Earlier this week, the Texas Legislature kicked off its 87 For the first time in the history of this program, however, only some of these students welcomed Opening Day from the Texas Capitol. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, these legislative placements will range from 100% virtual, to hybrid experiences, to 100% in person. Some students will intern in the Capitol daily, while others will remain in Houston, completing internship tasks from Houston. Those working in the Capitol will do so while adhering to previously unheard-of rules adopted this week by the Texas House and Senate; these rules focus on masks, social distancing, and COVID-19 testing, explicitly shaping the behaviors of legislators, staffers, interns and Capitol visitors. Those students who experienced the Capitol in person on Opening Day did so as both militia groups and state public safety troopers gathered on the Capitol grounds.