Although I understand the nature of a quorum I've seen several different threads talking about what Wisconsin's Senate's quorum rules are. I have no doubt I've gotten it wrong, but I'm still trying to search for some understanding of what the pubbies are up against in fighting the dems absentee tactic.
The one thing that is clear is that they can require that they return and they can assess fines. Those fines ought to be steep. They ought to hurt, reflective of how much this stunt has cost the taxpayers, the schools, law enforcement, etc.
Aricle IV
Organization of legislature; quorum; compulsory attendance.
SECTION 7.
Each house shall be the judge of the elections, returns and qualifications of its own members; and a majority of each shall constitute a quorum to do business, but a smaller number may adjourn from day to day, and may compel the ttendance of absent members in such manner and under such penalties as each house may provide.
Article VIII
Vote on fiscal bills; quorum.
SECTION 8.
On the passage in either house of the legislature of any law which imposes, continues or renews a tax, or creates a debt or charge, or makes, continues or renews an appropriation of public or trust money, or releases, discharges or commutes a claim or demand of the state, the question shall be taken by yeas and nays, which shall be duly entered on the journal; and three/fifths of all the members elected to such house shall in all such cases be required to constitute a quorum therein.
Apparently the nature of this legislation binds them to the three/fifths rule for a quorum.