By: Hughes, et al. S.B. No. 2333
(Metcalf)
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to rules permitting service dogs in the Capitol.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Section 443.018(b), Government Code, is amended
to read as follows:
(b) The rules adopted under Subsection (a) shall include
rules that:
(1) prohibit persons from attaching signs, banners, or
other displays to a part of the Capitol or to a structure, including
a fence, on the grounds of the Capitol except as approved by the
board;
(2) prohibit a visitor from placing furniture in the
Capitol or on the grounds of the Capitol for a period that exceeds
24 hours except as approved by the board;
(3) prohibit the setting up or placement of camping
equipment, shelter, or related materials in the Capitol or on the
grounds of the Capitol except as approved by the board;
(4) prohibit actions that block ingress and egress:
(A) into the Capitol building; or
(B) rooms or hallways within the Capitol
building, except as approved by the board;
(5) prohibit actions that pose a risk to safety;
(6) provide that members of the public must leave the
Capitol when the building is closed to the public;
(7) provide that all pets except service [Seeing Eye]
dogs are not permitted in the Capitol, and shall be restrained at
all times on a leash or similar device in the immediate control of
the owner while on the grounds of the Capitol, except as approved by
the board;
(8) prohibit the use of skateboards, rollerblades, and
rollerskates in the Capitol or on the grounds of the Capitol; and
(9) prohibit a vendor or commercial enterprise from
operating in the Capitol or on the grounds of the Capitol unless the
vendor or commercial enterprise is authorized to do so by the board.
SECTION 2. As soon as practicable after the effective date
of this Act, the State Preservation Board shall update the rules
required by Section 443.018, Government Code, as amended by this
Act.
SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2023.