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