Senate Bill 1, the Republican-backed election security measure that has been a lightning rod for controversy throughout the 87th Texas legislative session, passed the state House of Representatives on Aug. 26.
The long-anticipated vote occurred after months of heated debate and two Democratic walkouts. Among the lawmakers pleased with the passage is Texas state Rep. Mayes Middleton (R-Wallisville).
"After 14+ hours of debate, the Election Integrity Bill SB 1 passes the House on second reading!" Middleton posted on Facebook.
SB 1, which was sponsored by 15 Republicans, relates “to election integrity and security, including by preventing fraud in the conduct of elections in this state; increasing criminal penalties; creating criminal offenses; providing civil penalties,” LegiScan writes.
The Hill reported that the legislation passed on an 80-41 vote and will head to Gov. Greg Abbott's desk. The Texas Senate passed the bill 18-11 earlier this month.
Election integrity has been a hot-button issue since the 2020 presidential election. Many Republicans attributed former President Donald Trump’s loss to Joe Biden to what they perceived was widespread fraud.
Several states, including Texas, have either passed legislation regulating future elections – a move seen by Democrats as akin to Jim Crow – or conducted audits of their own ballots.
The 87th Texas Legislature did not pass GOP-backed election-related bills in its regular session because of a walkout staged by Democratic lawmakers, prompting Abbott to call a special session last month. That session, however, was interrupted by another Democratic walkout, this time out of the state to Washington, D.C. to break quorum.
Several of the legislators who fled the state returned, setting the stage for a vote.
The Democrats pinned their hopes on a filibuster attempt by Texas state Sen. Carol Alvarado on Aug. 11. Houston Daily reported that Alvarado, who was among the absentee lawmakers, filibustered the bill for 15 hours but was unsuccessful.
Decked out in running shoes, the senator was required to remain standing and speaking. She wasn't allowed to sit, lean on her desk or even take a bathroom break.