The Texas House of Representatives Thursday gave unanimous approval (141-0) to a new rules Resolution regarding the 87th State Legislature. Mask wearing and virtually testifying were two of the issues addressed. There was some pushback from lawmakers on both.
The author of the Resolution, State Representative Todd Hunter opened up saying “Masks…Oh yes it’s a debatable topic.” And as it turns out he was right. According to the new rules, there are some aspects that are mandatory, with some options. “When you’re on the House floor, you’re to wear your mask,” Hunter said to the members. “If you’re at the front mic, If you’re at the back mic you may wear your mask, or you’re allowed to take it off.”
Not all the lawmakers were onboard. State Representative Kyle Biederman challenged the proposed rule filing an amendment to the Resolution saying that even Governor Abbott’s mask order wasn’t as restrictive. “What if you have a medical condition? What if you’re disabled?” said Biederman to his colleagues in hopes they would side with his amendment. “Governor Abbott allows for these exemptions, but we do not.” The House rejected the amendment 23 Yeas, 119 Nays, 1 Present, not voting.
Some state lawmakers also had issues with not allowing all Texans who wish to testify on legislation in committee hearings to do so virtually, due to the pandemic. Hunter explained that the rules for testifying also include options. People are allowed to provide in-person testimony, as long as they follow the mask requirements. They can also submit written testimony through an online portal as well as those selected to attend virtually by invitation. This would include subject matter experts called on by the committee chair.
Hunter added that these rules weren’t etched in stone saying, “It (the new rules) doesn’t prevent House administration or our offices to work on even a better way. So, again let’s not go restricted. We’ve got the ‘temporary rules’ that we can build on later.”