Screenshot/Texas House of Representatives

The Texas House passed a bill late Monday that would punish future quorum breaks. The measure is in response to the Democratic quorum break that unsuccessfully sought to prevent Republican-sponsored congressional redistricting legislation and prompted a premature end to the first legislative special session.

"In the past, legislators have used quorum breaks to raise political funds, creating concerns that members were benefitting financially while preventing the Texas Legislature from conducting its work," said state Rep. Matt Shaheen (R-Plano), the author of House Bill 18 . "Current law does not limit fundraising or expenditures during these unexcused absences, only during the moratorium period during years when we're in session. This curr

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