Governor Greg Abbott announced that Democratic lawmakers who left the state to block legislation could face legal consequences. The quorum break halted the legislative process, and Abbott said the lawmakers risk losing their seats and possibly facing felony charges, according to the Office of the Texas Governor.
Governor Greg Abbott stated, “Real Texans do not run from a fight,” in response to Democratic lawmakers who staged a quorum break. He said, “That amounts to an abandonment or forfeiture of an elected state office.” The lawmakers were ordered to return by 3:00 p.m. on Monday. Under Texas Attorney General Opinion KP-0382, a court could declare a legislator’s seat vacant if it is deemed abandoned, as reported by the Office of the Texas Governor.
Governor Abbott said that any Texas Democrat who “solicits, accepts, or agrees to accept” funds to support their absence may have violated bribery laws under the Texas Penal Code. He also said he would use “full extradition authority” to bring back any members who left the state if needed, as mentioned by the Office of the Texas Governor.
