Texas Governor Greg Abbott said he will move to declare the seats of absent House Democrats vacant if they do not return to the state Capitol by 3 p.m. on Aug. 4. The lawmakers left Texas to block consideration of pending legislation, depriving the chamber of the quorum needed to conduct business. Abbott cited a provision that allows a district court to rule a legislator has abandoned office, enabling the court to remove that member and create a vacancy. He warned that once vacancies are declared he will begin steps to replace the lawmakers. The governor also suggested the Democrats could face felony charges if they accept outside payments to offset fines imposed for their continued absence. Abbott did not specify what statute such charges would rely on, and the lawmakers have not publicly responded to the new threat.