AUSTIN, Texas — After dozens of Texas House Democrats left the state for two weeks to block a new congressional map favoring Republicans, the Texas House approved tougher rules on Tuesday for lawmakers who break quorum in the future.

House Bill 18 would stop lawmakers from being able to raise and spend campaign money if they are out of the state breaking quorum. It would ban any state legislator who breaks quorum from accepting political donations exceeding their daily per diem, which is the set amount lawmakers receive in state funding every day during regular and special sessions. That figure is currently $221.

HB 18 would also block donors from giving beyond that limit. Additionally, the bill bans the use of political funds to pay for travel, food or lodging during a quorum break.

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