87R1596 MEW-D
By: Tinderholt H.B. No. 3782
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to governmental authority to close private and public
schools.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Subchapter E, Chapter 81, Health and Safety
Code, is amended by adding Section 81.0851 to read as follows:
Sec. 81.0851. APPLICATION OF CONTROL MEASURES TO SCHOOLS.
Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, the department
or a health authority may not impose control measures that require
the closure of a public or private school within its jurisdiction.
SECTION 2. Section 418.012, Government Code, is amended to
read as follows:
Sec. 418.012. EXECUTIVE ORDERS. (a) Under this chapter,
the governor may issue executive orders, proclamations, and
regulations and amend or rescind them, except as provided by
Subsection (b). Executive orders, proclamations, and regulations
have the force and effect of law.
(b) The governor may not issue an executive order,
proclamation, or regulation requiring the closure of a public or
private school.
SECTION 3. Section 418.016, Government Code, is amended by
adding Subsection (i) to read as follows:
(i) Notwithstanding Subsection (a), the governor may not
suspend Section 418.012(b) or a state agency rule or order that
conflicts with that subsection.
SECTION 4. This Act takes effect September 1, 2021.