Texas bill would make places of worship be considered essential Texas bill would make places of worship be considered essential Witnesses told the Senate State Affairs Committee that churches play an important role by providing aid and comfort during disasters. AUSTIN, Texas - When the noon hour bells rang at Saint Mary's Church in downtown Austin there wasn't a big crowd for the midday mass. A year ago, as the pandemic raced through the United States, indoor church gatherings of more than 250 were outlawed by several communities across Texas. Violating the shutdown orders in some towns would result in fines and even jail time.