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.