It’s time for the week that was in Texas politics with Alex Samuels, political reporter for The Texas Tribune.
The Texas Supreme Court lifted the state’s temporary ban on evictions and debt collection that has been in place during the pandemic. Samuels told Texas Standard host David Brown that eviction hearings can begin on Tuesday, and evictions can start May 26. But the return to pre-pandemic eviction rules doesn’t apply to tenants whose owners’ properties are covered by the federal CARES Act. Those renters are protected until Aug. 23.
A recent state appeals court decision means more Texans could qualify to vote by mail in upcoming elections. It affirmed that voting in person could expose someone to a COVID-19 infection, which it determined would amount to a disability. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton opposed the decision. The case now heads to the Texas Supreme Court.
More businesses are expected to reopen Monday. Gov. Grey Abbott has already announced that gyms will be allowed to reopen. And he’s expected to increase the number of customers allowed in establishments that have already partially opened. But Samuels said some local officials argue further reopenings will compromise public health.
Web story by Caroline Covington.
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