SALEM, Ore. (AP) — Walkouts by Republican lawmakers in Oregon’s Legislature have become so frequent that Democrats want to sanction boycotters who use it to stifle progressive legislation with $500 daily fines and even disqualify them from holding office.

The issue has become incendiary for both sides, and Democrats say it harms the democratic functioning of the state.

Oregon is particularly vulnerable to boycotts because it requires a two-thirds majority to be present for a quorum. Forty-six other U.S. statehouses require only a simple majority.

Democrats have most of the seats in the Legislature, but lack the two-thirds majority to conduct business if Republicans walk out and refuse to do their jobs.