The fourth and final week of Texas’s special legislative session remained mired in a stalemate as Sine Die, the final day of this session came and went without a quorum. More than 50 Texas House Democrats fled the state in July to block a redistricting proposal backed by President Donald Trump and designed to net Republicans up to five additional U.S. House seats by diminishing representation for voters of color in cities like Dallas and Houston.
Already, Gov. Greg Abbott has vowed to call for an immediate second special session with an identical agenda. This past Thursday, House Democrats outlined conditions for their return, demanding two critical conditions: “the legislature’s adjournment Sine Die on Friday [Aug. 15]; and the introduction of California’s redistricting maps that would neutralize the Trump-Abbott voter suppression effort.”
These demands come as elected officials in other states, including California, Illinois, and New York, have indicated they may pursue their own redistricting changes in response to Texas’s proposed map. In fact, California has officially called for a special election asking its citizens to let them redistrict to combat Texas gerrymandering efforts.
The quorum break has effectively frozen nearly all legislation on the governor’s agenda. Without at least 100 members present, the House cannot vote on any bills that would require floor action.
How Are Things in the Texas Senate?
On Tuesday, Aug. 12, the Texas Senate held a packed floor session to pass several bills that were related to the governor’s agenda. Included in these bills was the controversial redistricting bill Senate Bill 4. As the floor debate began on this bill, nine democratic senators then made their way off the Senate floor, leaving only two behind: Sen. Judith Zaffirini and Sen. Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa, which allowed for a quorum in the Senate.
The walkout was symbolic and did not constitute a quorum break; Senate Republicans were able to approve the map 19-2. The plan cannot advance without House action, however.
How Are Things in the Texas House?
More than a month after the floods that devastated central Texas, the Texas House has scheduled flood relief bills for consideration. Families affected by the flooding and community advocates have testified at legislative hearings, urging action on disaster preparedness, mental health resources, and infrastructure improvements.
Democrats argue the governor could call a separate session or use existing executive powers to direct relief, while Republicans contend the bills must be passed through the Legislature. Other stalled proposals include eliminating the STAAR test in favor of three shorter exams during the school year, new restrictions on abortion medication, and measures affecting police personnel records. The Senate advanced many of these bills, but they cannot become law until the House resumes business.
What Happens Now?
With the first special session ending today, Abbott wasted no time and issued a proclamation with 19 agenda items for the second special session which started at noon Friday. Democrats say they will return for the next session but insist flood relief must take priority over redistricting. Republican leaders maintain the map will ultimately pass, even if it requires multiple sessions.