AUSTIN, Texas (KLTV) - Texas House Bill 18 took effect earlier this month, effectively penalizing any Texas state representative who receives or spends political expenditures when they deny quorum by purposefully leaving the state. This comes as Democratic lawmakers denied quorum during the process of redrawing Texas’s congressional map.

Rep. Cole Hefner (R-Mount Pleasant) says the bill puts pressure on congressional members to show up and work.

“One hundred fifty members were elected to do the people’s business, and they need to show up for work,” Hefner said.

Hefner hopes the bill gives voters confidence because it forces legislators to answer to voters if they decide to break quorum.

Rep. Mihaela Plesa (D-Dallas) says the new penalties in place are a small price to pay for upholding

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