Texas lawmakers who skipped the special session now face $500 daily fines, slashed budgets, and possible legal action as Speaker Burrows and state leaders crack down hard.
Texas just turned up the heat on lawmakers who walked out of the special session — and the penalties are the toughest yet.
1. Paychecks Cut Off
Texas House Speaker Dustin Burrows has ordered that any legislator who misses the special session — and breaks quorum — will no longer get their salary or per diem through direct deposit. Instead, they must pick up their pay in person at the state Capitol in Austin.
2. Budgets Slashed
Absent lawmakers will see their office budgets cut by 30%. They must also appear in person to collect reimbursements or send out official newsletters to their constituents.
3. $500 Daily Fine
Under longstanding House rules, each missing Democrat faces a $500 fine per day for unexcused absences during a quorum-breaking walkout.
4. Legal Battles Escalate
Attorney General Ken Paxton and Governor Greg Abbott have filed lawsuits to remove 13 outspoken absent Democrats from office. They’ve accused them of forfeiting their seats and warned of possible felony charges if found to have accepted money to avoid their duties.
Civil arrest warrants have also been issued — though they can’t be enforced outside Texas. Meanwhile, a temporary court order has barred political group Powered by People (founded by Beto O’Rourke) from giving financial support to absent lawmakers.
Texas leaders say the crackdown is about restoring legislative order. Critics call it an attempt to punish political opposition.
Either way, the fight between Texas Republicans and the missing Democrats is far from over — and the penalties keep getting harsher.
