Overview

• Attorney General Ken Paxton urged lawmakers to lock statehouse doors and arrest Democratic members who attempt to break quorum during the special session.
• Paxton cited both House and Senate rules as authorizing the arrest of legislators who leave the chamber to block votes.
• He warned that Texas loses jurisdiction over lawmakers once they cross state lines, complicating efforts to compel their return.
• Paxton suggested detaining absent lawmakers within the building for the two-week session, providing meals and sleeping quarters until redistricting maps pass.
• Republicans unveiled proposed maps this week that could shift five U.S. House seats from Democrats, triggering threats of walkouts and Voting Rights Act lawsuits.