The Texas House of Representatives decided to ban members of the minority party from chairing committees in a vote on Thursday. The vote came after months of Texas conservatives calling for House Republicans to ban Democrats from being the top rank on a committee so that lawmakers can focus on passing conservative legislation first.

The BriefThe first big floor debate took place in the Texas House on ThursdayThe debate was about setting rules for the session AUSTIN, Texas - The first big floor debate in the Texas House happened on Thursday afternoon.

Members of the House of Representatives have approved new rules, including a formal decision to prevent Democrats from chairing committees.

While new House rules prevent Democrats from leading committees, it increases the power of the vice-chair position which will still give Democrats some say in legislation.