1. Suspension of Direct Deposit and Pay in Person
Texas House Speaker Dustin Burrows has ordered that any lawmaker who misses the special session—thus breaking quorum—will no longer receive their paycheck or per diem via electronic deposit. Instead, they must collect it in person at the state Capitol in Austin.
2. Budget Cuts and Reimbursements Restricted
In addition to withholding electronic pay, the office budgets of absent lawmakers are slashed by 30%. They must also appear in person at the Capitol to collect reimbursements or send official newsletters to constituents.
3. $500 Daily Fine
Each absent Democrat faces a $500 per day fine under longstanding House rules for unexcused absences during a quorum-breaking walkout.
4. Legal Lapses and Escalation
The Attorney General, Ken Paxton, and Governor Greg Abbott have filed lawsuits seeking to remove 13 of the most outspoken absent Democrats from office, citing forfeiture of their seats and potential felony charges if they are found to be accepting funds to evade their duties. Civil arrest warrants have been issued, although they’re generally unenforceable outside Texas. A temporary injunction was granted barring the political group Powered by People (founded by Beto O’Rourke) from aiding absent lawmakers financially.
