Texas House Moves to Arrest Absent Democratic Lawmakers Who Fled to Blue States

The Texas House of Representatives has moved to issue arrest warrants for over 50 Democratic legislators who failed to attend a vital session where a Republican-led effort to redraw congressional districts was being debated. These lawmakers had escaped to states like Illinois and New York, effectively breaking quorum. In response, House Speaker Dustin Burrows announced plans to authorize civil warrants, allowing law enforcement to apprehend and return the absent members to the Capitol. According to Burrows, the warrants are civil in nature and only enforceable within Texas, serving primarily as a symbolic measure. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton endorsed the arrest efforts, criticizing the lawmakers for abandoning their duties and calling them "jet-setting runaways" who have sacrificed their constituents for political publicity. Governor Greg Abbott also issued an order for their arrest, stating that the lawmakers' departure has stalled critical legislation on flood relief and property tax reforms. Abbott directed the Texas Department of Public Safety to locate and bring back the missing legislators until all are accounted for and present at the Capitol. The Texas House require...