic Walkout

SB4 and the Redistricting Process

• 📌 SB4 was introduced as the companion bill to HB4, aiming to establish new congressional district boundaries in Texas.
• 💡 The bill's introduction and hearings proceeded despite discussions of waiting for the House bill, a common tactic to advance stalled legislation.

Senate Vote and Democratic Opposition

• 🗳️ The Texas Senate voted 19-2 to suspend the regular order of business on SB4, allowing it to move forward.
• 🚶 Nine Democratic senators walked off the Senate floor before the vote, preventing a quorum for debate on the bill.
• ⚠️ Two Democratic senators remained and voted against the bill, while nine were marked as absent.

Bill's Progression and House Stalemate

• 🏛️ Following Senate passage, SB4 now moves to the Texas House of Representatives.
• 🚫 However, the Texas House has reportedly failed to reach a quorum, with House Democrats having fled the state to prevent redistricting votes.
• ❓ A senator expressed a desire to reserve statements in opposition for a future special session, contingent on House members appearing for quorum.