STATE REP. HUNTER: Here's What You Need to Know About Visiting the Capitol This Legislative Session

THE 87TH TEXAS LEGISLATIVE SESSION BEGINS JANUARY 12th  

AUSTIN, Texas (Texas Insider Report) — The 87th Texas Legislative Session began Tuesday, January 12th., and Texas House of Representatives swearing-in ceremony was held on the House Floor at noon on January 12th. An in preparation for the 87th Session, the State Preservation Board began allowing the public to access the Capitol on January 4th.

To create a safe environment for visitors on the grounds, the State Preservation Board established health precautions and limited hours to allow for building cleaning.

The House and Senate will manage access to their offices and assemblies once convened, and rules are adopted.

The Capitol will be open Monday-Friday, 9am-6pm, and will be closed Saturday and Sunday for cleaning.

Some of the health precaution being taken are:
 

• The public may only enter at the north door of the Capitol.
• COVID-19 testing is highly recommended and is accessible at the north plaza.
• A mask is required at all times when visitors are inside the building.
• There will be public visitor capacity limits and social distancing will be required in all public areas.
• No public tours, groups, or sponsored event space will be available.

I would also like to mention that some bills have been pre-filed for this session, which began in November of 2020.
 

• The final date to file bills this session will be Friday, March 12, 2021.
• Then, the last day of the 87th regular session will be Monday, May 31, 2021

If you'd like to follow the Texas House and learn more information on news, committees or other aspects of the legislative body, you can access its general Information at the House.texas.gov website. This site features live streaming from the House Floor, as well as committee hearings and access to a number of other resources.
 

• You can also follow the Texas Senate HERE at it's Official Website. 
• And, the Texas Governor’s Official Website can be found at https://gov.texas.gov.

As a reminder, the 87th Texas Legislative session is beginning.

As always, I want to hear your ideas and suggestions. Your ideas and information are important forms of feedback and I hope that you will not hesitate to contact my office.

If you have questions regarding any of the information mentioned above, please don't hesitate to call my Capitol or District Offices. As always, we're available at any time to assist you with questions, concerns, or comments (Capitol Office, 512-463-0672; District Office, 361-949-4603).

And please feel free to contact us if you have any questions or issues regarding a Texas State Agency or if you'd like help regarding Constituent Services.

If you'd like to review more about the Texas State Legislature, visit the Texas Legislature Online.
 
State Representative Todd Hunter serves the constituents of Texas House District 32, which is composed of Aransas, Calhoun, San Patricio and part of Nueces County.