Note The library cannot tell you what the law means for your situation.

Vaccine Passports

Texas laws prohibit requiring proof of a COVID-19 vaccine. This proof was sometimes called a "vaccine passport".

State and local governments cannot issue documentation of a person's COVID-19 vaccination status. This law is in Section 161.0085 of the Texas Health & Safety Code:

(b) A governmental entity in this state may not issue a vaccine passport, vaccine pass, or other standardized documentation to certify an individual's COVID-19 vaccination status to a third party for a purpose other than health care or otherwise publish or share any individual's COVID-19 immunization record or similar health information for a purpose other than health care.

Sec. 161.0085 also says that businesses can't require proof of vaccination from their customers:

(c) A business in this state may not require a customer to provide any documentation certifying the customer's COVID-19 vaccination or post-transmission recovery on entry to, to gain access to, or to receive service from the business.

A business who violates this law risks losing their contracts or licensure if they receive state funds or licensing. However, this statute does not prevent businesses from using other COVID-19 screening procedures.

Governor Abbott's Executive Order GA-39 previously addressed this topic.

Texas Law

Section 161.0085 of the Texas Health & Safety Code
This statute prohibits government entities from issuing vaccine passports to certify a person's COVID-19 vaccination status. It also prohibits businesses that receive public funding or state licensing from requring proof of COVID-19 vaccination status in order to obtain service.
Texas Governor's Executive Order No. GA-39 (8/25/21)
Effective: August 21st, 2021 until amended or rescinded. — This Executive Order prohibits vaccine mandates and vaccine passports in Texas.

Understanding the Law

Can I be required to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination or a “vaccine passport?”
This FAQ explains how government entities and businesses that receive public funding or licensing are prohibited from requiring customers to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination status in order to receive service.
Can I be required to show proof of a COVID-19 test?
This FAQ addresses laws about a business or other establishment requiring proof of a negative test.

Disaster Relief for Businesses

Small Business Assistance

Small Business Administration Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program (Texas Division of Emergency Management)
The SBA has designated COVID-19 as a qualifying event for the provision of Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL). Apply online for federal disaster assistance for your businesses or private non-profit.
What's Inside The Senate's $2 Trillion Coronavirus Aid Package (3/26/2020)
This news article provides details on what is contained in the federal CARES Act. For small businesses, the bill includes emergency grants, forgivable loans, and relief for existing loans. It also includes certain relief for larger businesses and industries.

Food & Beverage Businesses

Alcohol-To-Go Is Now Permanent Law of the Land in Texas
This TABC press release explains that mixed beverage and private club permit holders are now permanently allowed to sell alcohol-to-go after House Bill 1024 went into effect in May of 2021. This law makes the temporary procedures put in place for businesses during COVID-19 permanent.
Chart on Alcoholic Beverage Sales (Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission)
This chart breaks down eligibility for to-go sales, parking lot pickup, and off-site delivery of alcoholic beverages by TABC license/permit type.
Coronavirus Information (Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission)
Information from the TABC on how the coronavirus is impacting alcoholic beverage industry. Includes updates on any changes to agency processes and statutory exceptions.

Commercial Tenancies

"What About My Commercial Lease?"
The State Bar of Texas created this guide to legal questions from those affected by disasters. Chapter 4 is about landlord/tenant issues and addresses commercial leases in Questions 4-25 and 4-26.

Laws Affecting Employers

House Resolution 6201 - Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA)
The Families First Coronavirus Response Act offers a tax credit to employers with less than 500 employees, who voluntarily provide paid FFCRA leave to eligible employees until March 31, 2021.
Senate Passes Families First Coronavirus Response Act: What Employers Need to Know (The National Law Review)
This article from The National Law Review describes the key parts of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act that are likely to impact employers. As of 12/31/2020, employers are no longer required to provide COVID-19 related leave.
WARN Act Natural Disaster Fact Sheet
This guide from the Department of Labor provides information on the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act and natural disasters.
Employer's Guide to Advance Notice of Closings and Layoffs
This guide from the Department of Labor provides information on the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act. On page 8 it states that a natural disaster qualifies as an exception to the 60-day notice requirement.