Washington (CNN) Oregon's Democratic state lawmakers are tired of their Republican colleagues walking out on them over a controversial environmental bill.

But since they can't legally block them from evading votes, the Democrats are introducing a measure that would require them to pay fines or expenses for unexcused absences out of their own pocket rather than using campaign funds.

Of course, because Republicans aren't present for any votes, that means the measure's chances for passage, even in a Democratically controlled legislature, are slim.

"This is something Democrats take issue with. Currently, Republicans are receiving their salary, benefits, and per diem (money meant to be used to fund travel to the State Capitol) while they are off the job," Amanda Kraus, a spokeswoman for the Senate Democrats, told CNN in an email. She said violators would be referred to the state's secretary of state, who would investigate whether any laws were broken.

The amendment, attached to a campaign finance bill, would look to specifically address legislators' current ability to use their campaign money to pay for their hotel costs and travel during an unexcused absence from work.

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