RUNAWAY LAWMAKERS!?!? THE MYTH OF THE RUN FROM TEXAS..DEBUNKED

Hypothetical Example
A Texas House Democrat leaves the state for Illinois during a quorum-denial event and then files:
A travel reimbursement request for airfare and hotel,
Labeling the trip as “legislative business.”
If later discovered (e.g. via whistleblower, media, or audit) that the trip was purely to block legislative action:
The State Auditor or Legislative Budget Board could flag the expense.
An Ethics Commission complaint or even criminal referral could follow.

Key Legal Repercussions if Legislators Expensed the Walkout
1. Misuse of Public Funds (Theft by a Public Servant)
Under Texas Penal Code §39.02, "Abuse of Official Capacity", a public servant commits a criminal offense if they misuse government property, services, or personnel.
If legislators filed false reimbursement claims for travel that:
Had no legitimate legislative purpose,
Was done with intent to obstruct the legislature,
— they could face misdemeanor or felony charges, depending on the dollar amount involved.