In Texas politics, quorum breaks aren’t just procedural tactics — they’re full-blown spectacles. Whether it’s playing cards in the Capitol, hiding in bathrooms, or fleeing the state with a case of light beer, these standoffs make headlines and shape legislative history.
But the roots of this tradition stretch all the way back to 1870, when the ink was still drying on Texas’s reentry into the Union. Here’s a look at the constitutional foundation, the political showdowns, and the antics that made quorum-busting a time-honored (or time-tested) maneuver in Texas politics.
🏛️ The Constitutional Basis: Article III, Section 10
The Texas Constitution is clear: two-thirds of each chamber must be present to conduct official business. If enough members skip town — or the building entirely — they can halt legislation in its tracks.
But there’s a twist: the State Constitution also allows either chamber to “compel the attendance of absent members.” That means a lawmaker can be forcibly returned by civil arrest. Of course, they have to still be in the Lone Star State.
The First Quorum Break: 1870 and the “Rump Senate”
Chamber: Texas Senate
Issue: A controversial bill to expand the wartime powers of Reconstruction-era Governor Edmund J. Davis
Break Details: In June 1870, thirteen Democratic state senators stormed out of the chamber to block the bill. Their absence prevented a quorum, and the remaining Republicans were dubbed the “Rump Senate.”
State Response: The Senate’s Sergeant-at-Arms, under direction of the Lieutenant Governor, was dispatched to track down and arrest the absent senators under civil process.
Outcome: Several members were physically returned to the chamber, and the bill passed — but not before the maneuver became Texas’s first recorded quorum break and set the precedent for all that followed.
This wasn’t a stunt. It was a full-blown constitutional standoff, with law enforcement knocking on doors and lawmakers literally in hiding. Sound familiar?
1979: The “Killer Bees” Hide from the Primary Bill
Chamber: Texas Senate
Issue: Moving up the state’s presidential primary to benefit John Connally
Break Details: Twelve Democratic senators went missing, allegedly hiding in garages, apartments — and maybe even Capitol bathrooms
Response: Lt. Gov. Bill Hobby ordered a call of the Senate; law enforcement searched buildings and restrooms
Public Reaction: Mixed — some saw them as patriots, others as cowards
Humor Factor: The media dubbed them the “Killer Bees”, and rumors of sightings led to reporters checking bathroom stalls
Outcome: A compromise was reached; the senators returned as minor folk heroes
2003: “Killer D’s” Ride to Ardmore
Chamber: Texas House
Issue: Tom DeLay’s controversial mid-decade redistricting plan
Break Details: 51 House Democrats fled to Ardmore, Oklahoma, out of reach of Texas law enforcement
Response: DPS was dispatched but legally powerless across state lines
Public Reaction: The group was nicknamed the “Killer D’s” in homage to the ’79 Senate crew
Humor Factor: Republicans played poker in the House chamber waiting for their return. Meanwhile, milk cartons appeared with pictures of the “missing” Democrats .
Outcome: The plan stalled temporarily but passed in a later special session
2021: The Charter Jet Getaway
Chamber: Texas House
Issue: GOP-led election reform legislation (SB 1)
Break Details: Over 50 House Democrats chartered private planes to Washington, D.C., aiming to stall the bill and call for federal action
Response: Gov. Abbott demanded their arrest upon return. Speaker Dade Phelan issued civil arrest warrants
Public Reaction: Democrats livestreamed from D.C.; Republicans blasted them for photo-ops and beer on the plane
Humor Factor: The viral selfie of Miller Lite and cards mid-flight became a meme — until COVID cases derailed the narrative
Outcome: After several weeks, the Democrats returned, and the bill passed largely unchanged
The Long Arm of the Law (Usually)
Texas is one of the few states that allows for the civil arrest of lawmakers to restore a quorum. But it’s state-bound — law enforcement can’t snatch a legislator from D.C. or Ardmore. That’s why successful quorum breaks usually involve crossing the border.
Once back in Texas, absent lawmakers can be escorted to the chamber — even if it’s kicking and screaming (metaphorically… so far).
Theatrics, Optics, and Political Theater
Every quorum break is a mix of legislative maneuver, partisan protest, and public performance. Some aim to delay bad bills, others to make a national statement. And while they don’t always succeed in stopping legislation, they almost always succeed in generating headlines and fundraising dollars.
From Milk Cartons to Bathroom Stalls
Texas doesn’t do subtle politics. Here, quorum breaks involve:
- Poker games on the floor
- Milk carton manhunts
- Private jets stocked with cheap beer
- State troopers banging on garage doors
And it all started in 1870, when thirteen senators ducked the Capitol and forced the very first “call of the Senate.” Over 150 years later, Texas lawmakers are still pulling the same moves — just with better snacks and better PR.
Want to learn more about how the Texas Legislative and Executive Branches operate? Contact the GovExperts Team today!