Reforms authored by Sen. Bettencourt would explicitly exclude epidemics from local emergency management, and reduce violations from criminal to civil penalties.
Tarrant County Judge Glen Whitley suggested paying county residents a cash incentive to get the COVID-19 vaccine.
Tarrant County's coronavirus cases have dropped significantly over the last several weeks, but Judge Glen Whitley extended his mask order for another 90 days.
Coronavirus cases in Tarrant County are decreasing, but commissioners haven't given an indication of when mask mandates might end.
Plans to improve vaccine distribution in Tarrant County are underway, and they include an emphasis on racial equity.
Vaccine rollout in Tarrant County has received some criticism as demand far surpasses current supply.
Commissioners voted unanimously to extend the county's emergency declaration and mask mandate for another 90 days.
Tarrant County has released new guidelines for residents this week, recommending less time in groups, but issued no binding orders.
The Tarrant County Elections Administrator said that about one-third of all mail-in ballots are having trouble being scanned due to substandard printing.
Tarrant County commissioners voted against salary increases for the county's elected officials, but voted for a pay increase for many county employees.
Tarrant County plans to vote on a new budget on September 8. The proposal includes a 3 percent salary increase for the elected county commissioners.
In its meeting on Tuesday, Tarrant County Commissioners accepted an extension of the mask order until August 31 and got a preview of next year's budget based on the current tax rate.
A proposal that would have authorized the hiring of 270 new employees, including 105 contact tracers, was denied by the Tarrant County Commissioners Court.
"I have a lot of faith and confidence in our individuals and businesses," said Colleyville Mayor Richard Newton.
Following suit of other large Texas counties, Tarrant County Judge Glen Whitley announced an executive order mandating that businesses require masks for their employees and customers.
$30 million has been set aside by Tarrant County to aid small businesses adversely affected by the coronavirus closure orders.
A program that permits Tarrant County's local law enforcement to work in tandem with ICE officials was renewed on Tuesday.
