Texas Legislature Updates: Texas DPS Closes Capital, Lt. Gov. Announces 2021 Texas Senate Committee Appointments

January 19, 2021

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On Friday, Texas The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) announced the closure of Texas State Capitol and Capitol Grounds out of an abundance of caution Saturday, January 16 – Wednesday, January 20.

“The Texas Department of Public Safety is aware of armed protests planned at the Texas State Capitol this week and violent extremists who may seek to exploit constitutionally protected events to conduct criminal acts,” said DPS Director Steven McCraw. “As a result, DPS has deployed additional personnel and resources to the Capitol and are working closely with the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Austin Police Department to monitor events and enforce the rule of law.”

People are encouraged to immediately report any suspicious activity they see on the internet or in public to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Austin Police Department, or DPS at www.iWatchtx.org.

Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick issued the following statement today upon announcing his Texas Senate committee appointments for the 87th Legislative Session.

Lt. Gov. Patrick also appointed the Select Committee on Ports and the Special Committee on Redistricting:

“The Texas Senate is comprised of proven leaders with the expertise and experience that makes them more than prepared to take on the difficult challenges we face in this new legislative session. The committee appointments I am making today call on all senators – Republicans and Democrats, freshmen and senior members – to play an integral role in crafting public policy that will ensure our state remains strong and every Texan can prosper.

“No one works harder than the members of the Texas Senate. Their commitment to public service is unparalleled and I am proud to serve with them. They have been working throughout the interim and are hitting the ground running. I look forward to a productive legislative session.”Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick

To see the list of the new committee appointments, click here.