Earlier this week, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick announced a set of COVID-19 protocols for the Texas Senate for this upcoming legislative session. Although visitors will be limited and everyone entering the Senate gallery on opening day will be required to undergo coronavirus testing, it is up to individual senators to decide whether their respective offices will be fully open to the public or if they will require an appointment for guests to enter.
Texas Scorecard reached out to each senator’s office and asked about their visitor policies for the 87th Legislative Session. Here is a list of their responses (updated as responses are received):
Requiring appointments:
- State Sen. Donna Campbell (R–New Braunfels)
- State Sen. Judith Zaffirini (D–Laredo)
- State Sen. Larry Taylor (R–Friendswood)
Not requiring appointments:
- State Sen. Lois Kolkhorst (R–Brenham)
- State Sen. Bob Hall (R–Edgewood) Hall’s office also noted that masks would not be required.
The Texas Senate is scheduled to convene at noon on January 12.
