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AUSTIN (KXAN) – The Texan legislature must have a so-called “quorum” in order to propose, discuss and vote on bills. But what does that mean and why would you ever “break” it?
A quorum, according to the Oxford English Dictionary, is “the minimum number of members of a congregation or society who must be present at any of its meetings in order to validate the proceedings of that meeting” – basically the number of legislators present to take action on draft legislation, including Voting. For Texas, this number is set in the constitution and rules are set in each legislature.
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Two thirds of its members or 100 people must be present. The Senate also needs two thirds or 21 members present.
If people fail to show up, the House can “compel absent members in the manner and under penalties that each House can provide”. The Senate Order states: “Those for whom an adequate apology is not given may, by the order of the majority of those present, be sent and arrested where they are, and their presence will be ensured and by the Sergeant-at-Arms or the officers appointed.” retained by the sergeant for this purpose. “
Breach of the quorum
In 2003, the Texas Democrats left the state so there would be no quorum as lawmakers considered a reallocation plan. This process is called “breaking quorum” and was carried out twice this year. The law was finally passed.
The Texas Democrats also broke the quorum earlier this year to crush a law that would change electoral rules.
On Monday, some Democrats planned to leave the state as lawmakers revisited these electoral laws in a special session.
Why break the quorum?
Breaking the quorum prevents the legislature from doing its normal business, including passing laws. While some functions do not require a quorum, others do.
The Texas House and Senate are both controlled by Republicans. There are 18 Republicans and 13 Democrats in the Senate, and 83 Republicans and 67 Democrats in the House of Representatives. Republicans have enough votes to pass laws without Democrats. Breaking the quorum can come into play to stop the passage of laws, as a certain number of lawmakers must be present to even take a vote.
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