Going on in Texas right now, tonight

[Figarosmom]

From bluesky🦋

Collier: I refused to sign and so I was told that I was gonna have to stay here on the floor. They have locked the doors. The sergeants have been instructed not to allow me to leave until I have a permission slip.

— Acyn (@acyn.bsky.social) 2025-08-19T00:14:57.980Z

[Initech]

1. The republicans have gone absolutely mad with power. They must be stopped at all costs!

[Figarosmom]

2. No kidding....nt

[newdeal2]

3. And this legal how exactly?

I suspect Trump is taking notes for Congress and his new DC enforcers.

[Figarosmom]

4. I would think its false imprisonment...

They just want to make sure they all stay so they can put the bill up for a vote on Wed.

Somehow I wonder. Didn't the Democrats KNOW they'd pull something like this as soon as they returned?

[Hugin]

9. The Retrumplicans seem to make dry-runs at every scheme.

In various States. I've noticed the trend. Either that or they are just not that original. Harkens back to the days of ALEC writing their legislation for them.

[Ilsa]

5. What about eating? bathroom? hygiene?

These people are insane.

[LeftInTX]

6. Everyone has a guard, but I would think they would stationed outside their home etc.

Nicole has a guard at the Capitol.

Gene Wu is on the House floor right now. His guard is standing outside the House floor.

The Democrats were in hearings today, but guards were not sitting next to them. The guards are to assure that they don't leave the state. Something tells me that this guard stuff will be fairly short lived. The redistricting will come to a floor vote and reconciliation in a few days and Abbott won't give a shit anymore.

[BWdem4life]

7. But is it legal?

And if not, what will be the consequences to Repugs?

I'm afraid I already know the answer to the second question.

[ITAL]

8. It might be

The sergeant at arms has the responsibility to assure quorum if directed to do so which could be read to include watching reps who have already shown a willingness to skip town.

[LeftInTX]

10. Yes. They can force members to show up for work if they purposely breaking quorum with the intent to

thwart a bill.
That's why they left the state in the first place.
They can hunt you down and haul you in if you're in Texas.
But they don't have jurisdiction outside the state.

Oregon even has a law that you are banned from office if you have 10 unexcused absences.
https://www.koin.com/news/politics/10-oregon-senators-ineligible-for-re-election-after-unexcused-absences/

Oregon can also arrest absent members and force them to vote.

[Buddyzbuddy]

11. False imprisonment comes to mind.

Making a person move or even sit is kidnapping.

Definitely criminal and absolutely civil rights violations. Cha ching $$$$$.

[CTyankee]

12. Is the ACLU active in Texas? They would have legal counsel available....

[Emile]

13. Fascists have no shame.

[LetMyPeopleVote]

14. Texas Democrat Sues After Republicans Lock Her In Capitol

Collier is a very strong attorney with a great reputation. This will be a fun lawsuit to watch

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/nicole-collier-texas-redistricting-lawsuit_n_68a4bb2fe4b028ce77545b20

Texas state Rep. Nicole Collier filed a writ of habeas corpus on Tuesday in the district court of Travis County, Texas, claiming the state legislature’s Republican majority has unlawfully detained her in the state Capitol after she refused to consent to 24-hour police surveillance.

Collier, a Democrat representing Fort Worth, is one of over 50 Texas Democratic legislators who fled the state on Aug. 3 to block Republicans from enacting a new congressional map at President Donald Trump’s urging to create five new GOP seats ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.

Most of the Democrats who fled the state returned Monday and quickly faced retaliation from Republicans. Texas House Speaker Dustin Burrows, a Republican, required each Democratic legislator to sign a permission slip agreeing to have a 24-hour police escort to ensure they attended votes regarding the new map. The House is scheduled to reconvene on Wednesday. Collier refused to sign the slip and was subsequently locked on the House floor with armed guards keeping her there.

“Representative Collier has been informed that she is not free to leave the Capitol,” the lawsuit states. “Chairman of the Committee on House Administration Charlie Geren informed Representative Collier, ‘If you leave the Capitol you are subject to arrest.’”

Collier’s suit argues this is effectively an illegal confinement. Burrows “does not have the power to compel any Texas citizen or any elected official into preemptive custody,” her suit argues.