Austin, Texas – Governor Greg Abbott has raised concerns about potential bribery law violations by Democratic lawmakers who participated in the 2021 Texas House walkout, accusing them of accepting funds to evade legislative duties. The accusation follows a tweet by conservative commentator Dinesh D'Souza, who claimed "Top Dems may face 'bribery charges'" after the legislative maneuver. The 2021 walkout was a strategic attempt by Democrats to deny the House a quorum, thereby blocking the passage of a controversial Republican-backed voting bill.
The walkout, which saw dozens of Democratic state representatives leave Texas, temporarily stalled the voting legislation during the regular session and a subsequent special session. Their aim was to prevent the enactment of a bill that critics argued would impose significant restrictions on voting access, including limiting early voting hours and banning drive-thru voting. Despite their efforts, Governor Abbott called multiple special sessions, and the voting legislation ultimately passed into law.
In response to the Democrats' absence, Governor Abbott publicly stated that any lawmaker accepting financial support to cover fines incurred during the walkout could be in violation of state bribery laws. He indicated that the Texas Rangers were ordered to investigate potential violations, specifically targeting instances where funds were solicited or received to assist in evading legislative responsibilities or skipping votes. The Texas Penal Code outlines that soliciting, accepting, or agreeing to accept such funds for these purposes may constitute a bribery offense.
The 2021 legislative session saw the Texas House impose daily fines of $500 on absent members, a measure intended to compel their return and restore quorum. While the walkout drew national attention to voting rights issues, it also intensified partisan tensions within the state legislature. The Governor's recent remarks underscore the ongoing political fallout and legal scrutiny surrounding the Democrats' extraordinary tactic to block legislation.