Senate advances bill to restrict fundraising during quorum‑breaking absences

The Texas Senate advanced House Bill 18, a measure that would restrict certain political contributions and campaign expenditures by a member who is absent from a legislative session for the specific purpose of impeding quorum. The Senate suspended rules to consider the bill and later passed it on second and third reading with 18 yeas and 8 nays.

Sponsor Senator Hinojosa said the bill "prohibits members who are absent without an excused absence for quorum breaking purposes from accepting contributions larger than the daily legislative per diem or from paying for travel related expenses with campaign funds." He described civil penalties of up to $5,000 per violation, enforceable through district court with exclusive appellate jurisdiction in the 15th Court of Appeals.

Why it matters: The bill targets the fundraising and spending mechanics tied to recent quorum breaks, seeking to reduce financial incentives for legislators to leave the state to halt business. Supporters say it preserves the constitutional ability to break quorum while adding financial disincentives; critics raised concerns about due process, partisan abuse and potential chilling of legitimate protest.

Floor clarifications

- Definition and safeguards: Hinojosa told senators an "impeding absence" must be an unexcused absence, out of state and for the specific purpose of impeding the chamber; a statement of facts is required and the presiding officer certifies the matter to district court for judicial review within a 72‑hour window.

- Protections for emergencies: Senators asked whether the bill distinguishes unavoidable family emergencies or medical absences; Hinojosa said members can present proof and the court will decide, but the statute requires the absence to be unexcused and for the specific purpose of a quorum break.

- Penalty mechanics: The sponsor said each disallowed contribution or expenditure may be treated as a separate violation up to $5,000 per occurrence; members could refuse contributions that would exceed the per‑diem threshold.

Formal action

- Motion: Senator Hinojosa moved suspension of the printing rule and then moved passage to third reading; the rule was suspended and the bill advanced with recorded votes of 18 ayes and 8 nays.

Ending: The Senate approved House Bill 18 on the floor; the transcript shows the bill moving through third reading and passing that stage in the chamber on the day of debate. Implementation details and any enforcement actions would depend on future certification procedures and judicial review as described in the bill text.