That would keep lawmakers away from the Capitol during possible protests on Jan. The Texas Senate announced it would also pass its rules later in the week and then adjourn until Jan. Once that business is done, Phelan said he plans to adjourn the House until Jan. The House plans on taking up its rules for the session on Thursday. being sworn in as the next speaker of the TX House #txlege /EbLqh6DNuA Greg Abbott began his opening remarks to the House saying, "It is essential to me that the speaker is in favor of keeping alcohol to go." Phelan said, "51 years after putting a man on the moon, we figured out how to sell margaritas to go."įollowing on that theme, Gov. It included talk of education, revitalizing the economy, getting COVID-19 under control and - in a moment of levity - alcohol to go.īars and restaurants were given the ability to sell alcohol to go during the pandemic. House and Senate to discuss rules for the session later this weekĪfter being elected speaker of the House, Dade Phelan launched into the traditional opening session speech on goals and themes for the new session. The League is asking state leaders to "provide a way for the public to access live broadcasts of committee hearings and post notice of such hearings in advance" and "that they post any written materials that are being discussed." Some of the League's suggestions include creating a method for virtual participation or written participation, as well as guidance to the public on how to use those options. "We ask our elected officials to maximize transparency and facilitate remote public participation and to uphold their commitment to open government." "People must be able to engage with their elected officials to express their views on public policy decisions that will impact them on a daily basis," League officials wrote. The League of Women Voter of Texas wrote in a statement that it wants Texas House and Senate leadership to "provide a plan for public participation in the 87th Legislature that will protect the health and well-being of all Texans" as COVID-19 cases surge around the state. League of Women Voters calls on lawmakers to allow for remote participation throughout the legislative sessionĪdvocates are asking state legislative leaders to accommodate remote public input during this year's legislative session because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Women will make up just 27% of the Legislature.) According to a demographic analysis by The Texas Tribune, 61% of lawmakers this year will be white, even though white people make up 41% of the state's population. (And in case you were wondering: Yes, white men are still overrepresented in the Legislature. If The Texas Legislature Were A Symphony, This Is What It Would Sound Like. Five Ways You Can Influence Texas Lawmakers.A Beginner’s Guide To The Texas Legislature.Here are some resources we’ve put together: The legislative process can be confusing. The House and Senate have also established rules for the day regarding COVID-19, including limiting how many guests lawmakers can bring.įollow along for coverage of the day's events. The department also said that for safety reasons, the public will be required to take a COVID-19 test before entering the Capitol. The Texas Department of Public Safety said it will have additional personnel on Capitol grounds, and lawmakers have been told that members of the National Guard will be in Austin to assist with security. Some are nervous about a pro-Trump rally that’s planned for the day. Capitol, many lawmakers have concerns about safety. Dade Phelan, R-Beaumont.īetween the coronavirus pandemic and last week's insurrection at the U.S. One of the first orders of business for the Texas House of Representatives will be electing the next speaker, which is expected to be Rep. Lawmakers will convene at noon in the state Capitol, where new senators and representatives will be sworn in. Today is opening day of the 87th Texas legislative session. Pérez / KUT The Texas Capitol on Monday, a day before the start of the legislative session.
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