DFL, GOP lawmakers announce different COVID precautions for upcoming legislative session

The DFL-led House and Republican-led Senate outlined divergent approaches to how each chamber will work during the upcoming legislative session, which starts Monday.

House Speaker Melissa Hortman, DFL-Brooklyn Park, issued a memo Friday saying they will continue to limit public access to the House chamber and lawmakers’ offices.

“Only elected members of the House and House staff essential to daily proceedings will be allowed on the House floor during session,” the memo reads.

Reporters will be relegated to the House gallery. Additionally, masks will be required on the House floor.

Before the pandemic, credentialed journalists could be on the House floor during session, allowing reporters access to lawmakers during lengthy floor debates. The House will also continue conducting committee hearings virtually.

Read more: https://minnesotareformer.com/briefs/dfl-gop-lawmakers-announce-different-covid-precautions-for-upcoming-legislative-session/