Texas Gov Abbott Prepares Second Special Session for Redistricting

Texas Governor Greg Abbott is preparing to call a second special legislative session if the Texas House of Representatives fails to meet quorum by Friday, amid a standoff over Republican-led congressional redistricting plans. Dozens of Democratic state representatives have fled the state to block the redistricting effort, which could add up to five new Republican seats in Congress. Texas House Speaker Dustin Burrows criticized the absent Democrats, calling them derelict for abandoning their duties and highlighted the impact of their absence on passing critical flood relief legislation. Republicans have escalated efforts to compel Democrats to return, including issuing civil arrest warrants and involving the Texas Department of Public Safety and the FBI to locate absent lawmakers. Attorney General Ken Paxton has filed lawsuits to prevent political action committees from paying fines for Democrats breaking quorum and to remove defiant Democrats from office. The second special session is expected to carry the same agenda, with potential additional items, as Abbott vows to continue calling sessions until the agenda passes.