AUSTIN, Texas — Texas Gov. Greg Abbott expanded the agenda for the Texas Legislature's special session, adding a bill that would punish lawmakers who leave the state during session.
Abbott's push for the new legislation comes just weeks after Texas Democrats left the state for Chicago, Boston, and Albany, New York, to break quorum and prevent a vote on new congressional district maps. Those maps, which favor Republicans, passed the House on Wednesday .
Some of those Democrats remained in Illinois , but those who returned have faced tight restrictions. Those who left the state had to sign a permission slip to leave the House chamber, and a DPS escort was assigned to them to ensure they didn't depart from Texas again.
Fort Worth Rep. Nicole Collier refused to sign the slip on