Since the COVID-19 pandemic broke in 2020, Gov. Greg Abbott has been the target of scrutiny by fellow Republicans over his response to business closures and vaccine mandates.
To quiet his critics, he proposed legislation to “end COVID restrictions forever” and limit his power to respond without legislative input.
He signed Senate Bill 29 that prohibits local governments from requiring masks, vaccines or shutdowns, some Republicans feel it does not go far enough because it does not cover private entities like businesses.
🚨BREAKING: Texas Governor, Greg Abbott, signed into law Senate Bill 29, which bans mask mandates, vaccines and business shutdowns in response to COVID-19. The law goes into effect September 1st.
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On one hand, this debate may seem symbolic to the average Texan as many mandates have already been snuffed out by executive action and the pandemic is waning.
But on the other hand, some in Abbott’s party have championed “medical freedom” since last year which has led to a legal tangle between state and local governments over mask requirements should there be another surge later on.
State Rep Brian Harrison and Sen Mayes Middleton pushed for a more sweeping ban on vaccine mandates during regular session but their bill only passed through Senate – never making it onto House floor despite support from groups like Texans for Vaccine Choice and Texas GOP.
Senate Bill 29 goes into effect September 1st though its impact remains uncertain as it restricts local governments only – not private entities – while Centers for Disease Control still recommends vaccination against COVID-19 as best way prevent serious illness.
