The fines mark the latest step in a prolonged fight over the limits of legislative power and protest, with Republicans calling them enforcement of chamber rules and Democrats denouncing them as political retribution.
From staff reports
Dallas Morning News
https://www.dallasnews.com/
AUSTIN – Texas Democrats offered split views after a GOP-led House committee moved to enforce thousands of dollars in fines against legislators who fled the state last year to block a redistricting plan.
Some Democrats say they will pay and move on. Others vowed to fight what they call an unconstitutional punishment.
The House Administration Committee voted along party lines Friday to uphold the penalties, reducing them to $8,354 per member. The dispute stems from last year’s quorum break, when Democrats left Texas and temporarily stalled a Republican-backed congressional map.
Some Democrats said they will pay and avoid further penalties. Others, including Houston Rep. Jolanda Jones, said they will refuse, arguing the fines violate her constitutional rights.
“I’m going to appeal this all the way up as far as I have to,” Jones said. “I didn’t do anything wrong.”
House Democratic leader Gene Wu of Houston said he plans to pay but questioned the requirement to use personal funds, pointing to state law that allows campaign money to cover such expenses.
Payment won’t be required until members are formally notified, and committee Chair Charlie Geren, R-Fort Worth, gave no timeline.
From staff reports
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