Redistricting spat between Texas Republicans and Democrats stalls other bills
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Gov. Greg Abbott's special session is underway in the Texas Legislature but with only one functioning chamber.
- The state House has not been able to meet this month while dozens of Democrats try to stall Republicans' efforts to reconfigure the state's congressional districts.
Why it matters: The ongoing standoff between the state's Republicans and Democrats over redistricting could delay deliberations of other legislation, including property tax reform, stronger THC regulations and more abortion-related restrictions.
The big picture: Republicans are targeting five Democrat-controlled districts in Texas, including U.S. Rep. Julie Johnson's seat in Dallas.
- The Texas Legislature will need to approve any updates to the congressional map.
The latest: Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has asked the Texas Supreme Court to declare 13 state House seats vacant to reprimand Democrats who left the state to delay a redistricting vote.
- The state constitution "strikes a careful balance between the right of a legislative minority to resist legislation and the prerogative of the majority to conduct business," Paxton's petition says.
- Paxton is also investigating who is funding the "runaway Democrats" and pushing for authorities in Democrat-controlled California and Illinois to arrest the lawmakers.
Zoom in: Four of the Texas House members targeted in Paxton's Supreme Court petition represent North Texas districts — Jessica González and Ana-María Rodríguez Ramos from Dallas County, Chris Turner from Tarrant County and Mihaela Plesa from Collin County.
- The Democrats have said that they don't plan to back down.
- Texas Rep. Salman Bhojani, from Tarrant County, said Monday that he planned to join his fellow Democrats in Chicago after traveling out of the country to visit a sick relative.
State of play: The Texas Senate so far has passed bills banning hemp-derived products, curbing property tax increases, limiting transgender bathroom use and barring tax-funded lobbying.
- State senators have also held hearings on redistricting, trafficking, abortion pills and disaster relief.
- Yes, but: The bills will need approval from the House to move forward.
What's next: The session will end no later than Aug. 19, but Abbott can call lawmakers back for another special session.