BBC News [UK State Media]
“Texas governor Greg Abbott has threatened to file bribery charges against Democratic legislators who fled the state to prevent a vote on a controversial redistricting plan that would significantly favour Republicans. At least two-thirds of the 150-member state legislative body must be present to proceed with the vote. The quorum became unreachable when 51 Democratic lawmakers left the state. The proposed congressional map, unveiled last week by Texas Republicans, would create more Republican seats in the US House of Representatives where they hold a slim majority currently. Abbott warned that lawmakers who refuse to return to vote on the map could face second-degree felony charges. ‘It would be bribery if any lawmaker took money to perform or to refuse to perform an act in the legislature,’ Abbott said on Fox News on Monday.” (08/04/25)