Kentucky lawmakers are scheduled to convene in session Tuesday in Frankfort. Coronavirus related safety measures will mean significant modifications from a typical short 30 day session.
All 138 representatives and senators plus staff, reporters, lobbyists, and visitors will descend on the capitol grounds this week. Senate President Robert Stivers says efforts are being made to cut down exposure, quote, “everywhere we can.” That includes physical positioning of individuals and time limitations. The Manchester republican said if social distancing can’t be done in the chamber, mask wearing is necessary out of respect for everyone else in the senate. Stivers added, though, he can’t require all lawmakers to wear a mask. “I can’t un-elect somebody from doing their job. I can complain to them. I can ask them to do things. I can discuss the impact of their action or in-action. But I can’t void an election,” said Stivers.
Stivers said no lawmakers or staff have contracted COVID-19 while participating in the legislative process. The senate president noted the plan calls for the opportunity for legislators to be tested when coming to Frankfort and going home to their districts.
The veteran lawmaker admitted the 2021 legislative session will include a number of changes due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Those include the positioning of people within the senate, reducing staff, eliminating complimentary pages, and COVID-19 testing opportunities. Stivers said the actual voting in his chamber will remain the same. “We will vote on the floor versus the House who I think is going to do remote voting if they are here on the main campus of the Capitol. We’re able to do that because we’re a smaller group,” explained Stivers.
On the annex side of the grounds, Stivers said committee meetings will be limited to one hour with one or two agenda items. He noted there will be defined rooms for each chamber and appointments required for all meetings with lawmakers. The Manchester GOP leader said the budget is the priority but he added modifying executive branch powers will also be considered early on in the 30 day session.?
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