DPS Deployment - North Entrance Texas Capitol Gatekeeper - 2021-01-12

Good news! According to Texas State Preservation Board staff, COVID testing is NOT a condition of entry to the Texas State Capitol.After being turned away from entering the Capitol by DPS on the first AND second day because I refused to take a COVID test, I finally called the Texas State Preservation Board staff, today, to find out the story.I talked to the Executive Assistant (Ann Vay) to the Executive Director (Rod Welsh) of the State Preservation Board. She told me that the requirement for testing as a condition of entry to the Capitol was meant only for the first day of the session, and that now, it is optional. She let me know that the tents were still there and that testing is encouraged for entry to the Capitol, BUT NOT MANDATORY!She let me know about the Senate rules that require proof of COVID testing or vaccination before attending or testifying in Senate committee hearings. She also said that each legislative office has the choice of setting its own rules for entry.I had been told by DPS Captain David Carradine on the SECOND day of the session that the entity authorizing this infringement of my right to petition for redress of grievances was pronounced by the State Preservation Board and he and his troopers would enforce it. Even after I had informed him that the Texas State Preservation Board was subject to the Texas Administrative Procedures Act and was required (even during emergencies) to promulgate any mandates as regulations with the Texas Secretary of State, and they had not complied with the Texas APA.I had been calling offices, using email, and asking for telephone meetings. think I will now start walking the halls of the Capitol, again!