Texas state Rep. Briscoe Cain (R-Deer Park) has refiled legislation to vacate the seats of lawmakers who skip work without authorization, after House Democrats once again absconded to block a quorum during a special session. Gov. Greg Abbott called the second special session Friday, but only 97 members were present—three short of the quorum needed to conduct business.
The bill, filed by Cain on Friday, would amend state law so that any member who misses seven consecutive legislative days without an approved absence forfeits their office. The measure would take effect immediately with a two-thirds vote or, failing that, 91 days after the session ends if signed by the governor. “Texans deserve lawmakers who show up,” Cain has said of the proposal. “If you abandon your job, you don’t deserve the title.”
More than 50 House Democrats walked out of the first special session to block passage of a Republican congressional redistricting bill. Their absence prevented votes on GOP priorities including property tax relief. Cain, who still reported to Austin even as his wife was hospitalized after a heart attack, contrasted his presence with Democrats’ refusal to attend. He asked for prayers for his wife’s recovery in a video message after Friday’s adjournment.
Frustration among conservatives is mounting. Rep. Brian Harrison (R-Waxahachie) accused Democrats of “winning” by blocking every Republican priority and traveling the country to rally national opposition to Texas’ redistricting plans. He criticized GOP leadership—including Abbott, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, and House Speaker Dustin Burrows—for failing to punish Democrats, noting that no seats were vacated, no arrests were made, and no committee assignments were stripped.
Harrison said Republican voters deserve stronger leadership, pointing out that Texas supported President Donald Trump by a 14-point margin in 2024. “You demanded results and action,” he told voters, but instead Republicans delivered “weak, fecklessness.”
Other conservatives are calling for a harder line when the House reconvenes Monday. Rep. Andy Hopper (R-Decatur) urged removing absconding Democrats from committee chairmanships, stripping seniority, and even pursuing redistricting efforts to remove them from office. “House Conservatives must stand firmly together to demand that harsh penalties are enacted to ensure that Dems never even consider abandoning their post in the future,” Hopper said.
