The final days of the California Legislature’s session and the fate of hundreds of bills could be in jeopardy following the confirmation of a case of COVID-19 in the state Capitol. The office of Senate Leader Toni Atkins confirmed the diagnosis Wednesday morning, but wouldnât provide more details.
The state Senateâs legislative session, which was scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. Wednesday has been delayed for the time being. Though it shares the Capitol building with the Senate, the Assembly proceeded with its planned schedule.
In a memo to state senators and staffers Wednesday morning, Assistant to the Secretary of the Senate Susan Delafuente asked everyone to stay where they were.
âOut of an abundance of caution, because of a positive test result, we are asking all Senators and staff to hold in place for the next hour or so,” Delafuente wrote. “Those who are not yet in the building, please remain at home. Those who are in the Capitol already should remain in their offices.â
She said people should continue working remotely until there was more information.
The COVID-19 case comes at a critical time for the Legislature, as lawmakers work to pass hundreds of bills before the session ends on Aug. 31. A new COVID-19 outbreak could throw a wrench in those plans.
With time winding down, lawmakers are still working on several major issues, including extending a moratorium on evictions for people unable to pay their rent because of the coronavirus. Also pending are COVID-19 related bills, legislation on police use of force, housing and contract employees.
The pandemic has already shortened the legislative session this year. Lawmakers and staff first took an extended recess in March when the outbreak began to spread. That was followed by an extended summer recess in July that was called after cases of COVID-19 were confirmed in the state Assembly. Despite technological challenges, legislative hearings were held remotely and staff were required to work at home while the Capitol was closed to the public.
â Katie Orr (@1KatieOrr)
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