AUSTIN — The Texas House on Friday voted to allow journalists back on the floor this session, a day after members lifted their self-imposed requirement that they and the public wear masks in the House chamber and committee rooms.
“We’re going to invite them back, now that we’re removing masks,” said Rep. Rafael Anchía, a Dallas Democrat, referring to credentialed members of the news media.
His resolution to allow journalists back on the floor passed, 100-26.
The action completed a two-step relaxation of COVID-19 containment measures the House embraced when it adopted session rules in January.
On Thursday, House lawmakers voted to accept a recommendation by Cypress Republican Tom Oliverson, a physician, to let state representatives and members of the public choose whether or not to wear masks when in the House chamber and House committee rooms.
Oliverson’s resolution passed, 99-46.
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Questioned by Austin Democrat Donna Howard, a nurse, on why the House would ignore guidance from the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that fully vaccinated people continue wearing masks in indoor public spaces, Oliverson said the state follows some CDC recommendations.
“We don’t follow all of them,” he said.
People who’ve had COVID-19 or been fully vaccinated don’t transmit the virus, Oliverson noted.
“That was something we did not know five months ago,” he said.
Any members who feel uncomfortable being around unmasked colleagues may still participate virtually in hearings on legislation and vote from secure laptops just off the House floor, as the January rules allowed, he noted.
Democratic Caucus Chairman Chris Turner of Grand Prairie asked whether committee rooms, which are much smaller than the House chamber, and have lower ceilings, should be considered as a separate matter. Oliverson said air-filtration systems and UV-light machines purchased by the House are used in committee rooms.
Staff writer Alex Briseño contributed to this report.
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