Capitol will reopen on Jan. 4

Along with an announcement that the state might take over police operations in Austin, there was more normal news from the Capitol yesterday. Namely, the Texas Capitol will reopen on Jan. 4 after being closed since March due to the pandemic. The office of Gov. Greg Abbott explained that, “In response to the Covid-19 pandemic, health and safety protocols have been put in place to allow for the Capitol’s reopening while maintaining a safe environment for all visitors, lawmakers and staff.” As for what this means for the upcoming legislative session: “Preparations to safely conduct business in the Texas House and Senate are ongoing, and each chamber will vote upon their respective rules and protocols at the start of the legislative session.”