AUSTIN, Texas — The Texas House restored quorum today allowing lawmakers to pass legislation, even as they curtail public engagement in the process.
Texas legislators gaveled in a second special legislative session on Aug. 7 to debate bills targeting voting rights, bail reform, trans youth athletes, reproductive freedom, border communities, and the ability of educators to discuss race and teach history, among others. At the same time, lawmakers are limiting debate on these issues, including choosing not to have a hearing on the latest voter suppression bill.
The following statement can be attributed to Matt Simpson, senior policy and advocacy strategist at the ACLU of Texas:
“With the House now at quorum, Abbott’s extreme agenda is poised to become law in Texas. Instead of fixing the electric grid and protecting public health, the governor and his legislative allies are intent on stripping Texans’ civil rights and liberties. The Senate has gone so far as to suspend key rules on public testimony, silencing Texans attempting to voice dissent to these dangerous attacks on our democracy.
We call on the House to meaningfully involve the public in the legislative process. And we encourage Texans to keep fighting for laws and lawmakers that make our lives better. The governor and his allies have forgotten Texans’ needs, but we won’t forget their priorities.”