The Texas House adopted House Resolution 4 on January 14, modifying the operating rules for the House and its committees, as well as implementing special emergency rules covering COVID-19 prevention policies in the House. The House did not adopt a testing requirement for their rules.
Spotlight on Changes in HR 4
- Clarifies duties of the Speaker Pro Tempore and allows Speaker to designate a priority list of members who may call the House to order in the Speaker’s absence
- Directs House Appropriations to hold at least one interim hearing on Legislative Appropriations Requests for state agencies with greater than $40 million in appropriations
- Media access procedures are revised and credentialing runs through House Administration
- Committee modifications made by HR 4
- House Pensions is now 9 members, down from 11
- Chair of House Ways & Means may not serve on any other substantive committee
- The Speaker Pro Tempore may not serve on more than one substantive committee or as chair of a standing committee
- Special rule provisions
- Special rules may be activated or deactivated by the House; special rules were initially activated upon adoption of HR 4
- Mask and distancing requirements are implemented for the House Floor and committee chambers
- Members may vote from the floor, from the House gallery, and from adjoining rooms
- Committee members are required to be present to vote on bills, but only 2 members are required in the committee room to fulfill quorum requirements and take testimony
- Specifies several methods for the public to participate in committee hearings digitally in addition to in-person participation
