Texas House Administration Chair Charlie Geren, R-Fort Worth, sent a memo to lawmakers last week saying masks will be required, guests will be asked to test for the virus and attendance will be limited for the first day of the legislative session. Credit: Todd Wiseman/The Texas Tribune
With less than three weeks until the Texas Legislature meets, uncertainty is lingering as state leaders have yet to flesh out their agendas and lawmakers scramble to figure out how to safely convene during the coronavirus pandemic.
It has been anything but the typical pre-session run-up, and members are heading into the Christmas holiday faced with several unknowns â which, to be sure, could be settled in short order. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick has suggested there could be an announcement about pandemic protocols next week, and Gov. Greg Abbott is expected to give more details about his legislative agenda once the new year begins.
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Galveston County officials said they will refuse to enforce business restrictions imposed by Gov. Greg Abbott, as surging COVID-19 cases in nine southeast Texas counties have triggered fresh lockdowns.
The governor s order requires the immediate closure of bars and restricts restaurant capacity at 50%. It also bans elective surgeries to keep hospital beds open for critically ill patients. The counties affected include Galveston, Brazoria, Chambers, Liberty, Jefferson, Orange, Hardin, Jasper and Newton.
Galveston County Judge Mark Henry said he could not enforce the order even if he wanted to.