Texas Government Code 443.018 – Regulation of Visitors and Vendors
(a) The board shall adopt rules that regulate the actions of visitors in the Capitol or on the grounds of the Capitol.
(b) The rules adopted under Subsection (a) shall include rules that:
(1) prohibit persons from attaching signs, banners, or other displays to a part of the Capitol or to a structure, including a fence, on the grounds of the Capitol except as approved by the board;
(2) prohibit a visitor from placing furniture in the Capitol or on the grounds of the Capitol for a period that exceeds 24 hours except as approved by the board;
(3) prohibit the setting up or placement of camping equipment, shelter, or related materials in the Capitol or on the grounds of the Capitol except as approved by the board;
(4) prohibit actions that block ingress and egress:
(A) into the Capitol building; or
(B) rooms or hallways within the Capitol building, except as approved by the board;
(5) prohibit actions that pose a risk to safety;
(6) provide that members of the public must leave the Capitol when the building is closed to the public;
(7) provide that all pets except service dogs are not permitted in the Capitol, and shall be restrained at all times on a leash or similar device in the immediate control of the owner while on the grounds of the Capitol, except as approved by the board;
(8) prohibit the use of skateboards, rollerblades, and rollerskates in the Capitol or on the grounds of the Capitol; and
(9) prohibit a vendor or commercial enterprise from operating in the Capitol or on the grounds of the Capitol unless the vendor or commercial enterprise is authorized to do so by the board.
Attorney's Note
Under the Texas Codes, punishments for crimes depend on the classification. In the case of this section:| Class | Prison | Fine |
|---|---|---|
| Class C misdemeanor | up to $500 |
Terms Used In Texas Government Code 443.018
- Amendment: A proposal to alter the text of a pending bill or other measure by striking out some of it, by inserting new language, or both. Before an amendment becomes part of the measure, thelegislature must agree to it.
- Person: includes corporation, organization, government or governmental subdivision or agency, business trust, estate, trust, partnership, association, and any other legal entity. See Texas Government Code 311.005
- Rule: includes regulation. See Texas Government Code 311.005
(c) A person commits an offense if the person violates a rule of the board adopted under Subsection (a).
(d) An offense under this section is a Class C misdemeanor.
(e) This section may not be applied in a manner that violates a person’s rights under the Texas Constitution or the First Amendment to the United States Constitution, including the right of persons peaceably to assemble.
(f) The board shall send proposed rules under this section to the attorney general for review and comment before the board adopts the rules.