Texas Bill to Remove Legislators with Too Many Absences

HB 298 would create a rule for holding state legislators accountable when they miss legislative sessions. When a legislator fails to show up for floor sessions without a good reason approved by the house, a vacancy would be created. The bill sets different standards for regular legislative sessions and special sessions. During a regular session, a legislator would lose their seat after 14 unexcused absences. During a special session, the threshold is much lower—after just 3 unexcused absences, the seat becomes vacant. A legislator must get permission from a majority of their house to be excused from attendance. Without this permission, each absence counts toward triggering a vacancy. This rule would apply only to absences that happen on or after the bill becomes law. The bill was introduced by Representative Briscoe Cain and sponsored by 70 state legislators working together. It was referred to the State Affairs Committee in August 2025. If the bill passes, it would take effect immediately if it gets a two-thirds vote from both chambers. Otherwise, it would take effect 91 days after the legislative session ends.