Texas Democratic state Representative Nicole Collier has spent more than 24 hours on the House floor after refusing to sign a Republican-imposed agreement that would place her under round-the-clock escort by the Texas Department of Public Safety. The Fort Worth lawmaker, who slept overnight in the chamber, said she would not “sign away my dignity” by accepting the surveillance requirement. House Speaker Dustin Burrows ordered the escorts and “permission slips” on 18 August when Democrats returned from a two-week walkout. While most of the caucus complied, Collier objected and remained in the locked chamber, joined overnight by colleagues Gene Wu and Vince Perez. Under House rules she may leave only for her office under guard or stay on the floor until the chamber reconvenes Wednesday. The confrontation follows Democrats’ flight to Illinois and other states that temporarily denied the House a quorum and delayed a Republican redistricting plan drafted with backing from former President Donald Trump. The proposal would create five additional Republican-leaning seats in Texas’s 38-member U.S. House delegation ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. With quorum restored, a vote could come later this week. Republican leaders say the escort policy ensures lawmakers cannot again break quorum; Democrats call it an intimidation tactic and vow to challenge the maps in court if they pass. Absent members still face civil arrest warrants within Texas and fines of up to $500 for each legislative day missed.
Texas Democrat Nicole Collier Locked in State Capitol, Sleeps on House Floor After Refusing Republican-Mandated Police Escort https://t.co/GYNZKOwXPX
Republicans locked @NicoleCollier95 in the House chamber for doing her job and fighting to protect democracy. Thank you for standing up for Texans! We won’t let authoritarianism win. https://t.co/QuGw0fpdju
A Democratic lawmaker has spent over 24 hours on the Texas House floor in protest after refusing a GOP demand to be placed under the watch of law enforcement https://t.co/o52NyHTojP