AUSTIN, Texas — A Texas House committee voted Friday to impose nearly $422,000 in financial penalties on Democratic lawmakers who broke quorum in August to block consideration of a mid-decade congressional redistricting plan, according to committee proceedings.
The Republican-led House Committee on House Administration approved the measure in a 6–5 party-line vote following more than six hours of executive session. The committee imposed $303,000 in fines for absences during two special legislative sessions and added $118,889.81 to reimburse the Texas Department of Public Safety for costs incurred during efforts to compel lawmakers to return.
The committee’s action applies to more than 50 Democratic members who left the state during the quorum break. House rules bar the use of political fundraising to pay the penalties, leaving members responsible for personal payment of more than $8,000 each.
State Rep. Charlie Geren, R-Fort Worth, introduced the motion and read its terms without additional comment.
Democratic committee members objected to the penalties before the vote. State Rep. Joe Moody, D-El Paso, cited concerns about escalating political tensions and referenced threats made during the quorum break. State Rep. Sheryl Cole, D-Austin, proposed amendments to reduce or eliminate the fines and argued that the process did not provide adequate notice or opportunity for defense. The committee rejected the amendments along party lines.
The quorum break occurred in August when 52 House Democrats left Texas to deny the chamber the minimum number of members required to conduct business. The absence prevented action on a Republican-backed redistricting plan.
Lawmakers returned after several states, including California, advanced competing redistricting proposals. The Texas Legislature later passed its redistricting plan after the Democrats returned.
In a statement, House Democratic Caucus Chair Gene Wu said lawmakers are reviewing options in response and said any penalties must follow proper procedures, including notice and opportunity to respond.
