Texas Judge Blocks Arrest of Dem Lawmakers From Being Arrested on Return to the State

A judge ruled in favor of Texas Democrats who fled the state last month to block a Republican-backed voting law, blocking Texas House Speaker Dade Phelan and other officials from arresting the lawmakers. State District Judge Brad Urrutia, a Democrat, signed the order on Aug. 8, issuing an injunction that prevents Phelan, a Republican, from arresting and detaining the Democrats. Dozens of lawmakers last month fled the state and went to Washington to protest the law by denying Republicans a quorum, which was needed to start the legislative session. “Democratic state lawmakers who fled Texas to stop Republicans from passing a voting bill can…