The Texas Senate unanimously approved COVID-19 health protocols (SR 1). Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick thanked the members for voting on the testing protocols saying the requirement will last “for the next 60 days, and then it will be reviewed.”
Spotlight on the resolution:
- Public seating in the gallery will be limited to ensure social distancing in accordance with COVID-19 guidelines.
- A wristband demonstrating a negative COVID-19 test is required for entry to the gallery or a committee hearing.
- No personal data will be collected from persons who are tested to enter the Capitol. However, aggregate data indicating the number of persons tested each day and the number of positive tests shall be available to the members of the senate.
- Each senator may have one staff member on the floor at a time while the senate is in session. No additional staff for committees will be allowed, except that the chair of the Administration Committee may allow additional staff for members handling extraordinary matters.
- To enter the senate floor or attend a committee hearing, a member must have had a negative COVID-19 test result that day.
- Members’ staff must be tested the first day of the week they enter the Capitol. All senate staff must be tested before accessing the Senate Chamber or attending a committee hearing.
- All central staff must be tested twice each week and a record must be kept to ensure that the testing schedule is being followed.
- A person who demonstrates proof of vaccination against COVID-19 shall be treated for all purposes the same as a person who has tested negative for COVID-19 and shall be entitled to a wristband. Its up to each member’s office to determine whether to require a wristband for entry into their office.
- Masks:
- Members and employees of the senate shall wear masks in common areas
- Members are not required to wear masks while seated at the dais
- The Senate may take appropriate measures to address if the House approves a different standard of COVID-19 procedures