On August 4th, 2025, the Texas House of Representatives voted 85–6 to issue civil arrest warrants for more than 50 Democratic lawmakers who had fled the state to disrupt quorum and block consideration of a GOP-backed redistricting proposal. ^[1]

The vote, led by Speaker Dustin Burrows, empowered the sergeant‑at‑arms and state troopers to locate and compel the return of absent members and bring them to the chamber. Importantly, these warrants are grounded exclusively in the House’s procedural rules, not in any formal statute or criminal code. ^[1]

Specifically, the statutes arise from a "call of the House" mechanism: once invoked, members not present and not excused can be "sent for and arrested, wherever they may be found," as per chamber rules, not legislative law. Notably, the warrants carry no civil or criminal charges and are enforceable only within Texas borders. ^[1]

1: Texas House issues arrest warrants for Democrats who left state to block congressional redistricting