Texas DPS should not have been used to search for missing Dems in redistricting dispute

The New York Times is reporting that the search by the Texas Department of Public Safety for the missing Democratic representatives during the original redistricting dispute was illegal.

Texas law "limits the role of D.P.S. to enforcing the laws protecting the public safety and providing for the prevention and detection of crime," [Visiting] Judge [Charles] Campbell [of State District Court in Austin] wrote in the ruling.

The judge said state law overrode a House rule allowing for absent members to be arrested by the sergeant-at-arms or an officer appointed by him.

Other aspects of the search are still being investigated. One review has said there was no wrongdoing in the use of a Department of Homeland Security agency to obtain informatio on the location of the plane, but there are still questions about the FAA's role in the search.

Meanwhile, the Governor of Texas has called a special session to try again to push the redistricting legislation through.

Posted by thorswitch at July 13, 2003 03:07 PM | TrackBack