Texas Democratic legislator stages overnight protest in Legislature, challenging surveillance of lawmakers during redistricting standoff
Police Escorts and Confinement in Texas Capitol: A Controversial Tactic in Redistricting Battle
In a dramatic turn of events during the redistricting battle in Texas, Republican House leaders have imposed around-the-clock police escorts on Democratic state representatives to prevent another quorum-breaking walkout. These escorts, attached as a condition to "permission slips" that Democrats must sign to leave the Capitol, have sparked controversy and legal challenges.
The escorts require Democrats to be accompanied by Texas Department of Public Safety officers at all times outside the chamber. Fort Worth Democrat Nicole Collier refused to sign, alleging the escort requirement as an unreasonable, un-American, and illegal restraint on their rights. Collier filed a lawsuit challenging the chamber's authority, calling it a violation of their freedom and dignity as elected representatives.
The implications of these police escorts and confinement are significant. They effectively curb Democrats' ability to break quorum again, which had previously stalled the redistricting process. However, they also raise legal and constitutional questions about lawmakers' freedom of movement and legislative independence.
The escorts have caused intense political conflict and challenges to legislative norms and members' rights. Some Democratic lawmakers, like Collier, have physically remained within the Capitol for extended periods to avoid being under state police escort. This situation has symbolized deep partisan tensions in Texas, where redistricting battles tie directly to national political stakes, as the Republican plan aims to secure more congressional seats for the GOP in upcoming elections.
Republicans, led by House Speaker Dustin Burrows, want to ensure that the House has 100 of 150 members present to do business on Wednesday. However, Democrats nationally have rallied around efforts to retaliate against this redistricting, with Democrats in California launching an effort to redraw their state's districts to take five seats back from Republicans.
The Democrats in Texas face a fine of $500 for every day they were absent. Their absence forced Republicans to adjourn a special session, though Gov. Greg Abbott called a second one before the first one had ended Friday. The Democrats derided the shadowing as a waste of taxpayer dollars that took officers away from investigations of serious crimes.
The Department of Public Safety did not respond to an email message regarding officers shadowing Democrats. Plainclothes officers are reportedly following Collier and her Democratic colleagues to their offices and homes. Democrats have criticized this as an attack on their dignity and an attempt to control their movements.
As the redistricting battle continues, it remains to be seen how this controversial tactic will impact the outcome and the future of legislative norms in Texas.
[1] The Texas Tribune [2] The New York Times [3] The Washington Post [4] Politico
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