Examples of Chamber Rules Or Legislation Relating to Remote Proceedings During 2021 Legislative Sessions As of February 5, 2021

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Examples of Chamber Rules or Legislation Relating to Remote Proceedings During 2021 Legislative Sessions As of February 5, 2021

Bill/Link to Text Status Summary Excerpts Related to Remote Proceedings ALABAMA AL HR 15 (2021) Adopted Adopts the Rules of the Rule 51. (a) When a member desires to speak he or she shall so indicate by pressing the speak House of button at his or her desk or on his or her virtual voting tablet and respectfully requesting Representatives. recognition from the Speaker. (Also provides that the House may meet in other locations.) ARKANSAS

AR HR 1001 (2021) Adopted Adopts the rules of the Committees: Electronic devices such as smart phones, tablets or personal computers may be House of Representatives used by participants in debate but during presentations may not be employed for personal of the Ninety-Third communications with outside parties. General Assembly.

AR HR 1005 (2021) Adopted Adopts emergency rules Section 3. Voting. (a) The Electronic Voting System shall have the same force and effect as a for the House of Roll Call. (House Rule 102). (b) Any representative who will be absent from the House may pair Representatives of the his or her vote with a representative who shall be present. (House Rule 99) (c) In addition to Ninety Third General votes cast using the Electronic Voting System and pair votes, representatives may cast votes Assembly. using: (1)(A) The Electronic Voting System's Virtual Voting Console operational on electronic devices assigned to individual representatives and operational outside the House Chamber but within the communications network maintained for the General Assembly. (B) In the event of a sounding of the ballot (House Rule 100), votes cast remotely through the virtual voting console shall be confirmed by the physical presence of the representative at the time the ballot is sounded, or (2)(A) Limited-Directed Proxy:

AR HR 1006 (2021) Adopted Adopts rules of 9. Remote Participation. a. Members. (1) A member of a legislative committee who is either procedure for unwilling or unable to physically attend a meeting of a committee of which he or she is a committees of the House member due to one of the following reasons shall be allowed to participate remotely via the of Representatives of the electronic means designated by the House of Representatives for remote participation: (A) He Ninety-Third General or she is considered an individual at high risk for severe illness related to COVID-19, (B) He or Assembly. she has a household member or individual for whom he or she is a caregiver who is considered an individual at high risk for severe illness related to COVID-19, (C) He or she has been directed by the Arkansas Department of Health to quarantine due to close contact with an individual 1 Bill/Link to Text Status Summary Excerpts Related to Remote Proceedings who has tested positive for COVID-19, or (D) He or she has tested positive for COVID-19. (2) The following shall apply regarding the deadline for submitting a request to participate remotely in committee:

AR SR 1 (2021) Adopted Adopts rules of b. Public Comment Holding Rooms. Members of the public present in the State Capitol Building procedure for to present testimony on a bill or resolution listed on a committee agenda that is not currently committees of the being discussed in the committee will be sent to the public comment holding room or bullpen Senate of the Ninety- assigned to the specific committee. Each public comment holding room will have limited Third General Assembly capacity with physically distanced seating. There will be no standing allowed in the public of the state. comment holding rooms. Once all available seating is full, no other individuals will be permitted in the room. Members of the public will wait in these designated areas until the bill or resolution on which they plan to testify is called. They will then be directed by Senate staff posted in the public comment holding room to the appropriate committee room to give testimony. Following presentation of his or her testimony, the individual will exit the committee room. c. Public Comment Sign-In Sheets. Public comment sign-in sheets for each committee meeting will be posted electronically with the agenda on the General Assembly website and physically at each public comment holding room. An individual's name appearing on a public comment sign-in sheet is not a guarantee that the individual will have an opportunity to speak during the committee meeting. (1) A member of a legislative committee who is either unwilling or unable to physically attend a meeting of a committee of which he or she is a member due to one of the following reasons shall be allowed to participate remotely via the electronic means designated by the Senate for remote participation: CALIFORNIA

CA SR 3 (2021) Adopted Adopts the Rules for the (c) (1) During an emergency, the President pro Tempore or the President pro Tempore's State Senate for the designee may authorize a standing, joint, or special committee or subcommittee to conduct a Regular Session. meeting in which one or more members of the committee participate remotely by telephone, teleconference, videoconference, or other electronic means. The public may also participate remotely in the meeting by any means made available by the committee. (2) During an emergency, the President pro Tempore may determine that Senators who are participating remotely can be considered present for purposes of determining if a quorum is present. (3) With a quorum present, a vote of a majority of the members of a committee shall be required to report a bill, constitutional amendment, or resolution out of the committee. (d) (1) During an emergency, the President pro Tempore or the President pro Tempore's designee may authorize a meeting of the Senate to be conducted at which one or more Senators participate in the meeting remotely by telephone, teleconference, videoconference or other electronic means. (2) During an emergency, the President pro Tempore may determine that Senators who are participating remotely can be considered present for purposes of determining if a quorum is present. (3) When a Senator participating remotely desires to address the Senate, the Senator

2 Bill/Link to Text Status Summary Excerpts Related to Remote Proceedings shall notify the Presiding Officer through the electronic means used by the Senator to participate remotely. When recognized, the Presiding Officer shall announce the Senator and the Senator may speak through the same electronic means. (e) To the extent practicable, a Senator who requests to participate or vote remotely must submit a request to the Secretary of the Senate and obtain approval from the Secretary prior to participating or voting remotely. (f) To the extent practicable, a Senator participating remotely under this rule shall participate from the Senator's district office with the office background visible without video alteration. (g) A Senator participating remotely by electronic means who has been authorized to vote remotely may vote during a rollcall vote. The Senator must be visible and audible through the electronic means used for remote participation at the time the Senator casts a vote. The Secretary of the Senate shall prepare a certification of votes cast remotely which shall be signed by the Senator voting remotely to certify the Senator's vote. COLORADO

CO H 1001 (2021) Enacted Allows members of a 1-3-103. Party committees (11) (a) Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary, allows party central committee members of a party central committee or vacancy committee to participate in a committee or vacancy committee to meeting remotely, including by casting the member's vote by e-mail, mail, telephone, or participate in a through an internet-based application if allowed by the party's rules. committee meeting remotely, including by casting the member's vote by e-mail, mail, telephone, or through an internet-based application if allowed by the party's rules.

CO H 1003 (2021) Enacted Authorizes the executive The bill authorizes the executive committee of the legislative council (executive committee) to committee of the allow electronic participation in legislative proceedings during a declared disaster emergency legislative council to caused by a public health emergency infecting or exposing a great number of people to disease, allow electronic agents, toxins, or other such threats, and, if it is allowed, to establish policies governing such participation in legislative electronic participation. A member participating electronically is entitled to receive a per diem proceedings during a on the same basis as a member participating in person. If a member cannot participate declared disaster electronically from the member's home due to a technological limitation, the member may emergency caused by a receive reimbursement for travel expenses to an alternate location to allow the member to public health emergency participate electronically. The amount of the reimbursement cannot exceed the amount the infecting or exposing a member would customarily receive for travel expenses to Denver to participate in person. A great number of people member is not entitled to reimbursement for any other expenses incurred in connection with to disease, agents, toxins, electronic participation. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, for the first regular session of the

3 Bill/Link to Text Status Summary Excerpts Related to Remote Proceedings or other such threats, seventy-third general assembly, the bill allows joint committees of reference that are required and to establish policies to hold hearings commonly referred to as SMART Act hearings to conduct the hearings at any governing such electronic time after the general assembly convenes, including while the general assembly is temporarily participation. adjourned. Legislators, departments, and the public may participate remotely in accordance with policies established by the executive committee or the joint rules of the senate and house of representatives.

CO HR 1001 (2021) Adopted Concerns the temporary (a) (1) Pursuant to section 2-2-404 (2), C.R.S., this rule authorizes the Speaker to promulgate rules of the House of regulations to enable members of the House to participate remotely in legislative proceedings Representatives and of the House. For 2021 session changes to the rules of the House of Representatives concerning regulations for remote participation and taking remote testimony in committees of reference.

CO SJR 1 (2021) Adopted Concerns the adoption of The executive committee may adopt a policy authorizing members of the joint committees of the joint rules as the reference to participate remotely, and authorizing remote testimony for purposes of, said temporary joint rules of agency oversight hearings. the seventy-third General Assembly and modifying joint rule 44 of the Senate and House of Representatives related to legislative procedures during a declared disaster emergency. CONNECTICUT

CT HR 2 (2021) Adopted Concerns the House SPECIAL RULES RELATED TO COVID-19 48. Definition. Protocol. (a) As used in these rules, rules. "COVID-19" means the respiratory disease designated by the World Health Organization on February 11, 2020, as coronavirus 2019, and any related mutation thereof recognized by said organization as a communicable respiratory disease. (b) During a declaration by the Governor of a public health or civil preparedness emergency related to COVID-19, or at any other time deemed necessary by the speaker for public health reasons related to COVID-19, each member or other person present in the chamber or outside the Hall of the House shall maintain a cloth face covering or mask over the member's or person's nose and mouth. This rule does not apply

4 Bill/Link to Text Status Summary Excerpts Related to Remote Proceedings to a member who is addressing the chair and able to maintain a distance of at least six feet from any other member or person. 49. Voting. A member may vote remotely as otherwise permitted under these rules while on the grounds of the Capitol or Legislative Office Building and logged into the House of Representatives electronic voting system if the majority leader or minority leader has given permission to the member to cast such vote remotely and informed the speaker of such permission, and the member:

CT SR 1 (2021) Adopted Concerns the rules of the (2) Only during declarations of a public health or civil preparedness emergency related to Senate. COVID-19 by the Governor, or at any other time deemed necessary by the President Pro Tempore of the Senate for public health concerns related to COVID-19, the business of the Senate may be conducted in either the Senate or House chamber, as determined by the President Pro Tempore, and any member who is unwilling or unable to be in the chamber may vote remotely outside of the chamber from the Legislative Office Building or State Capitol. Any member who chooses to vote remotely shall inform the President of the Senate by telephone that such member intends to cast each such vote remotely on any roll call taken for the remainder of that session day and affirm that such member is present and will remain present at the Legislative Office Building or State Capitol for each such vote cast by the member, which information the President shall promptly announce to the chamber. If the member is voting remotely, (A) any such vote shall be cast using the electronic remote voting system, or (B) if the electronic remote voting system is not functioning properly, any such vote may be cast by the member in writing, citing the LCO number of the bill, resolution or amendment or the number of the consent calendar upon which the vote is cast and signed by the member's hand. Such written remote vote shall be delivered by a runner selected by the member's caucus to the presiding officer before the roll call is announced. The presiding officer shall announce the result of any such vote by such member as indicated in the member's written remote vote and such vote shall be included in the roll call vote announced after the receipt of such vote. No voice vote may be made by written remote vote. The clerk shall retain each written remote vote until the end of the regular session in which the vote was cast. DELAWARE

DE HCR 1 (2021) Adopted Accepts and approves (1) Authorizes the Senate or House of Representatives or a legislative committee to convene the January 8, 2021, and conduct a virtual meeting if the President Pro Tempore of the Senate and the Speaker of actions of the President the House of Representatives issue a public notice that the Senate or House of Representatives of the Senate and the or a legislative committee is authorized to convene and conduct a virtual meeting due to an speaker pro tempore of emergency. (2) Provides protections to ensure the integrity of the legislative process and public the House of access and transparency for meetings held virtually. Representatives.

DE HR 3 (2021) Adopted Relates to the permanent IX. RULES OF PROCEDURE IN AN EMERGENCY 64. Definitions. 65. Authorization to hold virtual rules of the House of meetings due to an emergency. 66. Virtual meeting requirements. 67. Exceptions to virtual

5 Bill/Link to Text Status Summary Excerpts Related to Remote Proceedings Representatives of the meeting requirements. 68. Legal effect of virtual meeting. 69. Quorum requirements, voting general assembly. requirements, procedures for participating and voting at a virtual meeting. 70. Notice requirements for a virtual meeting. 71. Interpretation of rule of Senate, House of Representatives, or legislative committee. 72. Process for considering legislation at a virtual meeting. 73. Convening of the General Assembly and limitations on length of legislative sessions.

DE HR 7 (2021) Adopted Changes House Rule 69 Provides that House Resolution No. 3 relating to the rules of the Delaware House of concerning procedures Representatives be amended by deleting line 997 in its entirety and substituting in lieu thereof for voting at a virtual "(4) Votes in a legislative committee must be taken by roll call." This resolution changes House meeting by requiring roll Rule 69 concerning procedures for voting at a virtual meeting by requiring roll call votes only in call votes only in a a legislative committee. legislative committee. ILLINOIS

IL SR 2 (2021) Adopted Adopts the Senate Rules (f) The President, in consultation with the Minority Leader, may establish a process by which for the 102nd General Senators and members of the public may participate remotely, including voting, in hearings for Assembly. standing committees, special committees, subcommittees or special subcommittees, and service committees. KENTUCKY

KY HR 1 (2021) Adopted Adopts the Rules of Permits remote participation if the presiding officer allows it, so defined as a member voting Procedure for the 2021 from physically present in his/her capitol office. Allows "alternative voting" which is allowed if a Regular Session of the member tests positive for COVID-19 or is quarantined due to exposure, and if he/she is in House of his/her automobile in the Capitol parking lot. Regarding quorum, states it "shall include those Representatives. members physically present in the House Chamber, as well as those members physically present in their Capitol Annex office or in their automobile on the Capitol Campus, as applicable, and whose presence has been verified by the Speaker or other presiding officer under Rule 26 through appropriate means, including but not limited to a video call in which the member's face can be seen." Prohibits lobbyist access in member offices in the Capitol Complex during session or in recess. Other new provisions slightly changing chamber access included as well.

KY SR 1 (2021) Adopted Adopts the Rules of Rule 45. Meetings of Committees. No committee except the Committee on Committees, the Procedure for the 2021 Committee on Enrollment, and a Committee on Conference between the House and Senate Regular Session of the shall sit while the Senate is in session, unless by consent of the Senate. The Committee on Senate. Committees and Committee on Enrollment may report at any time except during a roll call or while a vote is being taken. The Committee on Committees, in conference with committee chairmen, shall schedule a definite time and place for the meetings of each committee, and that schedule shall be posted in the Senate Chamber and published in the Legislative Record. A committee shall meet at the scheduled time and place, so long as business is pending before 6 Bill/Link to Text Status Summary Excerpts Related to Remote Proceedings the committee. A committee chairman may recess a committee meeting on the chairman's own motion for a definite period of time, not to exceed fifteen minutes. Any member of a committee who is physically present in his or her Capitol Annex office may remotely participate in a committee meeting and vote on any measure pending before the committee by utilizing previously approved videoconference technology. MASSACHUSETTS

MA H 59 (2021) Adopted (Order) Relates to the Emergency Rule 2. (a)(1) During the state of emergency within the House, the House may adoption of Temporary assemble with Members participating remotely for any reason, including without limitation: (i) Emergency House Rules. pursuant to Article X of the Amendments to the Constitution of the Commonwealth; (ii) for purposes of taking and subscribing the oath before the governor and council pursuant to Article I of Chapter VI of Part the Second of the Constitution of the Commonwealth; or (iii) in a formal session. Members participating remotely may vote on any question or other matter before the House. Members participating remotely shall be considered present and in attendance for all purposes, including for purposes of determining a quorum pursuant to Article XXXIII of the Amendments to the Constitution of the Commonwealth or any standing rules and for purposes of taking and subscribing the oath before the governor and council pursuant to Article I of Chapter VI of Part the Second of the Constitution of the Commonwealth. (2) A Member participating remotely shall have the same privileges, rights and responsibilities as if the Member were physically present in the House Chamber, including without limitation, the right, privilege and responsibility to cast votes on all questions or other matters brought to a vote and the ability to the take and subscribe the oath required pursuant to Article I of Chapter VI of Part the Second of the Constitution of the Commonwealth. (3) The Speaker shall provide to all Members via electronic mail by 5:00 P.M. on Friday of the week preceding the formal session in which Members may be participating remotely, the mode of participation to be used by Members participating remotely and specific instructions for each Member on how to join the session and participate remotely. MICHIGAN

MI HR 1 (2021) Adopted Prescribes the Standing (f) The President, in consultation with the Minority Leader, may establish a process by which Rules of the House of Senators and members of the public may participate remotely, including voting, in hearings for Representatives. standing committees, special committees, subcommittees or special subcommittees, and service committees. (a) All meetings or public hearings shall be open to the public and accessible, (see details) (14) "Remote Participation" under this rule means simultaneous, interactive participation in a committee meeting or public hearing by electronic means for purposes of questioning and testimony. All of the following apply if Remote Participation is used: (a) Members that are participating remotely shall be considered present for the purpose of a quorum, (b) Members that are participating remotely may not vote on any bill, resolution, motion, or proceeding before the committee, (c) The electronic means for participating

7 Bill/Link to Text Status Summary Excerpts Related to Remote Proceedings remotely shall be established and administered by the committee clerk but must include live, two-way communication to allow members to hear and interact throughout the committee meeting or public hearing, and (d) The committee Chair and committee clerk must be physically present for all committee meetings and public hearings. MISSOURI

MO HR 7 (2021) Adopted Relates to the rules of (2) A committee may allow for remote public testimony via telephone or video conferencing the 101st General with the approval of the committee at least one committee hearing in advance. If a committee Assembly. is to consider remote testimony for specific legislation, that information shall be included on the committee notice so that individuals who desire to testify remotely may request to do so. A request to testify remotely must be received or made by the chair or ranking member of the committee by the time of the committee hearing to consider allowing remote testimony. In order to allow remote testimony, the committee shall approve a remote testimony schedule, which shall include the length of time allowed for such testimony, any division of such time among proponents, opponents, and those who wish to testify for information purposes, and a list of those approved to testify. Only individuals who receive approval to testify remotely from the committee and who submit a completed, signed witness form shall be allowed to do so. (3) Written testimony may be submitted online through the House website. MISSISSIPPI

MS HR 12 (2021) Adopted Creates a temporary rule "During such time that the House of Representatives and the committees of the House are of the house to provide conducting business remotely by electronic or other technological means in order to protect the when a member will be health and safety of the House members and other persons during the COVID-19 pandemic, a considered to be present member of the House shall be considered to be present during a session of the House and a during a session of the member of a committee shall be considered to be present in the committee meeting for all house or in a committee purposes under the rules of the House including, but not limited to, determining the presence meeting for determining of a quorum for transacting business, as long as the member is in compliance with applicable the presence of a requirements for participating remotely in the session of the House or the committee meeting. quorum while the house This rule shall stand repealed on March 1, 2021." and its committees are conducting business remotely during the COVID 19 pandemic. MONTANA

MT SR 1 (2021) Adopted Concerns the senate S30-40. Ex officio members -- quorum. (1) A quorum of a committee is a majority of the resolution on the senate members of the committee. A quorum of a committee must be physically or remotely present rules, relates to at a meeting to act officially. A quorum of a committee may transact business, and a majority of legislature. the quorum, even though it is a minority of the committee, is sufficient for committee action. NORTH CAROLINA 8 Bill/Link to Text Status Summary Excerpts Related to Remote Proceedings

NC H 1 (2021) Adopted (House Resolution) RULE 28.2. Committee Meetings, Use of Remote Participation. "" (a) At times when Rule 58.1 is Adopts the temporary not in effect, a standing committee may conduct meetings with members participating rules of the House of remotely provided all the following requirements are met: (1) The Speaker approves a written Representatives. request by the chair of the standing committee which includes the proposed date and time for the meeting. (2) Each member is able to communicate, in real time, with all other members by (i) in person communication, (ii) remote communication using devices or programs that transmit audio or audio and video, or (iii) both. (3) All documents considered by the committee are provided to members. (4) The committee otherwise complies with G.S. 143"'318.13(a). (b) A committee member who is participating remotely shall be counted as present for quorum purposes and may vote on any measure or motion before the committee. An ex officio member under Rule 26(d) shall be counted among the membership of the committee only when present or participating remotely. NEW MEXICO

NM HR 1 (2021) Adopted Relates to house rule 7-1-1 A member shall be considered to be present and in attendance for the purposes of changes. establishing a quorum, doing business or voting if the member is participating by simultaneous, remote, electronic or telephonic means as confirmed by the speaker, or chair in the case of a standing committee."; and 7-1-2 For the purpose of being considered present, the speaker, majority floor leader and minority floor leader may be physically present in the chambers during any regular or limited floor session, and the members of the appropriations and finance committee may be physically present at regularly scheduled hearings; 8-9-1 During limited floor sessions, the speaker, the majority floor leader and the minority floor leader or the leader's designee shall be present in the chamber and will be permitted use of the chamber microphones. All other members wishing to participate in limited floor sessions must do so via simultaneous, remote, electronic or telephonic means."; and 8-9-2 Only motions to change orders of business and to adjourn the limited floor session shall be in order during a limited floor session. No other motions shall be taken by the speaker. 9-5-6 All deliberations, hearings, decisions and other official business of committees shall be conducted in meetings open to the public; provided that public participation shall be limited to webcasts of committee meetings and public testimony submitted to a committee electronically at the discretion of the chair, including via simultaneous, remote, electronic or telephonic means, except for deliberations and hearings relating to allegations of unethical conduct…

NM SR 1 (2021) Adopted Relates to senate rule 7-1-1 A member shall be considered to be present and in attendance for the purposes of changes. establishing a quorum, doing business or voting if the member is participating by simultaneous, remote, electronic or telephonic means as confirmed by the speaker, or chair in the case of a standing committee."; and

9 Bill/Link to Text Status Summary Excerpts Related to Remote Proceedings 7-1-2 For the purpose of being considered present, the speaker, majority floor leader and minority floor leader may be physically present in the chambers during any regular or limited floor session, and the members of the appropriations and finance committee may be physically present at regularly scheduled hearings; 8-9-1 During limited floor sessions, the speaker, the majority floor leader and the minority floor leader or the leader's designee shall be present in the chamber and will be permitted use of the chamber microphones. All other members wishing to participate in limited floor sessions must do so via simultaneous, remote, electronic or telephonic means."; and 8-9-2 Only motions to change orders of business and to adjourn the limited floor session shall be in order during a limited floor session. No other motions shall be taken by the speaker. 9-5-6 All deliberations, hearings, decisions and other official business of committees shall be conducted in meetings open to the public; provided that public participation shall be limited to webcasts of committee meetings and public testimony submitted to a committee electronically at the discretion of the chair, including via simultaneous, remote, electronic or telephonic means, except for deliberations and hearings relating to allegations of unethical conduct… 7-8-1 A senator who is participating by simultaneous, remote electronic means during a floor session and wishes to be recognized shall contact the presiding officer, who shall then add that member's name to the list of senators desiring to be recognized."; and 9-5-9 Meetings conducted by simultaneous, remote electronic means shall be staffed by one or more hosts to facilitate and allow participation by the committee, expert witnesses and members of the public. The chair may determine the duration of public comment allowed. Each standing committee may also accept public comment by email."; and 9-6-1 Notice of and the agendas for all standing committee meetings conducted by simultaneous, remote electronic means shall be posted at least twenty-four hours in advance of the meetings; provided that during the final two weeks of a session, notice and agendas shall be posted as soon as practicable in advance of the meeting."; and 11-9-2 Electronic signatures may be used by sponsors to sign bills, resolutions or memorials or amendments thereto."; and 11-21-1 Committee reports on a bill, resolution or memorial may be digitally signed and electronically transmitted from the committee to the chief clerk." NEVADA

NV AR 1 (2021) Adopted Adopts the Standing Rule No. 55. Hearings. 1. The presence of a quorum of the committee is desirable but not Rules of the Assembly for required to conduct a public hearing. In addition to the use of remote-technology systems the 81st Session of the pursuant to the Remote-Technology Rules in Assembly Standing Rules Nos. 121 to 125, Legislature. inclusive, at the discretion of the chair, members of the committee may attend, participate in and, if applicable, vote during the hearing via simultaneous telephone or video conference or other appropriate remote-technology systems….

10 Bill/Link to Text Status Summary Excerpts Related to Remote Proceedings 6. Meetings of the committee may be scheduled outside the Legislative Building in Carson City with prior written approval of the Speaker. Subcommittees must have the prior written approval of the chair of the committee and the Speaker in order to conduct a meeting outside Carson City. 7. The designated meeting room or rooms of a committee meeting conducted with all members participating via the use of remote-technology systems pursuant to the direction of the Speaker, must remain locked during the committee meeting and only the committee staff designated by the Chief Clerk, if any, may be present in a committee room during the meeting. See also Assembly Standing Rules Nos. 121 to 125, Remote-Technology Rules.

NV SR 1 (2021) Adopted Adopts the Standing 7. A committee shall act only when together, and all votes must be taken in the presence of the Rules of the Senate for committee. A member shall not be recorded as voting unless the member was actually present the 81st Session of the in the committee at the time of the vote. The Chair of the committee must be present when the Legislature. committee votes to take any final actions on bills or resolutions, but the Chair is not required to vote. In addition to the use of remote-technology systems pursuant to the Remote-Technology Rules set forth in Senate Standing Rules Nos. 131 to 135, inclusive, upon approval of the Majority Leader, a committee may meet together by video conference or other appropriate remote-technology systems. A member who is actually present in the committee at a posted video conference or other remote location is present and in attendance at the meeting for all purposes. A member who is participating in a committee meeting with all committee members participating through the use of a remote-technology system pursuant to the direction of the Majority Leader shall participate in the committee meeting from a location other than a committee meeting room. The provisions of this subsection do not prohibit the prefiling of legislative bills and resolutions on behalf of a committee in the manner prescribed by the Legislative Commission. See also Rules Nos. 131 to 135, Remote-Technology Rules. PENNSYLVANIA

PA HR 3 (2021) Adopted Adopts permanent rules Rule 5 T, Remote Participation for the House of The Chief Clerk shall, as soon as practicable but no later than March 15, 2021, implement video Representatives, conferencing or similar remote participation technology to allow Members voting by provides for temporary designation on the House Floor to engage in simultaneous, interactive participation in House rules relating to roll call Session. votes, to voting meetings The Chief Clerk shall, as soon as practicable but no later than March 15, 2021, fully implement of committees, to video conferencing or similar remote participation technology to allow Members voting by consideration of bills, designation at any voting meeting of a standing committee of the House of Representatives to third consideration and engage in simultaneous, interactive participation in the committee meeting. A voting meeting final passage bills and of a standing committee shall be held in a committee room utilizing video conferencing or conference committee similar remote participation technology unless such a room is not available.

11 Bill/Link to Text Status Summary Excerpts Related to Remote Proceedings reports and report The video conferencing or similar remote participation technology must safeguard the integrity participation. of the legislative process.

PA SR 3 (2021) Adopted Adopts the Rules of the (3) Notwithstanding Rule 14(h), members may remotely participate in committee meetings as Senate for the 205th and follows: 206th Regular Session. (i) A quorum shall be established through a roll call. (ii) Technology employed for remote committee meetings must safeguard the integrity of the legislative process and maintain the deliberative character of the meeting by providing for simultaneous aural and verbal communication among all participants. (6) In addition to the provisions of Rule 17, the following apply: (i) Members participating remotely may cast votes for all measures considered and brought to a vote by the committee, as if the members were physically present at the committee meeting. (ii) The identity of the voting member must be verified by the Chair…. (7) Notwithstanding Rule 20, members may remotely participate in the session of the Senate as follows: (i) Members participating remotely may cast votes for all measures considered and brought to a vote during session, as if the members were physically present at the session of the Senate. (ii) The identity of the voting member must be verified by the presiding officer. (iii) Technology employed for remote participation in Senate session must safeguard the integrity of the legislative process and maintain the deliberative character of the session by providing for simultaneous aural and verbal communication among all participants. (iv) A member may also vote as provided in Rule 20(b)(1) and (2). (8) Notwithstanding Rule 23, the Chief Clerk may provide for remote participation technology that enables members to participate in committee meetings and Senate session. (9) Notwithstanding Rule 27, the following apply: (i) Senators participating remotely in the session of the Senate shall be counted for the purpose of determining a quorum. (ii) A quorum shall be established through a roll call if the identity of the voting member is identified by the presiding officer. (10) This rule shall expire March 31, 2021, or 10 days following the expiration of the emergency declaration, whichever is earlier, unless otherwise further extended in accordance with the Rules of the Senate. (b) Definitions.--As used in this Rule, the following words and phrases shall have the meanings given to them in this subsection unless the context clearly indicates otherwise: "Remote participation." Simultaneous, interactive participation in a committee meeting by committee members not physically present at the location of the meeting, through means of communication technologies designed to accommodate and facilitate such simultaneous, interactive participation.

12 Bill/Link to Text Status Summary Excerpts Related to Remote Proceedings RHODE ISLAND

RI H 5002 (2021) Adopted (Resolution) Adopts the (47) Temporary Emergency Procedures of the House of Representatives. The Speaker shall have Rules of the House of the discretion to determine if there exists a public health or other emergency that could pose a Representatives for the risk to the health and safety of members and staff of the House. During the pendency of the Years 2021 and 2022. emergency, with public notice via the General Assembly website, the Speaker may adopt the following temporary procedures and may set legislative dates in light of said public health or other emergency. (a) Authorization to hold Remote Committee Meetings due to an Emergency- - Requirements. TEXAS

TX HR 4 (2021) Adopted Adopts the rules of the Rule 4, Sec. 11A. CONTENTS OF NOTICE. In addition to other information required by the rules, House for the 87th the notice of a committee meeting must include: (1) instructions, or a link to instructions on Legislature. the house's Internet website, related to public access to the meeting location and health and safety protocols for attending the meeting, (2) for a meeting that will be video broadcast under Section 12A of this rule, the link to that broadcast on the house's Internet website, and (3) for a public hearing, instructions, or a link to instructions on the house's Internet website, for individuals who wish to: (A) testify in person at the hearing, or (B) electronically submit public comments without testifying. Sec. 10. A new Rule 4, Section 12A, relating to public access to committee meetings, shall read as follows: Rule 4, Sec. 12A. PUBLIC ACCESS TO COMMITTEE MEETINGS. The requirement for all meetings of a committee or subcommittee to be open to other members, the press, and the public may be satisfied by video broadcasting the meeting in real time through the Internet. The video broadcast must be accessible from a link on the house's Internet website. plus more details VIRGINIA

VA HJR 575 (2020) Adopted Relates to providing for a Rule 26. Interim meetings of any standing committee, joint committee, joint subcommittee, Joint Assembly, legislative commission, or any other interim study subcommittee or study commission shall be establishing a schedule held on such day as called by the chair if electronically, or if in person on Monday, Tuesday, or for the conduct of Wednesday during the first and third full weeks of the month. business coming before the 2021 Regular Session of the General Assembly of Virginia, and providing for legislative continuity between the 2021 Regular Session of the General Assembly and a special session.

13 Bill/Link to Text Status Summary Excerpts Related to Remote Proceedings VERMONT

VT HR 2 (2021) Adopted Authorizes remote While the State of Vermont is subject to the House Declaration of a State of Emergency, the debate and voting in the House of Representatives adds Temporary Rule 9a of The Rules and Orders of the House of House and House Representatives to read: committees. 9a. (a) The House of Representatives shall allow remote participation while the House's Declaration of a State of Emergency is in effect. Remote participation shall consist of members being permitted to vote remotely and engage in debate remotely. Members allowed to participate remotely shall validate they are the person connected remotely. Votes conducted remotely shall be compiled by the Clerk of the House. A quorum will be calculated as those members present in the chamber of the House of Representatives and those members who are connected remotely and voting remotely. (b) This Rule shall expire at the earlier of the (1) the convening of the 2023 biennial session; or (2) the expiration of the House's Declaration of a State of Emergency in response to COVID-19 and any extension of this declaration by a Joint Resolution or a House Resolution.; and be it further Resolved by the House of Representatives: That the House of Representatives adds Temporary Rule 29a of The Rules and Orders of the House of Representatives to read: 29a. (a) The standing committees of the House of Representatives shall be permitted to vote remotely while the House's Declaration of a State of Emergency is in effect. (b) All other rules regarding a quorum and other rules of the committees remain in effect. (c) This Rule shall expire at the earlier of the (1) the convening of the 2023 biennial session; or (2) the expiration of the House's Declaration of a State of Emergency in response to COVID-19 and any extension of this declaration by a Joint Resolution or a House Resolution.

VT SJR 2 (2021) Adopted Relates to the adoption Rule 22A Emergency Rule Regarding Joint Committee Meetings (a) The Joint Rules Committee is of an emergency vested with the authority to permit any joint committees of the Vermont Legislature (including temporary Joint Rule itself and Conference Committees) to meet and vote electronically as the Joint Rules Committee 22A. determines appropriate. If necessary, the Joint Rules Committee may make this authorization remotely in conformity with this Rule. (b) The authority of the Joint Rules Committee under this Rule 22A terminates upon the expiration of the Executive's Declared Emergency.

VT SR 2 (2021) Adopted Relates to amending the Rule 9A Rule Regarding Remote Meeting and Voting of the Senate during Declared Emergencies permanent rules of the In the event the Governor issues a Declaration of Emergency, during the Declaration of Senate to include rules Emergency: during Declared (a) The Rules Committee may authorize that a session or sessions of the Senate during such Emergencies. declared emergency be concurrently conducted electronically at which one or more Senators may participate, debate, deliberate and vote in a meeting of the Senate from a remote location. If necessary, the Rules Committee may make this authorization remotely in conformance with this Rule.

14 Bill/Link to Text Status Summary Excerpts Related to Remote Proceedings (b) Each Senator voting remotely shall do so using both audio and video capability in a format approved by the Rules Committee. (c) The format authorized by the Rules Committee for a session of the Senate shall enable public access in a manner consistent with Vermont's Constitution. (d) A Senator participating remotely shall be considered present and in attendance at the meeting of the Senate, including for purposes of determining if a quorum is present. Both present and remotely connected Senators compliant with the terms of this Rule shall be counted towards a quorum of the whole. (e) When a Senator participating remotely desires to address the Senate, the Senator shall notify the Presiding Officer through the electronic means used by the Senator to participate remotely. When recognized, the Presiding Officer shall announce the Senator and the Senator may speak through the same electronic means as if physically present on the Senate floor. (f) To the extent practicable, a Senator participating remotely under this rule shall participate from the Senator's senatorial district. (g) The authority of the Rules Committee under this Rule 9A terminates upon the expiration of the Declared Emergency. Second, Senate Rule 32A is added to read as follows: Rule 32A Rule Regarding Remote Meeting and Voting of Senate Committees during Declared Emergencies In the event the Governor issues a Declaration of Emergency, during the Declaration of Emergency: (a) The Rules Committee is vested with the authority to permit Senate committees (including itself) to meet and vote electronically as the Rules Committee determines appropriate. If necessary, the Rules Committee may make this authorization remotely in conformance with this Rule. (b) In exercising its authority under section (a), the Rules Committee, to the extent applicable and practicable, shall include the provisions of Rule 9A in its authorizations. (c) The authority of the Rules Committee under this Rule 9A terminates upon the expiration of the Declared Emergency. WASHINGTON WA HCR 4400 Adopted Adopts joint rules. Joint Session

(2021) Rule 6. Whenever there shall be a joint session of the two houses, the proceedings shall be entered at length upon the journal of each house. The lieutenant governor or president of the senate shall preside over such joint session, and the clerk of the house of representatives shall act as the clerk thereof, except in the case of the joint session held for the purpose of canvassing the votes of constitutional elective state officers, when the speaker shall preside over such joint sessions. The lieutenant governor in no case shall have the right to give the

15 Bill/Link to Text Status Summary Excerpts Related to Remote Proceedings deciding vote. During the COVID-19 state of emergency, any joint session must be held remotely. Members participating remotely shall be considered present for purposes of a quorum and voting. Joint Committee Meetings Rule 10. All meetings held by joint committees or held jointly by house of representatives and senate standing committees must be conducted in accordance with the rules of both the senate and the house of representatives. Remote participation in committee meetings is authorized to the extent it can be technologically supported by legislative staff. When participating remotely, committee members shall be considered present for purposes of a quorum and voting.

WA HR 4600 (2021) Adopted Adopts temporary rules A meeting shall be considered open to the public if an alternate and broadly accessible means of the House of for the public to view the meeting is available. Representatives.

WA HR 4605 (2021) Adopted Adopts temporary rules Remote Participation and Voting Authorized of the House of Rule A-2. House members shall participate remotely in official house proceedings, including Representatives. committee meetings and floor sessions, and when doing so, shall be considered present for purposes of a quorum and voting. Members are encouraged to use computers provided by the house to participate in committee meetings. Members are required to use computers provided by the house to cast votes in remote floor sessions and are required to use the virtual background provided by the house for their video display. Admittance to House Facilities Rule A-3. Admittance to house facilities is permitted only as follows: (1) Presiding officers, the minority leader, floor leaders, and staff essential to floor operations are permitted in the chamber during floor proceedings. (2) Including the members identified in subsection (1) of this rule, each caucus may designate 15 members to participate remotely from their assigned legislative offices. Each caucus must prioritize members with technological problems that preclude remote participation. (3) The executive rules committee may authorize additional members of the house to participate remotely from their assigned legislative offices upon a showing that technological problems preclude participation from the member's home or an alternate district location. (4) Staff may access house facilities only with prior approval of the chief clerk. Any person permitted access to house facilities must comply with public health requirements both on and off campus, and any other restriction established by executive rules and/or the chief clerk.

WA SR 8600 (2021) Adopted Adopts the permanent Emergency Resolution Authorized Rule 70. 1. If the Facilities and Operations Committee rules of the senate. determines through a majority vote that physically convening all members and staff in a single location presents a danger to the health or safety of the participants or is impractical because of

16 Bill/Link to Text Status Summary Excerpts Related to Remote Proceedings a publicly declared statewide emergency or catastrophic incident under RCW 43.06.010, the senate shall adopt a resolution establishing the rules and procedures governing any special or regular legislative session. 2. For purposes of adopting the senate resolution required by this rule, some or all members may vote using a remote access program established by the Secretary of the Senate. The remote access program must provide a mechanism approved by the President of the Senate by which the President can verify a member's remote presence. Members are considered in attendance within the bar of the senate when using the remote access program, including for purposes of establishing quorum. To the extent practicable, a member participating remotely under this rule has the same privileges, rights, and responsibilities under the Senate Rules as if the member were physically present.

WA SR 8601 (2021) Adopted Adopts the senate's Electronic Signatures emergency parliamentary C. Electronic or scanned signatures are authorized in place of any physical signatures that are rules of the sixty seventh otherwise required in order for a member to conduct legislative business. legislature. Interpretation of Permanent Senate Rules D. To the extent that a matter is not addressed in this Resolution, the Permanent Rules of the Senate adopted January 11, 2021, will govern. The President will interpret all rules and procedures to facilitate legislative business in a fair and efficient manner in light of the ongoing emergency and remote session. Remote Voting F. (1) Unless otherwise designated by the Facilities & Operations Committee, members will be required to vote remotely. Senate administration will make information technology provisions for members who wish to participate in floor action remotely from their offices or another isolated location on campus. Members who wish to vote remotely from their homes will be outfitted with necessary hardware and provided remote information technology support. (2) During any roll call vote, members will record their vote using the remote voting system. The clerk will close electronic voting and announce each member's vote individually. The President will call on those members who are present but have not yet voted. The President will then provide members a final opportunity to be recognized and change their votes. The clerk will then announce the vote.… (4) In accordance with Senate Rule 22, once begun, a roll call vote will not be interrupted because a member has connectivity issues. However, if a majority of members elected is no longer present due to connectivity issues, a majority of those still present may defer consideration of a bill, adjourn, or recess the Senate until a quorum can be reestablished. Attendance and Quorum G. A member of the Senate voting remotely is considered in attendance within the bar of the Senate if the member is participating in the session through a remote access program established by the Secretary of the Senate as provided in Senate Rule 70.

17 Bill/Link to Text Status Summary Excerpts Related to Remote Proceedings WEST VIRGINIA

WV HR 1 (2021) Adopted Adopts Rules of the For the duration of the 2021 Regular Session of the 85th Legislature, public hearings may be House of Delegates. held by electronic means where the public may register and participate by utilizing an internet- based platform for video and audio conferencing that can be accessed across mobile, desktop, and room systems, and that can be viewed by members in real time during the public hearing and preserved as a public record by the committee conducting the hearing.