Texas AG, House Speaker File Complaint in California to Enforce Arrest Warrants Against Absent Democrats

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton and Texas House Speaker Dustin Burrows have filed a legal complaint in California to enforce arrest warrants issued against Democratic legislators who fled Texas to break quorum during critical legislative sessions, including those on flooding relief and redistricting. The Democratic lawmakers initially traveled to Illinois and then California to avoid participating in votes, prompting the issuance of arrest warrants under Texas law. Paxton criticized California Governor Gavin Newsom for allegedly protecting these legislators, while Burrows emphasized the urgency of resuming legislative business to address disaster relief and other key issues. The complaint seeks to use the Full Faith and Credit Clause of the U.S. Constitution to compel California to honor the Texas-issued warrants. Similar legal actions have been undertaken in Illinois to enforce these warrants. The Texas House remains adjourned without a quorum, delaying important legislative work until the absent members return.