Overview

• Republicans endorsed HB 18, SB 48/HB 64, and HJR 10 to deter future walkouts, including a ban on fundraising while breaking quorum, vacating a seat after seven unexcused days, and lowering the constitutional quorum threshold to a simple majority.
• House Republicans failed to secure the two‑thirds vote needed to censure Democrats who left the state, drawing public criticism from Reps. Andy Hopper and Nate Schatzline toward House leadership.
• The Committee on House Administration billed Rep. Venton Jones $9,354.25 and cited $124,943.25 in Texas DPS costs tied to attempts to return absent lawmakers.
• HB 18 received a hearing and was left pending; it would require returning prohibited contributions, levy $5,000 fines per violation, and bar political reimbursements for travel, hotels, or meals during a quorum break.
• Following a fundraising dispute linked to a Senate filibuster, Sen. Paul Bettencourt vowed to file a special‑session fundraising ban, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick backed the idea, and Sen. Carol Alvarado expressed support.