The Texas House of Representatives convened on August 8, 2025, amid ongoing tensions as efforts to establish a quorum continue to falter. With only 95 members present, the House remains unable to conduct business, prompting urgent measures from leadership.

Speaker Pat Curry announced significant actions taken to address the absence of members who have fled to states like Illinois and California. In a bold move, Curry revealed that Attorney General Ken Paxton has initiated steps to enforce civil arrest warrants across state lines, signaling a serious commitment to compel absent members to return. "DPS is in the field to execute these warrants," Curry stated, emphasizing the urgency of the situation.

In addition to the legal measures, new administrative policies have been enacted to penalize members who break quorum. Starting immediately, absent members will no longer receive electronic paychecks; instead, they must collect their pay in person. Furthermore, 30% of the monthly operating budget for each quorum-breaking member will be reserved and unavailable for expenditure, a tactic aimed at pressuring them to return.

Curry also highlighted the pressing need for legislative action, particularly regarding House Bill 3, which focuses on flood recovery and infrastructure funding. "The bill cannot be referred to committee without a quorum," he warned, underscoring the impact of absences on critical recovery efforts for Texans affected by recent floods.

As the House prepares for a pro forma session on Saturday, Curry urged all members to return by Monday at the latest, stating, "The political cost of your absence is rising, and it will be paid in full." The ongoing standoff raises questions about the future of legislative priorities and the potential consequences for those choosing to remain absent.