Senate Waives Penalties for Defiant Democrats
The state Senate dropped thousands of dollars in fines and restored parking and cellphone privileges for Democrats who were punished for fleeing the state to block a Republican-led redistricting plan.
The Democrats instead will be placed on a probation of sorts until the start of the next regular legislative session, in January 2005. They were told that if they leave Austin again to break a quorum they would have to pay $57,000 apiece in fines.
The sanctions also would be reinstated for any senators absent without a sufficient excuse for more than 72 hours when their attendance is required.
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