Capital Highlights: Public access to Legislature up in the air

When the Texas Legislature convenes Jan. 12, a key question is how the public will have access to their lawmakers during the pandemic.

State Rep. Briscoe Cain, R-Deer Park, is asking Attorney General Ken Paxton to issue an opinion about whether the Capitol building must be open during the legislative session. Further, should legislators be required to be in person during any debate and vote?

During the pandemic, many local and state elected bodies have switched to virtual meetings. The state Legislature, which meets in odd years, has been out of session this year. The Capitol building has been closed since mid-March, but the Texas State Preservation Board reopened the Capitol grounds last week.