AUSTIN, Texas — All signs point to a second special session for the Texas Legislature as a partisan standoff over redistricting continues.
Texas House Democrats remain out of state, protesting a proposal that would add five Republican-held seats in Congress — a plan backed by President Donald Trump. House Speaker Dustin Burrows, R-Lubbock, urged them to return and resume work.
“We’re not going to adjourn until our work is done,” Burrows said.
Gov. Greg Abbott said the agenda for the next special session would mirror the current one, but new items could be added.
On Monday afternoon, Texas Senate Democrats staged their protest, walking off the chamber floor in opposition to the redistricting plan. Party leaders called for reshuffling the agenda to first consider other priorities, including hemp and THC legislation and relief for flood victims.
Two Democratic senators stayed behind as the rest exited. With enough for a quorum present, the Texas Senate was able to pass SB4, the bill to address redistricting, along with the other items on the agenda for the session.