Earlier this week the House voted to initiate a Call of The House, which enables the Speaker to dispatch the House Sergeant-at-Arms to retrieve missing members of the Legislature. The call is constitutionally consistent with Article 3, Section 10 of the Texas State Constitution, which allows for the compulsion of members to the Legislature to ensure The People’s business may be conducted when required. Additionally, the Texas House unanimously voted to adopt the provision within House Rules on January 14th.
“Ironically, some Texas House Democrats who voted unanimously to approve this House rule are the same ones launching fallacious lawsuits now claiming the rule is unconstitutional,” said Representative Biedermann, “Then why did they all vote in favor of the same rule in January? If it were not for double standards, House Democrats wouldn’t have standards at all”.
Fortunately the Texas Supreme Court ruled on Thursday to clear the way for their civil arrests after it temporarily blocked Harris County judges’ orders protecting 45 Democrats from such a move. If lawmakers are arrested, they will not face criminal charges or fines and can only be brought to the House chamber. An 8 a.m. Monday deadline for a response has been set by the court.
Representative Biedermann is a small business owner who is serving his third term and represents Gillespie, Comal, and Kendall counties. More information can be found at www.kylebiedermann.com.
###
Follow Kyle