State Legislature To Return Next Week

Oklahoma City OK

02 April, 2020

3:03 PM

Description

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Legislature will convene on Monday to address the expected state revenue failure and a rapidly expanding state health emergency. "The Legislature will complete important business next week while putting safety at the forefront of all activities at the Capitol," said House Speaker Charles McCall (R-22, Atoka). "Extraordinary precautions will be taken to ensure health and safety within the Capitol during these necessary proceedings. We are going to stabilize the budget so services can continue uninterrupted and affirm the governor's health emergency declaration to step up Oklahoma's battle against COVID-19. The Legislature's time to act is here, and we are prepared to do so in a safe manner that is compliant with current health guidelines." McCall said the Legislature will address the pending state revenue failure by accessing reserve funding in regular session, and affirm the governor's emergency health declaration request in special session. The governor was required to call the special session under the state law outlining expanded powers the governor can be given during emergency health situations. The Legislature has not been in the Capitol since March 17, when a staffer was discovered to have tested positive. Since then, the Legislature and its staff has worked remotely and the Capitol has received a deep cleaning. When the House reconvenes strict new protocols will be in place that are designed to protect members and staff against COVID-19. Capitol access will remain restricted to elected officials, essential Capitol staff, the press, state officials invited for critical meetings and construction personnel. Most House staff will continue to work remotely; only essential staff will be at the Capitol and gatherings in any House room will be limited to no more than ten at any time. House members and staff will not be allowed into the Capitol if they have COVID-19 or its symptoms, live with someone who has COVID-19 or its symptoms, are immunocompromised or otherwise at risk or live with someone who is immunocompromised or otherwise at risk. In addition, before entering the Capitol, House members and staff will have their temperature taken. No one with a temperature above 100.4⁰F will be admitted. House members unable to enter the Capitol for these reasons or others can vote remotely via a proxy under House Rule Fifteen. Once the House is in session, skeleton crews of less than ten people will run floor and committee proceedings. Members and staff must listen to proceedings in their offices. Members will be brought into floor and committee proceedings individually or in small groups to vote, ask questions, debate and present legislation in order to comply with orders limiting gatherings of ten or more. Members of the press will be permitted in the enclosed press gallery above the House Chamber, but will be required to maintain social distancing within the gallery. Finally, although the House Chamber public gallery will remain closed, live streaming of floor and committee proceedings will continue. Further details on next week's session activities will be released in the near future.