UPDATE: Procedure for obtaining “commercial activity” exemption for travel from Louisiana to Texas revised by Texas Executive Order GA-14

UPDATE: Procedure for obtaining “commercial activity” exemption for travel from Louisiana to Texas revised by Texas Executive Order GA-14

April 1, 2020

We recently reported regarding Texas Executive Order GA-12, which imposes a mandatory self-quarantine for persons entering the State of Texas through roadways from Louisiana, as well as the exemption for travel in connection with commercial activity. To read that article, click here: https://www.cokinoslaw.com/texas-executive-order-requiring-self-quarantine-for-travelers-from-louisiana-and-the-commercial-activity-exception/. The State of Texas is taking measures to standardize and simplify the procedure for persons entering Texas through roadways from Louisiana in connection with commercial activity.

On March 31, 2020, Governor Abbott issued Executive Order GA-14, which adopted the CISA Guidance identifying essential critical infrastructure workers during the COVID-19 response. If a company falls under one of the 16 critical infrastructure sectors identified by this guidance, it is now exempt from the travel-related quarantine orders required under Executive Orders GA-11 and GA-12.

The Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) has advised that because of this development, it is no longer necessary for to request an individualized exemption via the Travel-Related Quarantine Exemption Form. Employees of companies covered by the CISA Essential Critical Infrastructure Guidance should carry a letter from their employer identifying them as such and stating that they are traveling for a business purpose.

If a company is not covered by the CISA Essential Critical Infrastructure Guidance, an inquiry should be submitted via the form found at http://www.tdem.texas.gov/essentialservices to request a determination from the TDEM in order to be classified as an “Essential Service”.

The CISA Essential Critical Infrastructure Guidance can be found here: CISA Link

The government’s guidelines and procedures in response to the COVID-19 pandemic are changing at a rapid pace, and the team at Cokinos|Young is committed to providing real time updates as they evolve.

For more information regarding Executive Order GA-12 and GA-14 and the implications on Texas and Louisiana businesses, please contact Matt Thompson in our Houston office. Matt is licensed in both Louisiana and Texas.