Key Takeaway
- Texas Governor Greg Abbott has issued Executive Orders requiring airborne incoming passengers from the New York Tri-State Area, the states of California, Louisiana (all forms of travel), and Washington, and the cities of Atlanta, Chicago, Detroit, and Miami to mandatorily self-quarantine.
- On Sunday, March 30, Abbott issued an Executive Order prohibiting the release of criminals with a history of violent offenses and handed down a proclamation blocking judges from releasing these inmates without a paid, cash bond.
– March 30, 2020
By Kate Goodrich
On Sunday, March 30, 2020, Governor Abbott updated the state and issued two new Executive Orders to combat the spread of the Coronavirus.
In his first Executive Order of the day, the governor expanded the 14-day mandatory quarantine requirements to also apply to travel by roadway from any location in Louisiana. He also announced that he is adding to the growing list of restricted Coronavirus “hot spots,” declaring that passengers who travel to Texas by air from Chicago, Miami, Atlanta, Detroit, and the states of Washington and California will now be subject to the same restrictions he laid out on March 26. Anyone violating the quarantine order, which Texas Department of Public Safety has been tasked with enforcing, will be subject to a maximum fine of $1,000 or up to six months in jail.
In Sunday’s second Executive Order, Governor Abbott prohibited the release of criminals with a history of violent offenses. In his Executive Order, Abbott acknowledged the “unique challenges” that the jail population faces during a public health emergency, but preempted any counties that were considering releasing prisoners accused of or convicted of a violent offense in an effort to reduce their jail population. In his press conference, Governor Abbott said that “releasing dangerous criminals makes the state even less safe” and issued a proclamation that would block judges from releasing these inmates without a paid, cash bond.
– March 27, 2020
By Denise Rose & Kate Goodrich
On March 26, 2020, Governor Abbott issued a new executive order that will require airborne incoming passengers from COVID-19 “hot spots” to mandatorily self-quarantine upon their arrival in Texas. A COVID-19 “hot spot” is currently defined as anyone flying from any airport in the tri-state area (New York, New Jersey, or Connecticut) or New Orleans, Louisiana. The mandatory quarantine will last 14 days or the duration of the passenger’s stay in Texas.
The Texas Department of Public Safety has been tasked with enforcing this Executive Order, and violators could receive up to 180 days in jail and a $1,000 fine. Those who are self-quarantined will have to declare their quarantine location, are prohibited from visiting public spaces, and may not receive any visitors unless they are healthcare providers.
When answering questions after his live broadcast, the governor clarified that this Executive Order is limited to airway travel and reiterated that there are currently no restrictions on travel by roadway.
Currently, the Executive Order is limited to the above destinations, however Governor Abbott declared that he is considering adding California and Washington State to the restricted travel zones and will update the Executive Order as he sees fit to protect Texas citizens.