Montana Lawmakers Haggle Over Mask Rules in Staff Offices

HELENA — Republican leaders in Montana’s Legislature rejected an effort Thursday to make stronger an agreement that lawmakers will wear masks while meeting with legislative staffers in their offices to discuss bill drafts, amendments or other issues, saying it wasn’t needed.

The Legislature’s COVID-19 response panel met for a second time to discuss rules to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 at the state Capitol.

It is highly recommended, but not required, that lawmakers wear masks at the Capitol.

House Minority Leader Kim Abbott, D-Helena, proposed a mandate instead of an agreement that lawmakers will wear masks in legislative staff offices. She said she’s heard anecdotal reports that it’s not always happening and wanted the rules to be clear.

Read more: https://flatheadbeacon.com/2021/01/14/gop-lawmakers-reject-effort-require-masks-around-staff/