SMU political science professor Matthew Wilson explains the rarely enforced rules being applied during this second special session of the legislature.

Texas state Rep. Nicole Collier was told she was not free to leave the building after refusing to sign a permission slip requiring a 24-hour police escort.

Parts of the Texas Capitol were evacuated on Tuesday evening following reports of an active shooter threat. The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) said the evacuation, which happened at around 6:30 p.m., was prompted by a threat posted online.

A Texas Democrat has stayed overnight at the state Capitol to protest how the Texas House’s top Republican had dozens of her colleagues shadowed.

California pastor Jack Hibbs urged families to flee the state if a bill expanding caregiver rights passes, warning it could strip away parents' rights.

I’ve had enough, just like the American people have had enough of the Trump takeover.” Texas state Democratic Rep. Nicole Collier spoke to MSNBC from the Texas State Capitol on Monday. Collier made the decision to confine herself inside after the Texas GOP required police surveillance as a condition for her release.

"I would say I would lean into we'll probably have to have metro miters on the doors. We'll have to do the metal detectors some that makes sense. I'm grateful to the State Patrol to make the decision early on to limit the number of doors that doesn't limit people's access to the Capitol.

Shortly after, a protest formed inside the Capitol with chants in support of Collier, including four women sitting outside the doors of the chamber Monday night surrounded by dozens of Texas DPS officers. An officer told them, "If you do not leave, you're subject to arrest for trespassing," and then they were handcuffed and taken into custody.