File photo
File photo
Three Texas counties – Hood, Eastland and Stephens – have declared themselves 100% open in an apparent stand against ongoing COVID-19 restrictions, but businesses defying Gov. Greg Abbott’s directives could still face penalties.
According to RA News, while the commissioners courts in all three counties have made declarations that all businesses in their counties are "essential," the move is ultimately more symbolic and offers no legal protection to any who defy coronavirus restrictions.
Hood County Commissioner Dave Eagle had originally placed language in his draft resolution that called Abbott’s orders unconstitutional. Though Eagle told The Texan that he stood by that assertion, he removed some of the language to assuage concerns put forward by his fellow commissioners.
Under existing restrictions, Hood also already qualifies to open 100% of its businesses, having recorded just 83 coronavirus cases as of July 2. Eastland has reported 10 cases, while Stephens has eight confirmed infections.
According to the Abilene Reporter News, the Eastland County resolution acknowledges the limits of the county’s power, stating that the commissioners do not intend anything in the resolution to be construed as challenging the authority of state agencies.
Alerts Sign-up