Houston Republic

Gov. Greg Abbott has signed an executive order prohibiting state agencies from requiring residents to receive a COVID-19 shot or providing proof of a vaccination as a condition of receiving government services or entering government spaces.

According to Click2Houston News, Abbott said he issued the order to protect individuals' private health information and liberties.

"Texans shouldn't be required to show proof of vaccination and reveal private health information just to go about their daily lives," Abbott said in a Twitter post. "I issued an Executive Order that prohibits government-mandated vaccine passports in Texas. Don't tread on our personal freedoms."

Last month, Abbott also lifted the state's mask mandate and restored operating capacity of all businesses and facilities to 100%.

"With the medical advancements of vaccines and antibody therapeutic drugs, Texas now has the tools to protect Texans from the virus,” Abbott said. "We must now do more to restore livelihoods and normalcy for Texans by opening Texas 100 percent."

Statistics across the state are encouraging, with numbers of new COVID-19 cases dropping the past few months, according to WFAA News. 

"Make no mistake, COVID-19 has not disappeared, but it is clear from the recoveries, vaccinations, reduced hospitalizations, and safe practices that Texans are using that state mandates are no longer needed," Abbott said. "Instead, it is a reminder that each person has a role to play in their own personal safety and the safety of others. With this executive order, we are ensuring that all businesses and families in Texas have the freedom to determine their own destiny."

The governor's new order prohibiting proof of vaccine requirements also applies to any public or private entity that is receiving public funds “in whole or in part.”

To safeguard the health of vulnerable populations, nursing homes, state-supported living centers, assisted living facilities or long-term health care facilities are exempt from the order and can still require residents to provide proof of their vaccination status.

Visitors can read the full text of the executive order here.