Note The library cannot tell you what the law means for your situation.
Note Many new Texas laws took effect on September 1st, 2025. We are working on reviewing this page and making updates if needed. However, information may be out of date until our review is complete. For help locating current laws, ask a librarian.
Previous executive orders from Governor Greg Abbott had prohibited in-person visitation at jails. However, Executive Order GA-34 issued on March 2nd, 2021 states that "county and municipal jails should follow guidance from the Texas Commission on Jail Standards (TCJS) regarding visitation." On March 3rd, 2021, TCJS issued standards that direct counties to make an in-person visitation plan and submit it to TCJS for approval. No information is given on how long this approval process will take.
The Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) has allowed in-person visitation at TDCJ units since March 15th, 2021.
Some county and municipal jails may be seeking to reduce their inmate populations in order to reduce the spread of COVID-19.
On March 29th, 2020, Governor Greg Abbott placed limits on which types of inmates can be released without bail or have their sentence commuted during the COVID-19 outbreak. The order was challenged in the courts.
Note The library cannot tell you what the law means for your situation.