As Texas Gov. Greg Abbott sparked phase two of the Texas economy's reopening on Friday along with strict conditions on companies, new questions had arisen about the manner of enforcing the said rules.

In Texas's most populated county, Harris County, locals lit up their phone lines with nearly 10,000 tips on the probable violations.

However, at the same time, challenges in court are revealing weaknesses in both the local and state rule's patchwork, as well as the governor's last-minute decision to remove all criminal punishments for the violation of orders depicted grunts from several officials of the law enforcement.

According to the Texas District and County Attorneys Association, during its weekly guidance to the prosecutors of the state, if Gov. Abbott will continue "changing the tunes he plays as he heads Texas out of the COVID-19 crisis," there is a small motivation "to put your necks on the line" to implement a rule that may not be valid the next day.


Ever Changing Rules

At the present rate, this news phase is going, the guidance stated, next week, one order could mandate haircuts, then after a few days, there will be a reversal of the punishment. It also added, "Who knows anymore?"

Meanwhile, the danger of a maximum of 180 days in prison, as well as charges of up to $1,000, had just resulted in three apprehensions that were broadly reported in the media.

According to the report, there were three too many, for Gov. Abbott, who had called continuously back stricter procedures.

For instance, last week, last week, when the governor struck down any local charges for those refusing to wear a face mask in public and ordered agencies of the state to allow ample cautions before they levy citations.

In a statement about his decision which was sent to media, Gov. Abbott said, "Throwing Texans in Jail who have closed their businesses, which is not their fault," is irrational and that he won't allow it to happen.


Gov. Abbott Said to be Changing His Own Rules

On the contrary, Art Acevedo, the Houston Police Chief, blistered the governor on social media for his criticism of the local officials. They utilized the enforcement tools he had included in his own rule or order.

"Respectfully," the police chief posted on Twitter, "you shouldn't issue orders" that would include the imprisonment of violators "to cover the science, just to turnaround" and criticize those who implement his executive order to conceal the political counterattack.

The governor's actions, Acevedo added, "are hypocritical." In the meantime, the Texas Supreme Court has already hinted that even noncriminal COVID-19 constraints "may not stand up in court."

According to the licensing and regulation department, early this week, they had almost 300 active investigations into massage therapists, barbers and cosmetologists that have allegedly violated local and state orders to remain closed.

As to how many of the said businesses will be contested, remains unseen. The agency said they are still opening welcoming complaints and evaluating cases for violations of the TDLR rules, as well as the "cosmetology/barbering/massage therapy" regulations during the EO.


Check these out!

Related