Gov. Greg Abbott issued an executive order this week, which maintains an existing prohibition on vaccine mandates in the Lone Star State.

According to the Governor’s Office, Executive Order No. GA-39, which was filed Wednesday with Deputy Secretary of State Joe A. Esparza, maintains prohibitions on vaccine mandates by any government entity in Texas. Additionally, Abbott added to the Special Session agenda the issue of whether any state or local governmental entities in Texas can mandate that an individual receive a COVID-19 vaccine and potential exemptions to such mandates.

In a statement, Abbott said the vaccine requirements should be decided by the Texas Legislature.

"Vaccine requirements and exemptions have historically been determined by the legislature, and their involvement is particularly important to avoid a patchwork of vaccine mandates across Texas," Abbott said.