After two weeks fleeing Texas, House Democrats return, quorum reached

After two weeks fleeing Texas, House Democrats return, quorum reached

After two weeks fleeing the state, many Texas House Democrats returned, and a quorum was reached on Monday. More than two dozen Democrats still didn’t show up and civil arrest warrants remain in effect.

House Speaker Dustin Burrows gaveled in the House at noon Monday after Gov. Greg Abbott called a second special session on Friday.

A call on the House remains in effect and the gallery doors were locked.

“A quorum is present and it’s time to resume the work of the people of Texas sent us here to do,” Burrows said. “Restoring a quorum was my first responsibility as speaker and it has been accomplished. My responsibility now is to keep this quorum intact and to maintain an atmosphere of order and respect until the job is finished.”

“No one here needs a reminder that the last few weeks have been contentious,” he told members. “From this point forward, the rules of engagement are clear: debate is welcome but personal attacks and name calling will not be tolerated. The speaker shall see that the members of the House conduct themselves in a civil manner and guests in the gallery are also reminded of the importance of decorum. Any disturbances of disorderly conduct will result in removal.”

The Texas House “has been through a tumultuous two weeks, but this institution long predates us. It will long outlast each of us. Representatives come and go. Issues rise and fall, but this body has endured wars, economic depressions and quorum breaks dating back to the very first session,” he said.

“You will withstand this too and will remain as a chamber where the majority has the right to prevail and the minority has the right to be heard. That has always been the mark of a functioning Texas House.”

Now that a quorum has been reached, the House will move quickly to hear bills. “The schedule will be demanding until our work is complete,” he said. Last week, he said his goal was to hear and vote on bills to pass them by Labor Day weekend.

House Democrats who absconded to prevent a vote on new Congressional districts and for whom arrest warrants were issued “will be granted written permission to leave only after agreeing to be released into the custody of a designated DPS officer,” Burrows said. DPS officers will also ensure their return Wednesday at 10 a.m. when the House reconvenes.

Civil arrest warrants are still out for missing House Democrats. These “warrants remain in force,” Burrows said.

The House proceeded with business, including reading the governor’s proclamation calling the second special session and the list of bills the legislature is to take up. First on the list is Hill Country flood relief. Although legislative business is ongoing, the House will reconvene on Wednesday at 10 a.m.

Events

No events

Leave a Comment





Latest News Stories

Will-County-Finance-Committee-Meeting-July-1-2025

County Moves Forward with $200.8 Million Bond Refinancing Plan

Will County Finance Committee members on July 1 approved moving forward with a comprehensive bond refinancing ordinance that could save taxpayers more than $716,000 over the life of the bonds...
Will-County-Public-Works-Transportation-Committee-Meeting-July-1-2025

Access Will County Dial-a-Ride Program Sees Record Growth, Eyes Expansion

Will County's dial-a-ride transportation service for seniors and disabled residents reached record ridership levels while officials plan major expansion to cover all county townships. The Access Will County program served...
Will-County-Capital-Improvements-IT-Committee-Meeting-July-1-2025

Will County to Launch New Public Meeting Agenda System in August Amidst Data Conversion Concerns

Will County is set to launch its new public meeting agenda and records software, Granicus “OneMeeting,” in August, but the transition will see over a decade of historical records converted...
Will-County-Planning-and-Zoning-Commission-Meeting-July-1-2025

Green Garden Township Poised for First Major Subdivision in Years After Rezoning

The Will County Planning and Zoning Commission has recommended a rezoning that could pave the way for the first major residential subdivision in Green Garden Township in nearly two decades....
Will-County-Finance-Committee-Meeting-July-1-2025

County RNG Facility Shows Strong Performance Despite Solar Challenges

Will County's Renewable Natural Gas facility is exceeding production targets while officials explore options to reduce substantial electricity costs that currently impact profitability. Project manager Greg Komperda told Finance Committee...
Meeting-Briefs

PZC Briefs: Solar Farm in Crete, Post-Fire Permit for Troy Business, and More

The Will County Planning and Zoning Commission handled several other cases during its July 1 meeting, including a new solar farm, a temporary permit for a fire-damaged business, and routine...
Meeting-Briefs

In Brief: Capital & IT News

Here are other highlights from the Will County Capital Improvements & IT Committee meeting on Tuesday. Successful Fire Drill at County BuildingThe Will County Office Building held its first full...
Meeting-Briefs

Will County Finance Committee July 1 Meeting Briefs

Bond Refinancing Advances: Finance Committee approved an ordinance authorizing up to $200.8 million in bond refinancing that could save taxpayers more than $716,000. The measure moves to the full County...
Meeting-Briefs

Will County Public Works Committee Juliy 1 Meeting Briefs

ROAD CONTRACTS APPROVED Austin Tyler Construction Contract: The committee approved a $691,544 contract with Austin Tyler Construction for resurfacing River Road from East Frontage Road to Prairie Creek Bridge and...
Screenshot 2025-07-08 at 2.34.06 PM

Green Garden Township Weighs Youth Sports Partnership for Community Development

Green Garden Township could become home to expanded youth football facilities under a proposal presented at Thursday's special meeting, as local sports programs seek permanent venues amid community facility discussions....
Meeting-Briefs-1

Green Garden Town Hall June 26 Meeting Briefs

Grant Deadline Approaches: Green Garden Township must decide on facility plans by the end of 2026 to retain $400,000 in remaining Will County grant funding. The township has already invested...
JJC-Graphic-Logo

JJC Trustees Approve Contentious FY26 Budget After Heated Debate, Failed Postponement

The Joliet Junior College Board of Trustees on Wednesday approved a $322.3 million budget for fiscal year 2026, but not before a tense debate that saw a motion to postpone...
Joliet-Junior-college.-Graphic-Logo.5

JJC’s ‘12x12x12’ Initiative Boosts College Credits, Increases Matriculation Rate

Joliet Junior College’s ambitious "12x12x12" initiative is yielding significant results, leading to more high school students earning college credits and a greater percentage of them choosing to attend JJC after...
Joliet-Junior-college.-Graphic-Logo.4

JJC Board Meeting Highlights Tensions Over Legal Bills, Trustee Conduct

An otherwise routine vote to approve monthly bill payments ignited a tense exchange at the Joliet Junior College Board of Trustees meeting Wednesday, revealing ongoing friction over redacted legal invoices,...
Joliet-Junior-college.-Graphic-Logo.3

Students, Trustees Emphasize Importance of Inclusivity and Flag Raisings at JJC

From a recent graduate’s public plea to trustee remarks on federal policies, the theme of student belonging and inclusivity was a prominent thread at the Joliet Junior College Board of...