Greg Abbott Signs Order Barring Texas Cities from Implementing Mask and Vaccine Requirements

Gov. Greg Abbott (R) took executive action on Thursday, signing an order barring cities from implementing mask and vaccine requirements; this move is part of the administration’s effort to “promote statewide uniformity and certainty” in the Lone Star State’s coronavirus response.

The order states “no governmental entity, including a county, city, school district, and public health authority, and no governmental official may require any person to wear a face covering or to mandate that another person wear a face covering,” with limited exceptions.

“No governmental entity can compel any individual to receive a COVID-19 vaccine administered under an emergency use authorization,” the order continues, barring state agencies and political subdivisions from adopting or enforcing any “order, ordinance, policy, regulation, rule, or similar measure that requires an individual to provide, as a condition of receiving any service or entering any place, documentation regarding the individual’s vaccination status for any COVJD-l9 vaccine administered under an emergency use authorization.”

The order also bars public and private entities that either are receiving public funds or will receive public funds from requiring consumers to reveal their vaccination status as a condition of service.