Texas legislative standoff stretches into fourth day
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton said that if Democrats don't return to Austin on Friday, they will be fired.
Watch CBS News
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton said that if Democrats don't return to Austin on Friday, they will be fired.
Abbott filed an emergency petition with the Texas Supreme Court to have Rep. Gene Wu, D-Houston, the Democratic Caucus Chair, removed from office.
The House is going to meet again Friday afternoon in an attempt to make quorum.
Texas Republican lawmakers returned to the Capitol without Democrats, who fled to block a vote on a GOP-drawn congressional map.
Gov. Greg Abbott said he's ordered the Texas DPS to "locate, arrest and return to the House chamber any member who has abandoned their duty to Texans."
Gov. Greg Abbott has since vowed to take steps to remove Democratic lawmakers from their seats.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott on Monday ordered the civil arrest of Democratic lawmakers who fled the state to block a vote on a Republican-backed congressional redistricting plan, escalating a standoff that has stalled the legislative session.
Texas Democrats fled the state Sunday, aiming to delay a plan to redraw the state's congressional map and give the GOP a bigger edge — an idea blessed by President Trump.
The Texas Senate Committee on State Affairs will meet on Monday to consider SB 7, mandating the bathrooms transgender people may use in government and school buildings.
Join CBS News Texas and Chef Tim Love for a flood relief benefit show to help Hill Country rebuild.
In Kerr County, officials question the response to deadly flooding. Feedback on redistricting across the state has been overwhelmingly against the proposal.
The Texas Senate gave first approval to the second reading of the bill banning THC on Wednesday.
The redrawn map comes during a special legislative session as President Trump urges Texas Republicans to reshape districts in the party's favor.
North Texans turned out in large numbers to make their voices heard at a redistricting hearing at UT Arlington on Monday evening.
Lawmakers held hearings in Austin on some of the highest-profile items on the agenda, including flood response, redistricting and regulating THC.
Gov. Greg Abbott explicitly asked lawmakers to regulate, not ban, hemp products.
The effort to redraw the congressional boundaries could have major consequences on local, state and national politics.
Top state officials are testifying that communication needs to improve between the state and local officials, between first responders, and with the large number of volunteers on the ground.
The mayor of Keller said the intention to collaborate with ICE will send a strong message.
With an ambitious agenda before them, Texas lawmakers kicked off the first of what could be several special sessions.
The agenda includes 18 legislative priorities determined by Gov. Greg Abbott, including addressing the Central Texas floods, regulating THC and redistricting.
Authorities determined that three people are still missing from the floods, a sharp drop from the approximately 100 people authorities had previously said were unaccounted for.
Lt. Governor Dan Patrick pushed Senate Bill 3 during the regular session but Gov. Greg Abbott vetoed the bill because of concerns over legal challenges.
"We've all just been forced to fend for ourselves and figure it out," said tenant Michael Wixson.
The upcoming school year is only a month away.