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R E S O L U T I O N
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WHEREAS, The Texas Constitution, Article III, Section 5, |
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requires members of the Texas House of Representatives to fulfill |
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their legislative duties during sessions called by the Governor, |
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including special sessions convened to address critical state |
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matters; and |
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WHEREAS, A quorum, defined as two-thirds of the elected |
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members of the Texas House of Representatives, is essential for |
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conducting official legislative business, as established by Texas |
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House Rule 5, Section 1, and Article III, Section 10 of the Texas |
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Constitution; and |
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WHEREAS, On August 3, 2025, a significant number of |
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Democratic members of the Texas House of Representatives |
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deliberately absented themselves from the state to prevent the |
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establishment of a quorum, thereby obstructing legislative |
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proceedings during a special session called to address urgent |
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issues, including congressional redistricting; and |
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WHEREAS, This intentional quorum break, publicly |
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acknowledged by participating Democratic members, represents a |
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willful neglect of their constitutional obligations and undermines |
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the legislative process and the will of the people of Texas; and |
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WHEREAS, The position of Dean of the House, a prestigious |
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role recognizing seniority and leadership, and committee |
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chairmanships, which carry significant responsibilities for |
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guiding legislative policy, require members to demonstrate |
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unwavering commitment to the duties of their office; and |
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WHEREAS, The Texas House of Representatives has the authority |
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under the Texas Constitution, Art. 3, Section 11 and its rules to |
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establish eligibility criteria for leadership roles and to impose |
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consequences for actions that disrupt its ability to function, |
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including the intentional breaking of quorum; now, therefore, be it |
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RESOLVED, That the Texas House of Representatives of the 89th |
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Legislature hereby: |
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1. Removes Eligibility for Dean of the House: All |
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Democratic members who participated in the quorum break beginning |
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on August 3, 2025, shall be deemed ineligible to serve as Dean of |
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the House for the duration of their current term and any subsequent |
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terms, as their actions demonstrate a failure to uphold the |
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responsibilities befitting such an honor; and |
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2. Removes Eligibility for Committee Chairmanships |
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and Vice-Chairmanships: All Democratic members who participated in |
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the quorum break shall be ineligible to serve as chair or |
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vice-chair of any standing, select, or special committee of the |
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Texas House of Representatives for the duration of their current |
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term, consistent with the House's authority to ensure that |
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leadership roles are held by members committed to the legislative |
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process; and be it further |
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3. Provides for Reinstatement of Eligibility: Any |
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Democratic member rendered ineligible under this resolution may |
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have their eligibility for the position of Dean of the House or |
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committee chairmanships restored by a two-thirds vote of the Texas |
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House of Representatives, upon a motion introduced by a member in |
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good standing and considered under House rules, provided the |
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affected member demonstrates a renewed commitment to their |
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legislative duties; and be it further |
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RESOLVED, That the Speaker of the Texas House of |
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Representatives shall take all necessary actions to implement this |
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resolution, including updating eligibility records, notifying |
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affected members, and ensuring that committee assignments and |
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leadership designations reflect these restrictions; and be it |
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further |
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RESOLVED, That this resolution takes effect immediately upon |
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its adoption by a majority vote of the Texas House of |
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Representatives, in accordance with House rules and applicable |
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state law. |