Texas House Republicans have passed a measure banning Democrats from chairing committees, achieving a key party goal that has sparked sharp partisan divisions in the state legislature.

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.

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.