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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 298

Legislative bill overview

HB 298 establishes procedures for declaring a vacancy in the Texas Legislature when a senator or representative has excessive absences. The bill appears designed to address situations where elected officials fail to perform their duties due to prolonged unavailability, creating a mechanism to remove them from office rather than leave seats vacant indefinitely.

Why is this important

Legislative vacancies can leave constituents without representation and create gridlock in the chamber. Without clear removal procedures for chronic absenteeism, districts may lack voice in lawmaking for extended periods. This bill attempts to balance holding legislators accountable for showing up while protecting against arbitrary removal.

Potential points of contention

  • Defining "excessive absence": The specific threshold (number of days, types of absences excused vs. unexcused) will be contentious—what constitutes excessive enough to remove someone?
  • Due process concerns: Legislators may argue the removal process doesn't provide adequate opportunity to defend themselves or explain absences (medical emergencies, family crises, etc.)
  • Party weaponization risk: Opposition parties could theoretically use absence triggers strategically to force out members from the other party during critical votes or legislative sessions

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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