With less than two weeks remaining in the ongoing special session, bills have yet to be heard addressing the ongoing confusion around the state as the Fall semester of school has begun.
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87th Session Autopsy Reports, State
Autopsy Report: Lack of Emergency Powers Reform Despite Outcry From Texans
The Legislature adjourned approving a mere patchwork of bills, with only a few addressing the concerns that were raised in the wake of the pandemic.
Legislative Session to Conclude With No Emergency Powers Reform
The Senate passed bills seeking to reform emergency authorities at the state and local levels, while the House passed a bill to perpetuate disputed authorities altogether. Neither could seemingly come to an agreement.
Senate Takes Different Approach to Emergency Powers Reform
The Senate sponsor of the Texas Pandemic Response Act substituted the bill with his own approach to emergency powers reform, which further speaks to the different approaches of the two chambers on the issue.
House Rejects Proposal to Ban Mask Mandates With Help of Republicans
Seven Republican lawmakers voted with Democrats to allow both the governor and local governments to be able to require the wearing of masks when responding to a pandemic.
Controversial Texas Pandemic Response Act Gets a New Revision
“With HB 3, House Republicans are endorsing the biggest policy mistake and invasion of personal liberties in our lifetime and setting the stage for it to happen again.“ – Former State Rep. Matt Rinaldi
House ‘Liability Protection’ Bill Could Subject Businesses to Fauci Directives
“At the very least, any business that makes a good faith effort to substantially comply with state law, not CDC or DSHS “recommendations” and “protocols,” should be immune from suit.” – Former State Rep. Matt Rinaldi
Texas GOP Chair Allen West Says House Pandemic Proposal Would ‘Codify Unconstitutional Actions’
Codifying the governor’s pandemic powers, House Bill 3 has been a source of controversy for conservatives.