COVID-19: State Actions Related to Legislative Operations

About State Legislatures Center for Legislative Strengthening

As the coronavirus (COVID-19) closed workplaces and curtailed activities in many different areas of American life beginning in 2020, state legislatures also faced challenges. They suspended legislative sessions, limited access to state capitols, began remote sessions and committee meetings or made other alternatives to physical meetings. Legislatures also made procedural changes to facilitate legislative business (for example remote or proxy voting) within the constitutional, statutory and rules-based constraints of the legislative process. Some state constitutions require legislatures to meet in person and thus could require a constitutional amendment rather than a resolution, bill or rules change to allow for remote meetings or voting.

The actions listed on this web page are limited to those legislatures that introduced or passed bills or resolutions related to these issues. However, other legislatures made changes in chamber rules or procedures, which may not be reflected here. In addition, rules changes vary in duration; some remaining in force until changed, or through the annual or biennial session, or for a specified time only. In most states, the changes noted here are temporary and tied specifically to the COVID-19 emergency. Note also that some states, such as Oregon and Wisconsin, had previously authorized specific provisions allowing remote or virtual meetings of the legislature.

Overview of Actions in 2020, 2021 and 2022

In 2022, NCSL tracking identified 40 measures in 19 states. Of those, 11 are still pending, 15 were adopted, 2 were enacted, and 13 failed.
In 2021, NCSL tracking identified 112 measures in 41 states. Of those, 7 are still pending (were carried over to 2022), 70 were adopted, 3 were enacted, and 33 failed.
In 2020, NCSL tracking identified 143 measures in 37 states. Of those, 95 were adopted, 8 were enacted, and 40 failed.

Summaries of these measures for each year are included below.

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In 2022, legislative chambers in at least 19 states introduced, considered, enacted or adopted bills or resolutions that relate to legislative operations, including providing for remote meetings, remote voting, changes in bill deadlines or recess periods or other changes.

Arizona
AZ HCR 2032
Status: Failed - adjourned
Relates to pandemic emergencies, relates to special sessions.

California
CA HR 71
Status: Failed - adjourned
Provides that a member of the Assembly shall present evidence that the member has received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccination, or shall present evidence of a disability or medical condition that prevents the member from receiving the COVID-19 vaccination, by Sept. 1, 2021, or else the member shall be suspended from exercising the powers of the office, and shall forfeit all salary and benefits derived from the office, until the member has presented evidence of having received at least one dose.

Colorado
CO H.B. 1413
Status: Enacted
Provides that the executive committee of the legislative council has specified powers and duties, including to consider, recommend, and establish policies allowing legislative committees to take remote testimony from government officials and employees as well as other members of the public, provides that funds appropriated to the legislative department for use by the General Assembly is decreased by specified amount.

CO HR 1002
Status: Adopted
Concerns a change to the rules of the House of Representatives concerning regulations for taking remote testimony in committees of reference.

CO HR 1003
Status: Adopted
Concerns the addition of a house rule authorizing the speaker of the House of Representatives to promulgate regulations to facilitate a safe and healthy work environment and to protect vulnerable members of the house and other persons during a declared public health disaster emergency.

Delaware
DE HCR 9
Status: Failed - adjourned
Amends House Concurrent Resolution No. 1 to require votes in a legislative committee to be taken by roll call, changes mean that the rules of the Senate or House of Representatives will control how votes on the virtual floor are to be taken.

Kentucky
KY HR 1
Status: Adopted
Adopts the Rules of Procedure for the 2022 Regular Session of the House of Representatives. the Speaker, or other presiding officer as specified in House Rule 26, may authorize remote voting procedures for the members on any matter pending before the House. At any time, a committee chair may authorize remote voting procedures for the members of the committee on any matter pending before the committee.

KY SR 2
Status: Adopted
Adopts the Rules of Procedure for the 2022 Regular Session of the Senate. 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. Provides for participation in committee by videoconferencing.

Louisiana
LA HR 17
Status: Adopted
Relates to legislative procedures required to appropriate certain federal disaster funds for recurring expenses.

LA HR 19
Status: Adopted
Provides that if a standing committee has a statutory duty related to a disaster or emergency during a declared state of disaster or emergency, at least twenty-four hours prior to the meeting date at which such matter will considered, the chairman of the committee shall file with the Clerk of the House notice of the meeting. Immediately upon receipt of the notice, the Clerk shall transmit notice of each such meeting to the members of the respective committees and shall also be responsible for making the notice available to the news media, to the public, and to all registered lobbyists who have filed written request for such notice with the Clerk.

LA S.B. 224
Status: Vetoed by governor
Provides that members of the legislature or a legislative committee may remotely attend, participate, vote, and transact business via electronic means under specified circumstances, including if the governor has declared a state of emergency or disaster and the nature of the emergency or disaster would cause a meeting of the legislature or legislative committee to be detrimental to the health, safety, or welfare of the public.

Massachusetts
MA S.B. 14
Status: Pending
(Order) Submits proposed Joint Rules for the 192nd General Court.

Michigan
MI HR 26
Status: Pending
Amends the Standing Rules of the House of Representatives.

MI SJR 4
Status: Pending
Allows for the Legislature to conduct session and committee meetings remotely during certain emergencies.

Mississippi
MS HCR 25
Status: Failed
Amends the joint rules of the State senate and House of Representatives by creating new joint rule 41 to require the house management committee and the senate rules committee to jointly take all necessary actions to allow all committee meetings and floor sessions of the house and senate beginning with the 2023 regular session to be conducted by electronic or other technological means where the members may participate remotely in debate and voting without the members having to be physically present.

MS HCR 52
Status: Failed
Amends the joint rules of the Mississippi Senate and House of Representatives by creating new joint rule 41 to require the house management committee and the senate rules committee to jointly take all necessary actions to allow all committee meetings and floor sessions of the house and senate beginning with the 2023 regular session to be conducted by electronic or other technological means where the members may participate remotely in debate and voting without the members having to be physically present.

MS HR 12
Status: Failed
Creates new house rule no. 28a to authorize the members of the appropriations committee to attend committee meetings remotely and vote remotely during those meetings, authorizes the members of the House of Representatives to attend meetings in the house chamber remotely and vote remotely during those meetings.

New Hampshire
NH S.B. 95
Status: Pending
Adopts legislation relative to governing bodies meeting virtually, relates to remote access to meetings, relates to penalties for violation of privacy.

New Jersey
NJ SR 99
Status: Adopted
Permits certain members of the Senate to remotely attend and participate in August 8, 2022 meeting due to COVID-19 health concerns.

New Mexico
NM HJR 3
Status: Failed – Adjourned
Proposes an amendment to a specified article of the constitution of the state; provides that a declaration of a state of emergency pursuant to a power granted to the governor by law terminates after a specified days unless the governor calls the legislature into special session to address the circumstances of the emergency and to require a specified number of vote of the legislature to restrict, suspend or terminate the emergency declaration.

Ohio
OH H.B. 55
Status: Pending
Allows committee meetings and general sessions of the House of Representatives to be conducted virtually, declares an emergency.

OH H.B. 56
Status: Pending
Requires persons to wear face coverings during general sessions and committee meetings of the House of Representatives, declares an emergency.

Pennsylvania
PA HR 6
Status: Pending
Adopts temporary Rules of the House of Representatives relating to the wearing of masks or face coverings.

PA HR 107
Status: Pending
Adopts a temporary Rule of the House of Representatives relating to guidance from the Centers for Disease Control CDC minimizing the spread of COVID-19.

Rhode Island
RI H.B. 5006
Status: Pending
Amends the house rules to permit remote voting for house committees and would permit written, in person or video testimony.

RI H.B. 5033
Status: Pending
(Resolution) Amends the House Rules for the Years 2019 and 2020 by providing that during the pendency of any public health emergency, the Speaker would, in his or her discretion, require that members comply with any public health safety measure recommended by the Rhode Island Department of Health while in attendance at any session or committee of the House.

South Carolina
SC H.B. 3486
Status: Failed - adjourned
(Joint Resolution) Proposes an amendment to the state Constitution, relates to sessions of the General Assembly, allows that, in the event war, social unrest, contagious disease, epidemic, pandemic, natural disaster, or act of god renders it unsafe to the health and well-being of the members of the General Assembly to meet at the seat of government, at the determination of the Senate and the House, the members of the General Assembly may otherwise meet in annual session using remote and virtual technology.

SC H.B. 3579
Status: Failed - adjourned
(House Resolution) Relates to requests by members of the house for committees to take up their bills, adds in addition to the written request of the sponsor, a specified percent of the committee or subcommittee, or a specified percent of the members of the house, also must request the committee or subcommittee take up the bills, deletes the provision providing that these requests may be made only one time per bill during a legislative session.

SC S.B. 997
Status: Failed - adjourned
(Joint Resolution) Proposes an amendment to the state constitution, relates to sessions of the General Assembly, allows that, in the event war, social unrest, contagious disease, epidemic, pandemic, natural disaster, or act of God renders it unsafe to the health and well-being of the members of the General Assembly to meet at the seat of government, at the determination of the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, as appropriate.

Virginia
VA HR 3
Status: Adopted
In the event of a disaster, natural or otherwise, or other emergency circumstance, the Speaker may convene the House in a location other than the House Chamber. In addition, if a motion to reconvene to a session date and time to be conducted by electronic communication means is adopted by the House by a 2/3 majority, such session of the House shall be conducted by electronic communication means. To protect the public health and safety during such disaster or other emergency circumstance, the Speaker and Clerk may limit access to the physical location from which the Speaker is presiding to members of the General Assembly and such other persons they deem essential for the proceedings. During the pendency of such disaster or other emergency circumstance, the chairman of any standing committee, subcommittee, joint subcommittee, interim study committee, or other legislative branch public body may conduct a meeting by electronic communication means.

VA H 444
Status: Enacted
Amends existing provisions concerning electronic meetings of public bodies, including legislative bodies, by keeping the provisions for electronic meetings held in response to declared states of emergency, repealing the provisions that are specific to regional and state public bodies, and allowing certain public bodies to conduct all-virtual public meetings where all of the members who participate do so remotely and that the public may access through electronic communications means. The bill excepts specified entities from the provisions that allow public bodies to conduct all-virtual public meetings. Provides that minutes be taken at all open meetings, except for minutes of deliberations of (i) standing and other committees of the General Assembly; (ii) legislative interim study commissions and committees, including the Virginia Code Commission. Provides for definitions, procedural requirements, and limitations for all-virtual public meetings.

Vermont
VT HR 13
Status: Adopted
Relates to the house resolution authorizing remote operation of the House of Representatives and House committees.

VT HR 14
Status: Adopted
Relates to House Resolution authorizing specified, time limited remote operation of the House of Representatives and House committees.

VT HR 16
Status: Adopted
Relates to time-limited hybrid operation of the House of Representatives and House committees and to House Rules Committee meeting authority.

VT HJR 15
Status: Adopted
Temporary Rule Regarding Joint Committee Meetings. Provides that a member of a joint committee may debate and vote remotely in that committee if the member confirms with the committee's chair or co-chairs, as applicable, that the member must be absent from committee due to symptomatic illness or direct COVID-19-related circumstances. The Joint Rules Committee is authorized to meet remotely as necessary to address COVID-19-related matters that may impact the operation of the General Assembly and joint committees. The remote authority set forth in this rule shall remain in effect through March 8, 2022. If the Governor thereafter reissues capacity restrictions at gatherings and events or requires masks and physical distancing in response to COVID-19, the Joint Rules Committee is authorized to meet remotely and to permit any joint committees of the Legislature to meet and vote electronically as the Joint Rules Committee determines appropriate.

VT SR 13
Status: Adopted
Relates to Senate resolution concerning to the adoption of a temporary Rule 10A, relates to face mask requirements.

VT SR 17
Status: Adopted
Relates to extending concurrently conducted electronic sessions and committee meetings.

VT SR 21
Status: Failed
Relates to senate resolution suspending Senate Temporary Rule 10A and calls for a meeting of the Joint Rules Committee to suspend the Legislative face mask policy.

Washington
WA HR 4602
Status: Failed
Adopts the permanent rules of the House of Representatives.

WA SR 8630
Status: Adopted
Amends 2021 Senate Resolution 8601 regarding the adoption of emergency parliamentary rules. Provides that regular floor action will occur in a hybrid remote format with only the number of members present as determined by the Facilities and Operations Committee and subject to the 2022 Senate Session Guidelines. If the Committee determines that public health conditions no longer require floor action to be conducted in a hybrid remote format, regular floor action will occur with all members present on the floor, and only those members who are required to quarantine or isolate by the Senate Human Resource Officer due to COVID-19 exposure or infection will be permitted to vote remotely. Committee hearings and executive action will be held remotely. Provides that public access to the Senate galleries during floor action shall be determined by the Facilities and Operations Committee.

West Virginia
WV SR 10
Status: Adopted
Adopts special rule of order relating to COVID 19 pandemic. Provides that members who have been diagnosed with COVID-19, notified of potential exposure to someone diagnosed with COVID-19, or who have been determined by a physician to be at a higher risk for developing serious complications from COVID-19 may designate the Majority Leader or the Minority Leader to be their proxy and to vote on their behalf during Senate floor sessions. Also provides that those members be allowed to participate remotely in committee meetings and hearings as though they were physically present. The Chair shall provide for simultaneous video and/or audio participation among all members. The presiding officer may modify, alter, expand, suspend, or terminate this special rule of order as it relates to participation, including but not limited to proxy voting, in Senate floor sessions and committee meetings as the presiding officer determines, in his discretion, is appropriate. The special rule of order shall only be in effect for the duration of the second regular session of the Eighty-Fifth Legislature.

In 2021, legislative chambers in at least 30 states introduced, enacted or adopted bills or resolutions that relate to legislative operations, including providing for remote meetings and voting or changes in bill deadlines, recess periods or other changes. In some states, changes to chamber rules authorized remote meetings (this section lists changes in chamber rules where known). Also, some legislative chambers may have authorized, but did not hold, remote meetings. In addition, rules changes vary in duration; some remain in force until changed, or through an annual or biennial session, or for a specified time only.

Some state constitutions require legislatures to meet in person and thus could require a constitutional amendment rather than a resolution or bill to allow for remote meetings or voting.

Alabama
H.B. 138
Status: Failed--adjourned
Relates to the Secretary of State, amends Section 36-14-1, Code of Alabama 1975, allows the Secretary of State to provide digital copies of all bills, resolutions, and memorials electronically to the Legislature, eliminates the binding requirement. Provides that when a member desires to speak he or she shall so indicate by pressing the speak button at his or her desk or on his or her virtual voting. Also provides for the House to meet in other locations.

H.B. 207
Status: Failed--adjourned
Proposes an amendment to the Constitution of Alabama of 1901, provides for remote participation in legislative meetings and sessions under certain conditions during declared states of emergency.

HR 15
Status: Adopted
Adopts the Rules of the House of Representatives.

S.B. 44
Status: Failed--adjourned
Relates to the Secretary of State, amends Section 36-14-1, Code of Alabama 1975, to allow the Secretary of State to provide digital copies of all bills, resolutions, and memorials electronically to the Legislature, eliminates the binding requirement.

Alaska
AK SCR 1
Status: Failed - adjourned
Suspends certain rules of the State Legislature, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, authorizes the presiding officers to allow members to attend a session by videoconference or teleconference in certain circumstances related to the COVID-19 pandemic, relates to sessions where members are authorized to attend a session by videoconference or teleconference.

Arkansas
AR HCR 1006
Status: Adopted
Provides for changes in deadlines if the House of Representatives and the Senate recess for four or more consecutive days during the first thirty-one days of the 2021 Regular Session of the Ninety-Third General Assembly due to circumstances related to the coronavirus 2019.

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

AR HR 1005
Status: Adopted
Adopts emergency rules for the House of Representatives of the Ninety-Third General Assembly. The Electronic Voting System shall have the same force and effect as a Roll Call. (House Rule 102). (b) Any representative who will be absent from the House may pair his or her vote with a representative who shall be present. 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.

AR HR 1006
Status: Adopted
Adopts rules of procedure for committees of the House of Representatives of the Ninety-Third General Assembly.

AR SR 1
Status: Adopted
Adopts rules of procedure for committees of the Senate of the Ninety-Third General Assembly of the state. Provides for public comment holding rooms with limited capacity and physically distanced seating. 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. 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 shall be allowed to participate remotely via electronic means.

California
CA A 339
Status: Vetoed
Requires all meetings to provide the public with an opportunity to comment on proposed legislation, and requires translation services to be provided, as specified. Requires local agencies to conduct meetings subject to Ralph M. Brown Act consistent with applicable state and federal civil rights laws. Requires all open and public meetings to include an in person public comment opportunity, except in specified circumstances during a declared state or local emergency. Requires all meetings to provide the public with an opportunity to comment on proposed legislation in person and remotely via a telephonic or an internet based service option. (Note: provisions that applied to the legislature in the introduced version were amended out: Requires all meetings of the Legislature, including gatherings using teleconference technology, to include an opportunity for all persons to attend via a call-in option or an internet-based service option that provides closed captioning services and requires both a call-in and an internet-based service option to be provided to the public.)

CA SR 3
Status: Adopted
Adopts the Rules for the State Senate for the 2021-22 Regular Session.

Colorado
CO H.B. 1001
Status: Enacted
Allows members of a party central committee or vacancy committee to participate in a 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.B. 1003
Status: Enacted
Concerns the conduct of legislative proceedings during a declared disaster emergency.

CO HR 1001
Status: Adopted
Concerns the temporary rules of the House of Representatives and 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
Status: Adopted
Concerns the adoption of the joint rules as the temporary joint rules of 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
Status: Adopted
Concerns the House rules. Provides that a member may vote remotely while on the grounds of the Capitol or Legislative Office Building and logged into the House of Representatives electronic voting system with permission if the member must be absent for COVID-19 related reasons. Provides that each member or other person present in the chamber or outside the Hall of the House shall maintain a cloth face covering or mask.

CT SJR 1
Status: Adopted
Concerns the joint rules of the Senate and the House of Representatives.

CT SR 1
Status: Adopted
Concerns the rules of the Senate.

Delaware
DE HCR 1
Status: Adopted
Accepts and approves January 8, 2021, actions of the President of the Senate and the speaker pro tempore of the House of Representatives.

DE HCR 9
Status: Failed - adjourned
Amends House Concurrent Resolution No. 1 to require votes in a legislative committee to be taken by roll call, changes mean that the rules of the Senate or House of Representatives will control how votes on the virtual floor are to be taken.

DE HR 3
Status: Adopted
Relates to the permanent rules of the House of Representatives of the general assembly.

DE HR 7
Status: Adopted
Changes House Rule 69 concerning procedures for voting at a virtual meeting by requiring roll call votes only in a legislative committee.

DE SR 2
Status: Adopted
Relates to the rules of the State Senate.

Florida
FL S.B. 648
Status: Failed
Relates to legislative procedures in certain emergencies, requires each house of the Legislature to provide by rule procedures authorizing the use of remote technology systems for remote participation in committee meetings and floor proceedings by members, specifies requirements and limitations for the use of remote technology systems, specifies that a members use of a remote technology system is subject to approval by the presiding officer of the applicable house.

FL SJR 1604
Status: Failed
Relates to joint resolution, relates to remote proceedings of the Legislature States of emergency, proposes an amendment State Constitution, authorizes each house of the Legislature to establish rules of procedure to allow remote proceedings in the event of certain States of emergency.

Georgia
GA HR 10
Status: Adopted
Relates to meetings and adjournments of the General Assembly.

GA HR 31
Status: Adopted
Relates to meetings and adjournments of the General Assembly.

Idaho
ID HR 1
Status: Failed-adjourned
Provides for the amendment of a specified rule of the Rules of the House of Representatives regarding clearing galleries and House regulated spaces.

ID HR 2
Status: Failed-adjourned
States findings of the House of Representatives, adds a new House Special Rule 1.SP regarding participation within the House chambers. Provides that any member wishing to debate on a measure may do so from an alternate location within the House chamber as designated by the Speaker of the House. All rules requiring a member to debate from his seat on the House floor shall be suspended for the duration of the term stated in this resolution. This House Special Rule shall be in effect for the term of the First Regular Session of the Sixty-sixth Idaho Legislature and shall expire upon adjournment sine die.

Illinois
IL HR 72
Status: Adopted
Adopts the House Rules for the 102nd General Assembly.

IL SR 2
Status: Adopted
Adopts the Senate Rules for the 102nd General Assembly.

Iowa
IA H.B. 276
Status: Failed - adjourned
Provides that the general assembly, by concurrent resolution, may authorize sessions of the general assembly to be held at a location other than the seat of government during a time of emergency. The bill provides that the concurrent resolution may provide for rules permitting distance voting or remote electronic voting. The bill takes effect upon enactment.

IA HR 3
Status: Adopted
Relates to permanent rules of the House of Representatives for the Eighty-Ninth General Assembly.

Kansas
KS HR 6003
Status: Adopted
Proposes temporary rules of the House of Representatives for the session.

KS HR 6004
Status: Adopted
Adopts permanent rules of the House of Representatives for the biennium.

Kentucky
KY H 4
Status: Adopted
Amends the state constitution, eliminates the existing dates by which the General Assembly must adjourn in any regular session, provides that the General Assembly may extend the length of its legislative sessions by 10 days upon the vote of 3/5 of the membership of each House, with no session to extend beyond December 31.

KY HJR 10
Status: Failed--adjourned
Requires masks to be worn in the areas of the Capitol Annex controlled by LRC and on the third and fourth floors of the Capitol during the 2021 Regular Session.

KY HR 1
Status: Adopted
Adopts the Rules of Procedure for the 2021 Regular Session of the House of Representatives. Permits remote participation if the presiding officer allows it, so defined as a member voting from physically present in his/her capitol office. Allows “alternative voting” which is allowed if a member tests positive for COVID-19 or is quarantined due to exposure, and if he/she is in his/her automobile in the Capitol parking lot.

KY SR 1
Status: Adopted
Adopts the Rules of Procedure for the 2021 Regular Session of the Senate. Provides that 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. Allows members to participate and vote in committee via videoconferencing if certain conditions are met and with approval by the Rules Committee.

KY S 181
Status: Failed--adjourned
Establishes parameters for the General Assembly when called into session by Joint Proclamation, adjusts the compensation of members of the General Assembly during a veto recess period only upon ratification of a proposed constitutional amendment.

Maine
ME S 193
Status: Failed
(Resolve) Establishes the Coronavirus disease 2019 Review Commission, establishes the Coronavirus disease 2019 Review Commission to study the State's response to Coronavirus disease 2019 and state laws, rules and policies governing that response in the State, provides that the commission must submit a report that includes its findings and recommendations, including suggested legislation, to the Joint Standing Committee on Health and Human Services no later than a specified date.

Maryland
MD S.B. 929
Status: Failed - adjourned
Relates to States of Emergency and catastrophic health emergencies.

Massachusetts
MA H.B. 59
Status: Adopted
(Order) Relates to the adoption of Temporary Emergency House Rules.

MA H.B. 60
Status: Adopted
(Order) Relates to a study of the rules of the House.

MA S.B. 12
Status: Adopted
(Order) Submits proposed Emergency Senate Rules for the 192nd General Court.

MA S.B. 14
Status: Pending
(Order) Submits proposed Joint Rules for the 192nd General Court.

Michigan
MI HR 1
Status: Adopted
Prescribes the Standing Rules of the House of Representatives.

MI HR 26
Status: Pending
Amends the Standing Rules of the House of Representatives.

MI SJR 4
Status: Pending
Allows for the Legislature to conduct session and committee meetings remotely during certain emergencies.

Minnesota
MN SR 12
Status: Adopted
Relates to Temporary Rules of the Senate, modifies disclosure requirements for remote voting, amending Temporary Senate Rule 14.1.

Mississippi
MS HR 5
Status: Failed
Amends house rules to create a new House Rule No. 104.1a to require that the agenda of any committee meeting shall be made public at least 24 hours before the scheduled meeting.

MS HR 12
Status: Adopted
Creates a temporary rule of the house to provide when a member will be considered to be present during a session of the house or in a committee meeting for determining the presence of a quorum while the house and its committees are conducting business remotely during the COVID 19 pandemic.

MS HCR 26
Status: Failed
Amends the joint rules of the State Senate and House of Representatives by creating new joint rule 41 to require the house management committee and the senate rules committee to jointly take all necessary actions to allow all committee meetings and floor sessions of the house and senate beginning with the 2022 regular session to be conducted by electronic or other technological means where the members may participate remotely in debate and voting without the members having to be physically present.

Missouri
MO HR 7
Status: Adopted
Relates to the rules of the 101st General Assembly.

MO SR 4
Status: Adopted
Modifies specified Senate Rules.

Montana
MT HR 2
Status: Adopted
Houses rules resolution, relates to legislature. Standing and select committees may by a majority vote of the committee authorize members to vote by proxy if absent, while engaged in other legislative business or when excused by the presiding officer of the committee due to illness or an emergency. Authorization for absentee or proxy voting must be reflected in the committee minutes.

MT D 3051
Status: Failed--adjourned
House rules resolution, relates to legislature.

MT SJR 1
Status: Failed--adjourned
Concerns the senate joint resolution on the joint rules, relates to legislature.

MT SR 1
Status: Adopted
Concerns the senate resolution on the senate rules, relates to legislature.

Nevada
NV AR 1
Status: Adopted
Adopts the Standing Rules of the Assembly for the 81st Session of the Legislature.

NV SR 1
Status: Adopted
Adopts the Standing Rules of the Senate for the 81st Session of the Legislature. 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.

New Hampshire
NH SR 1
Status: Adopted
Resolves that the Rules of the 2019-2020 Session be adopted as the Rules of the 2021-2022 Session, with the changes which have been provided here today.

NH S.B. 95
Status: Pending
Adopts legislation relative to governing bodies meeting virtually, relates to remote access to meetings.

New Jersey
NJ S.B. 2294
Status: Failed - adjourned
Allows public bodies to conduct meetings, and provide notice, by electronic means during periods of emergency.

NJ S.B. 2296
Status: Failed - adjourned
Allows conduct of State business and legislative sessions at locations other than Trenton during periods of emergency or other exigency, allows conduct of legislative business using electronic means.

New Mexico
NM HR 1
Status: Adopted
Relates to house rule changes.

NM SR 1
Status: Adopted
Relates to senate rule changes.

North Carolina
NC H.B. 1
Status: Adopted
(House Resolution) Adopts the temporary rules of the House of Representatives. Provides that a standing committee may conduct meetings with members participating remotely provided all the following requirements are met: (1) The Speaker approves a written 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.

North Dakota
Senate, House and Joint Rules
Status: Adopted
Among other provisions, states that "present" means being physically in the chamber or room where the session or meeting is being held, or participating in the session or meeting by means of interactive video or teleconference call. A member present and participating remotely has the same rights, privileges, and duties as a member physically present, is deemed to be "on the floor" for purposes of floor sessions, and may vote remotely.

ND D 9387
Status: Failed--adjourned
Proposes amendments to House and Senate Rules 102, 201, 303, 305, 321, 360, and 361 and Joint Rule 801.

ND S 2124
Status: Failed
Relates to permitting a virtual special session of the legislative assembly during an emergency or disaster, relates to the state health officer's and governor's authority during a declared disaster or emergency, provides a penalty.

Oklahoma
OK SR 2
Status: Adopted
Provides for the suspension of Senate Rules for creation of limited-directed proxy voting procedure under certain circumstances for the duration of the 1st Regular Session of the 58th Oklahoma Legislature.

Oregon
OR HJR 6
Status: Failed--adjourned
Proposes amendment to Oregon Constitution to replace term declaration of emergency with term early implementation date in those bills that Legislative Assembly determines need to go into effect earlier than 91st day following adjournment sine die of session at which bills are enacted.

OR D 1746
Status: Failed--adjourned
Proposes amendment to state Constitution to modify portion of each house of Legislative Assembly needed to be in attendance for quorum necessary for house to conduct business, proposes comparable changes to quorum requirements when Legislative Assembly convenes following declaration of catastrophic disaster by Governor, refers proposed amendment to people for their approval or rejection at next regular general election.

Pennsylvania
PA HR 3
Status: Adopted
Adopts permanent rules for the House of Representatives, provides for temporary rules relating to roll call votes, to voting meetings of committees, to consideration of bills, third consideration and final passage bills and conference committee reports and report participation.

PA HR 6
Status: Pending
Adopts temporary Rules of the House of Representatives relating to the wearing of masks or face coverings.

PA SR 3
Status: Adopted
Adopts the Rules of the Senate for the 205th and 206th Regular Session.

Rhode Island
RI H 5002
Status: Adopted
(Resolution) Adopts the Rules of the House of Representatives for the Years 2021 and 2022.

RI H 5006
Status: Pending
(Resolution)Would amend the house rules to permit remote voting for house committees and would permit written, in person or video testimony.

RI H.B. 5033
Status: Pending
(Resolution) Amends the House Rules for the Years 2019 and 2020 by providing that during the pendency of any public health emergency, the Speaker would, in his or her discretion, require that members comply with any public health safety measure recommended by the Rhode Island Department of Health while in attendance at any session or committee of the House.

South Carolina
SC H 3486
Status: Failed - adjourned
(Joint Resolution) Proposes an amendment to the state Constitution, relates to sessions of the General Assembly, allows that, in the event war, social unrest, contagious disease, epidemic, pandemic, natural disaster, or act of god renders it unsafe to the health and well-being of the members of the General Assembly to meet at the seat of government, at the determination of the Senate and the House, the members of the General Assembly may otherwise meet in annual session using remote and virtual technology.

SC H 3579
Status: Failed - adjourned
(House Resolution) Relates to requests by members of the house for committees to take up their bills, adds in addition to the written request of the sponsor, a specified percent of the committee or subcommittee, or a specified percent of the members of the house, also must request the committee or subcommittee take up the bills, deletes the provision providing that these requests may be made only one time per bill during a legislative session.

Tennessee
TN H.B. 129
Status: Enacted
Allows the use of electronic signatures for a written request by members of the general assembly to convene for extraordinary session in accordance with the Constitution of Tennessee.

TN S.B. 147
Status: Failed - adjourned
Allows the use of electronic signatures for a written request by members of the general assembly to convene for extraordinary session in accordance with the Constitution of Tennessee.

Texas
TX HR 4
Status: Adopted
Adopts the rules of the House for the 87th Legislature.

TX SR 1
Status: Adopted
Senate Caucus Report.

Utah
UT SJR 5
Status: Adopted
Modifies joint legislative rules related to prioritizing legislation.

Virginia
VA H 1745
Status: Failed
Relates to General Assembly, relates to legislative process, relates to required expiration provision, requires any bill passed by the General Assembly when one or both houses meet and vote virtually to pass the bill to contain a provision requiring the expiration of such bill one year following the date the bill takes effect.

VA HJR 574
Status: Failed
Relates to providing for a Joint Assembly and establishing a schedule for the conduct of business coming before the Regular Session of the General Assembly of Virginia.

VA HJR 575
Status: Adopted
Relates to providing for a Joint Assembly, establishing a schedule for the conduct of 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.

VA HR 229
Status: Adopted
Relates to amending and readopting Rule 4 of the Rules of the House of Delegates, pertaining to bill introduction limits during a disaster or other emergency.

Vermont
VT HR 1
Status: Adopted
Declares a state of emergency.

VT HR 2
Status: Adopted
Authorizes remote debate and voting in the House and House committees.

VT HR 6
Status: Failed - adjourned
Relates to electronic recording of house votes.

VT HR 8
Status: Adopted
Extends the House's declaration of a state of emergency.

VT SJR 2
Status: Adopted
Relates to the adoption of an emergency temporary Joint Rule 22A.

VT SR 2
Status: Adopted
Relates to amending the permanent rules of the Senate to include rules during declared emergencies. Provides that the Rules Committee may authorize that a session or sessions of the Senate during a 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.

VT SR 3
Status: Adopted
Provides a senator-elect may take and subscribe their oath by electronic means.

Washington
WA HCR 4400
Status: Adopted
Adopts joint rules.

WA HR 4600
Status: Adopted
Adopts temporary rules of the House of Representatives.

WA HR 4602
Status: Failed - adjourned
Adopts the permanent rules of the House of Representatives.

WA HR 4605
Status: Adopted
Adopts temporary rules of the House of Representatives. Provides that House members shall participate remotely in official house proceedings, including 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.

WA HR 4608
Status: Adopted
Adopts temporary rules of the House of Representatives. Provides that House members shall participate remotely in official house proceedings, including 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.

WA SCR 8401
Status: Adopted
Establishes cutoff dates for the consideration of legislation during the regular session of the sixty-seventh legislature.

WA SR 8600
Status: Adopted
Adopts the permanent rules of the senate.

WA SR 8601
Status: Adopted
Adopts the senate's emergency parliamentary rules of the sixty-seventh legislature.

West Virginia
WV HR 1
Status: Adopted
Adopts Rules of the House of Delegates.

WV HR 5
Status: Adopted
Implements pandemic safety procedures for the 2021 regular session.

WV SCR 1
Status: Adopted
Adopts joint rules of Senate and House of Delegates.

WV SR 1
Status: Adopted
Adopts rules of Senate.

WV SR 6
Status: Adopted
Adopts special rule of order relating to proxy voting due to COVID 19 pandemic.

Wisconsin
WI SR 2
Status: Failed
Relates to mandatory wearing of masks in state capitol.

Beginning in March 2020, in response to the COVID-19 outbreak, legislative chambers in at least 36 states, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam and Puerto Rico introduced, enacted or adopted bills or resolutions that relate to legislative operations, including providing for remote meetings and voting or changes in bill deadlines, recess periods or other changes. In some states, changes to chamber rules authorized remote meetings (this web page lists chamber rules changes where known). Note that rules changes vary in duration; many of the actions below remain in force only during the declared emergency or for a specified time.

The map below indicates states where at least one chamber adopted or enacted provisions in 2020 allowing for remote meetings or remote member voting or proxy voting or making other changes relating to legislative operations. Nearly all of these changes were temporary and/or tied to the public health emergency in each state. See also Continuity of Legislature During Emergency for additional information.

Bills or Resolutions Related to Legislative Operations or Procedures

State

Bill

Title

Status

Summary

Alabama

SJR 50

Legislature

Adopted

Amends the joint rules relating to a quorum not present. Provides that presiding officers may set session dates and times when the governor declares a state of emergency.

Alaska

HCR 17

State Legislature Uniform Rule Suspension

Failed--adjourned

Suspends the five-day notice requirement for a person who chairs a standing or special committee to allow committees to consider only legislative measures that substantially relate to the public health disaster emergency.

Alaska

HCR 20

Legislature Uniform Rules

Adopted

Provides that under Rule 54, Uniform Rules of the Alaska State Legislature, the provisions of Rules 24(c), 35, 41(b), and 42(e), regarding changes to the title of a bill, are suspended in consideration of Senate Bill No. 241, in response to the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic

Alaska

SCR 14

Legislative Recess Length

Adopted

Provides that the senate and house may each recess for more than three days during the current session.

Alaska

SCR 16

Legislative Members Session Attendance

Failed--adjourned

Authorizes the presiding officers to allow members to attend a session to address matters related to the COVID-19 public health disaster emergency by videoconference or teleconference in certain circumstances related to the COVID-19 public health disaster emergency

Arizona

MIS005

Suspension of House Rule 14 C allowing votes to be cast by technological means.

Adopted

Suspension of House Rule 14 C allowing votes to be cast by technological means. Speaker empowered for qualification, manner and duration.

Arkansas

HR 1001

Legislature Emergency Procedures

Adopted

Provides for a temporary emergency procedure of the House of Representatives and provides for voting by limited-directed proxy.

Arkansas

Senate Rule (p. 7)

Temporary Emergency Rule

Adopted

Provides for limited directed proxy.

Arkansas

SR 3

Fiscal Session Extension

Adopted

Provides for an extension and sine die adjournment of the fiscal session, provides for recesses of the House and Senate, and authorizes the legislature to convene and adjourn as necessary outside the State Capitol Building.

California

ACA 25

State of Emergency: Remote Legislative Proceeding

Failed--adjourned

Permits Members to remotely attend and vote in a legislative proceeding, or to vote by proxy in a legislative proceeding if permitted by their house, during the pendency of a state of emergency declared by the Governor or the President of the United States, under specified conditions.

California

HR 100

Relates to the legislature

Adopted

Adopts rules governing proxy voting in the Assembly during the Coronavirus State of Emergency.

California

SR 86

Senate Rule Changes

Adopted

Provides flexibility to functions in the Senate during defined states of emergency, including remote participation in meetings during emergencies.

Colorado

HJR 1006

Request for Interrogatories Regarding Calendar Day

Adopted

Concerns a request to the Colorado Supreme Court for an opinion as to whether legislative days are counted consecutively during an emergency declaration regardless of whether the legislature meets, or if the session can be extended beyond the constitutional deadline. (See text of Colorado Supreme Court opinion: No. 20SA100, In Re: Interrogatory on House Joint Resolution 20-1006)

Colorado

HR 1002

Speaker Regulations for Members Remote Participation

Adopted

Concerns the addition of a house rule authorizing the speaker of the House of Representatives to promulgate regulations for remote participation in legislative proceedings of the house during a declared public health disaster emergency.

Colorado

SB 209

Act Subject to Petition Clause

Enacted

Concerns bills enacted in the second regular session of the seventy-second General Assembly that include an act subject to petition clause

Colorado

SB 214

Suspend 2020 Legislative Interim Committee

Enacted

Concerns legislative interim committee activities; suspends legislative interim activities during the 2020 interim and changing the minimum number of meetings that the early childhood and school readiness legislative commission must hold to be the maximum number of meetings annually that the commission may hold.

Colorado

SR 5

Regulations for Remote Participation

Adopted

Concerns the addition of a Senate rule authorizing the Senate president to promulgate regulations allowing remote participation in Senate legislative proceedings and providing for a safe and healthy work environment during a declared public health disaster emergency.

Colorado

SR 1

Senate Rule Change Committee Remote Public Testimony

Adopted

(Special session) Concerns a change to the rules of the senate to authorize the president of the senate to promulgate regulations to allow remote testimony by the public during the proceedings of senate committees of reference while there is a declared public health disaster emergency.

Colorado

HR 1001

House Rule Change Committee Remote Public Testimony

Adopted

Special session) Concerns a change to the rules of the house of representatives to authorize the speaker of the house of representatives to promulgate regulations to allow remote testimony by the public during the proceedings of house committees of reference while there is a declared public health disaster emergency

Connecticut

HR 101

Special Session Rules

Adopted

Concerns the rules of the July Special Session, 2020.

Connecticut

HJR 25

Joint Rules

Failed--adjourned

Changes deadlines for any bill or resolution received by the Legislative Commissioners' Office after March 1, 2020, and prior to March 17, 2020.

Connecticut

HJR 28

Joint Rules

Adopted

Provides that during a declaration of a public health emergency, members may vote at meetings by telephone or other means of voice communication.

Connecticut

HR 301

House Rules

Adopted

(Special session) Concerns the House rules of the September Special Session. Provides that every member present in the House chamber, or present in the State Capitol or Legislative Office Building and logged into the House of Representatives electronic voting system, when a question is put by the speaker, shall vote, unless excused by the speaker. No member shall absent herself or himself from the House chamber or the State Capitol or Legislative Office Building, or log out of the electronic voting system, without leave, unless there is a quorum without such member's presence

Connecticut

HJR 201

Joint Rules

Adopted

(Special session) Concerns the joint rules for the September 29, Special Session.

Connecticut

HR 201

House Rules

Adopted

(Special session) Concerns the House rules for the September 29, Special Session.

Connecticut

HJR 301

Joint Rules

Adopted

(Special session) Concerns the rules of the September Special Session.

Connecticut

SR 50

Senate Rules

Adopted

(Special session) Concerns the Senate rules of the September 29, 2020, Special Session

Connecticut

SR 75

Senate Rules

Adopted

(Special session) Concerns the Senate rules of the September 29, 2020, Special Session

Connecticut

SR 25

Senate Rules

Adopted

(Special session) Concerns the Senate Rules for the July Special Session, 2020.

Connecticut

SJR 52

Special Session Rules

Adopted

(Special session) Concerns the joint rules of the July Special Session.

Delaware

HCR 85

President Pro Tempore Action Approval Resolution

Adopted

Accepts and approves the specified date, actions of the President Pro Tempore of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, declares an emergency under Section 5, Article II and Section 1, Article XVII of the Delaware Constitution, and adopts rules of procedure for conducting virtual meetings of the General Assembly and its legislative committees during an emergency.

Georgia

HR 1507

Virtual Meetings

Adopted

Amends the Rules of the House of Representatives so as to allow for virtual meetings of the House of Representatives.

Georgia

HR 1601

General Assembly Meetings and Adjournments

Failed--adjourned

Relates to meetings and adjournments of the General Assembly, including meetings in a temporary location and virtual meetings.

Georgia

SR 1

Special Session Rules Adoption

Adopted

Adopts the Rules of the Senate for the 2020 Special Session of the General Assembly of Georgia

Georgia

SR 1010

General Assembly Meetings and Adjournments

Adopted

Relates to meetings and adjournments of the General Assembly, including meetings in a temporary location and virtual meetings.

Hawaii

HB 1153

Remote Testimony

Failed--adjourned

Establishes the remote legislative access program, to be supervised by the joint legislative access committee. Specifies requirements that the committee must consider when developing the program. Requires each house of the legislature to establish, by rule, procedures for the public to present oral testimony at legislative committee hearings through remote testimony.

Hawaii

HR 54

Covid-19 Preparedness

Adopted

Establishes the select house committee on Covid-19 economic and financial preparedness.

Hawaii

HR 188

House Rules

Adopted

Amends the rules of the House of Representatives to temporarily allow remote participation

Hawaii

SR 197

Virtual Attendance

Adopted

Amends the rules of the Senate of the Thirtieth Legislature of the State of Hawaii, regular session of 2020, by adopting a new rule 38.5 virtual attendance during catastrophic disasters.

Hawaii

SB 337

Remote Legislative Access Program

Failed--adjourned

Establishes a remote legislative access program to allow for the submission of testimony remotely; appropriates funds.

Illinois

HB 5868

General Assembly Organization Act

Failed--adjourned

Amends the General Assembly Organization Act; provides that in times of pestilence or an emergency resulting from a domestic or foreign terrorist attack, members of the General Assembly may participate remotely and cast votes in sessions, by joint proclamation of the Speaker of the House and the President of the Senate, and committees of either the House or Senate may participate remotely pursuant to the rules of the chamber; provides that the House and the Senate shall adopt rules for remote participation.

Illinois

SB 4030

General Assembly Organization Act and Remote Session

Failed - adjourned

Amends the General Assembly Organization Act, provides that in times of pestilence or an emergency resulting from a domestic or foreign terrorist attack, members of the General Assembly may participate remotely and cast votes in sessions, by joint proclamation of the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President of the Senate, and committees of either the House of Representatives or Senate may participate remotely pursuant to the rules of the chamber.

Illinois

HR 846

House Rules

Adopted

Amends the House Rules; changes Rules 26 and 30 and adds Rule 51.5 relating to decorum during Covid-19, including rules regarding social distancing and face coverings.

Illinois

SR 1201

Senate Rules

Adopted

Provides that the President, in consultation with the Minority Leader, may establish a process by which Senators and members of the public may participate remotely in hearings for standing committees, special committees, subcommittees or special subcommittees, and service committees. Also provides that, in times of pestilence or public danger, the Senate may adopt a motion to allow a member to remotely participate and vote in the regular and special sessions of the Senate, provided that at all times a quorum of members is physically present at the location of session.

Illinois

SR 3

Senate Rules

Adopted

(Special session) Amends the Senate Rules; adds Article XIII, providing for public access to proceedings and verification of member attendance.

Indiana

Res. 20-01

Legislative Council Resolution: Virtual Electronic Meeting Procedures

Adopted

Authorizes the Legislative Council to conduct the May 13, 2020, meeting of the Legislative Council as a virtual electronic meeting.

Iowa

SR 113

Senate Rules

Adopted

Amends Senate rules for the Eighty-Eighth General Assembly, including limits on access to the senate chamber.

Kentucky

HR 129

House Rules

Failed

Establishes a consent procedure for the consideration of noncontroversial bills to reduce the time required for final passage of bills.

Kentucky

HR 131

House Rules

Failed

Amends the rules of procedure for the House relating to final passage of a bill or resolution with 40 or more co-sponsors that has been reported out of committee by a vote of two-thirds of the members of the committee.

Kentucky

HR 133

House Rules

Adopted

Amends the rules of procedure for the House to allow remote meetings and alternative voting.

Kentucky

HB 647

Constitutional Amendment

Failed

Establishes a consent procedure for the consideration of noncontroversial bills to reduce the time required for final passage of bills.

Louisiana

HB 868

Legislative Affairs

Failed--adjourned

Relates to the continuity of the legislature in times of emergency or disaster. Provides for the use of technology for remote sessions and voting during certain disasters and emergencies.

Louisiana

HR 18

House and Rules

Failed--adjourned

Provides an option in the House Rules to limit the debate on legislative instruments on final passage or adoption by a majority vote of the elected members of the House.

Louisiana

HR 7

House and Rules

Failed--adjourned

(Special session) Prohibits employees of the House of Representatives from being reprimanded for suggesting that a person in their presence wear a protective face covering under certain circumstances.

Louisiana

HCR 27

Legislative Sessions

Adopted

(Special session) Provides consent for the adjournment of the 2020 Regular Session of the Legislature for a period longer than three days due to the coronavirus public health emergency.

Louisiana

SCR 27

Legislative Powers and Functions

Adopted

Requests a joint study of the ability of members of the legislature to vote by video or other electronic means

Louisiana

SR 39

Senate Rules

Failed-adjourned

Amends Senate rules to permit members to vote via video or other electronic means during a declared emergency.

Louisiana

SB 40

Legislative Powers and Functions

Failed

(Special session) Relates to a Constitutional amendment to provide for remote operations of the Legislature during a declared emergency.

Louisiana

SB 466

Public Meetings

Enacted

Relates to open meetings; authorizes the legislature and other public bodies to conduct certain meetings electronically during states of emergency or disaster; provides the requirements related thereto.

Louisiana

SR 45

Amends Senate rules to permit members to vote via video or other electronic means.

Adopted

Amends Senate rules to permit members to vote via video or other electronic means during a declared emergency. Allows for members to be counted as present in the chamber for quorum purposes and vote via video or other electronic means during a declared emergency.

Maine

Joint Order SP 9

State of Maine 130th Legislature Joint Order S.P. 9 on electronic meetings

Adopted

Provides that a legislative meeting or proceeding held via electronic means is considered to have occurred at the seat of government and all actions taken during the meeting or proceeding have the same legal effect as if the members were physically present at the seat of government.

Massa chusetts

HB 4676

Emergency Rules

Adopted

Relates to special procedures for consideration of the Temporary Emergency Rules in relation to coronavirus.

Massa chusetts

HB 4690

Temporary emergency House Rules.

Failed--adjourned

(Order) Relates to temporary emergency House Rules, including provision for remote meetings and remote voting.

Massachusetts

HB 4910

Extension of Formal Session During the Pandemic

Adopted

(Joint Order) Declares that a state of emergency exists within the General Court due to the Coronavirus 2019 pandemic; provides that the House and Senate may meet in formal sessions and conduct formal business subsequent to the last date of July of 2020.

Massachusetts

SB 2688

Income Tax Deadline Bill Voting Procedure

Adopted

Provides for remote voting procedures to be followed when the Senate considers the House Bill to facilitate the delay of the income tax filing deadline.

Massachusetts

SB 2756

Senate Session During the Pandemic

Failed--adjourned

Relates to emergency rules governing session for the Senate during the COVID 19 pandemic.

Massachusetts

SB 2873

Extension of Formal Session During the Pandemic

Failed--adjourned

Contains the amended text of H 4910 which suspends Joint Rule 12A relative to extending formal sessions beyond July of 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Michigan

HR 245

Temporary Rules for Emergency Operation

Failed--adjourned

Provides for remote participation and voting in floor and committee meetings.

Michigan

HCR 20

Joint Select Committee on the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Adopted

Creates the Joint Select Committee on the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Michigan

SJR O

Remote session and committee meetings during certain state of emergency

Failed--adjourned

Proposes an amendment to the state constitution of 1963 to provide for remote legislative meetings.Proposes an amendment to the state constitution of 1963 to provide for remote legislative meetings during certain state of emergency declarations.

Minnesota

Rule 10.01

Emergency House Operations

Adopted

Allows floor and committee procedures to occur by distance voting, remote electronic voting or other means.

Minnesota

HB 4507

Open Meeting Law

Failed--adjourned

Relates to Open Meeting Law; modifies requirements for attendance of members by interactive television

Minnesota

SR 227

Senate Rules Amendment

Adopted

Temporarily amends senate rules.

Minnesota

SR 229

Rules of the Senate

Adopted

Amends the rules of the senate to allow for meetings to be held using alternative means that permit remote participation and voting.

Minnesota

SR 230

Rules of the Senate

Adopted

Amends the Temporary Rules of the Senate to allow for meetings to be held using alternative means that permit remote participation and voting.

Minnesota

SCR 7

Adjournment of the Legislature

Adopted

Relates to adjournment of the Senate and House of Representatives until the public interest warrants reconvening.

Mississippi

HCR 12

Joint Rules

Adopted

Changes the timetable for processing legislation and provides that the House and Senate may specify an alternative location to meet in joint convention.

Mississippi

HCR 69

Legislature Extend Session

Adopted

Extends the 2020 regular session of the legislature. Provides that all of the deadlines and other provisions imposed by Joint Rule No. 40 are suspended for the purpose of the drafting, introduction, consideration and passage of any bill to address or otherwise due to the novel coronavirus public health emergency.

Nevada

NV AB 2

Enacted

Relates to the Legislative Department of the State Government; enacts provisions governing the use by certain committees of remote-technology systems for conducting committee meetings during the public-health crisis caused by the Coronavirus pandemic; provides for the publication of certain joint resolutions proposing amendments to the Nevada Constitution under certain circumstances.

Nevada

AR 2

Remote Technology Systems

Adopted

(First special session) Adopts Special Rules of the Assembly for the 31st Special Session of the State Legislature concerning the use of remote technology systems by members of the Assembly

Nevada

AR 1

Standing Rules

Adopted

(Special session) Amends the Standing Rules of the Assembly of the 80th Session of the Nevada Legislature.

Nevada

SR 4

Remote Technology Systems

Adopted

(Special session) Adopts Special Rules of the Senate for the 31st Special Session of the State Legislature concerning the use of remote technology systems by members of the Senate.

Nevada

SR 1

Rules

Adopted

(Special session) Adopts the Rules of the Senate for the 32nd Special Session of the Nevada Legislature.

New Hampshire

HB 1169

Electronic Roll Call Vote

Failed - adjourned

Eliminates the requirement that when a member of a public body is participating in a meeting by electronic or other means of communication, all votes must be by roll call vote.

New Hampshire

House Rule 65(b)

Session Deadlines

Adopted

Provides that deadlines may be reasonably amended at the discretion of the Speaker of the House, to be timely noticed in the House Calendar and on the General Court website.

New Hampshire

Senate Rule 7-1

Deadlines

Adopted

Provides that deadlines may be reasonably amended at the discretion of the Senate President, to be timely noticed on the General Court website.

New Jersey

AB 3850

Public Bodies Meetings and Electronic Notice

Enacted

Explicitly authorizes a public body, including the legislature, to conduct a meeting and public business. Provides that electronic meetings will be open to the public and receive public comment by electronic means during a state of emergency, public health emergency, or state of local disaster emergency. Allows a public body to provide notice of meetings through the internet during that time.

New Jersey

AB 3852

Legislative Business Using Electronic Means

Enacted

Allows conduct of state business and legislative sessions at locations other than Trenton during periods of emergency. Allows conduct of legislative business using electronic means.

New Jersey

SB 2294

Public Meetings and Electronic Notice

Failed - adjourned

New Jersey

SB 2296

Legislative Business by Electronic Means

Failed - adjourned

Allows conduct of state business and legislative sessions at locations other than Trenton during periods of emergency or other exigency, allows conduct of legislative business using electronic means.

New Mexico

HR 1

Emergency House Rules

Adopted

(Special session) Relates to emergency House Rules providing for remote participation of members and providing procedures to conduct proceedings of hte House during the current public health emergency.

New Mexico

SR 1

Organization and Operation of Special Session

Adopted

(Special session) Relates to organization and operation of the Senate during the Special Session. Provides that members may present and in attendance for the purposes of establishing a quorum if the member is physically present or in the senator's capitol office. A senator participating from the senator's capitol office pursuant to this rule shall be provided with the opportunity to debate and vote by electronic means from that senator's office.

New York

AR 854

Special temporary procedures during a declared state of emergency

Adopted

Changes rules, during a declared emergency, regarding roll call votes and time allowed for speaking. Also allows for members to be in attendance in any proceeding of the House by remote means including teleconference or videoconference.

New York

SR 3108

Special temporary procedures during a declared state of emergency

Adopted

Provides for a method to allow for Senators to be in attendance and participate in any proceeding of the Senate by remote means, including but not limited to teleconference or video conference, during a declared period of a state of emergency.

North Carolina

HB 1033

Extra Session

Failed - adjourned

Amends the Constitution of the state to require the General Assembly to convene an extra session upon a declaration of a statewide state of emergency by the Governor.

North Carolina

HR 1230

House Permanent Rules Amendment

Adopted

House Resolution 1044, adopted April 28, 2020, expired May 31, 6 2020. House Resolution 1044 is hereby readopted in full by the House of Representatives as it existed at the time it expired.

North Carolina

HB 1044

Amend Rules/State of Emergency.

Adopted

Makes changes to the House Permanent Rules, as a result of the public health dangers resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. Changes include a new rule to allow a member who is not present to designate either the Majority or Minority Leader to cast the member's vote if specified requirements are met. Also allows committees to conduct remote meetings if three requirements are met.

North Carolina

HB 1054

Legislative Special Sessions

Failed - adjourned

Amends the state Constitution to require the Governor to convene the General Assembly in extra session within fourteen days of the issuance of a declaration of a statewide state of emergency; provides a process for the General Assembly to convene upon legislative call in the event the Governor does not provide a date to convene in extra session.

Ohio

HR 342

Rule Adoption

Failed

During the period of emergency, all persons, including members, except as specified in division (b) of this rule, attending a session or a standing committee, subcommittee, select committee, or joint committee meeting in person shall be required to cover the person's mouth and nose with a mask or cloth face covering.

Oklahoma

HR 1032

House Rules

Adopted

Under an emergency declaration, provides that a member of the House of Representatives may authorize a designee chosen by the respective caucus leader to proxy vote.

Oklahoma

HR 1033

Emergency Conditions

Adopted

Finds that emergency conditions exist which allow for the implementation of procedures as adopted pursuant to enrolled HR 1032.

Oklahoma

SCR 8

Joint Rules

Adopted

Modifies the deadline for third reading of certain measures in the opposite chamber of origin; and amends the joint rules.

Oklahoma

SR 16

Suspension of Senate Rules

Failed--adjourned

Relates to a resolution providing for the suspension of Senate Rules for the duration of the Regular Session of the state Legislature due to coronavirus.

Oklahoma

SR 17

Suspension of Senate Rules

Adopted

Provides for the suspension of Senate Rules for the duration of the 2nd Regular Session of the 57th Oklahoma Legislature to expedite legislative business.

Oklahoma

Senate Journal 4-6-20

Suspension of Senate Rules

Adopted

Suspends a portion of paragraph 11 of Subsection F of Senate Rule 7-7 and a portion of Subsection B of Senate Rule 8-31, which such suspension shall remain effective so long as a health emergency has been declared by Executive Order by the Governor.

Oregon

SJR 201

Constitutional Amendment

Failed

Proposes amendment to the state Constitution to modify the portion of each house needed to be in attendance for a quorum. Proposes comparable changes to quorum requirements when the legislature convenes following a declaration of catastrophic disaster by governor. Refers a proposed amendment to the people at the next regular general election.

Pennsylvania

HR 2

Expenses of the House of Representatives

Adopted

Permits newsletters and similar mailings during a restricted period if the mass communication is limited to information directing constituents to public and private resources and services available to mitigate the impact of the state of disaster emergency.

Pennsylvania

HR 908

Temporary Rules of the House of Representatives

Adopted

Adopts temporary Rules of the House of Representatives relating to roll call votes, to voting meetings of committees, to consideration of bills, to third consideration and final passage bills, to conference committee reports and to members' and employees' expenses; repeals certain adopted temporary rules

Pennsylvania

HR 834

Temporary Rules of the House of Representatives

Adopted

Adopts temporary rules relating to roll call votes, voting in committees, consideration of bills, third consideration and final of passage bills, conference committee reports and electronic mass communication.

Pennsylvania

HR 878

Task Force on Emergency Remote Voting

Failed - adjourned

Establishes a Task Force on Emergency Remote Voting to research and recommend an emergency remote voting contingency plan for the House of Representatives to provide for continued operation of the House in the case of an emergency, including the coronavirus disease.

Pennsylvania

HR 896

Temporary House Rules

Failed - adjourned

Amends a temporary rule of the House of Representatives; provides for notification by members who are diagnosed with or quarantined due to COVID 19, for temperature checks for members and staff, for the wearing of masks or face coverings, and for social distancing requirements.

Pennsylvania

HR 957

House Committee Rules

Failed - adjourned

Provides for powers and duties of standing committees and subcommittees, including rules related to proxy voting.

Pennsylvania

SB 1283

Members of the General Assembly

Failed - adjourned

Provides that during the proclamation of disaster emergency issued by the Governor on March 6, 2020, and any renewal of the state of disaster emergency, no member of the General Assembly may receive a per diem or payment for additional expenses.

Pennsylvania

SR 318

Temporary Emergency Rules of the Senate

Adopted

Adopts temporary emergency rules, including those that provide for electronic bill filing. Allows members to remotely participate in committee meetings.

Pennsylvania

SR 335

Potential Exposure Protocol for Infectious Diseases

Failed - adjourned

Amends the Rules of the Senate by adding a rule providing for notification of Coronavirus disease 2019 potential exposure protocol.

Pennsylvania

SR 384

Temporary Emergency Rules of the Senate

Adopted

Extends the temporary emergency Rules of the Senate.

Rhode Island

HB 7757

General Assembly Votes

Failed - adjourned

Allows members of the General Assembly to cast votes by telephone or video conference whenever the governor declares a state of emergency.

Rhode Island

SB 2846

Rules Amendment

Adopted

Amends the rules of the Senate for years 2019-2020 to allow for voting by proxy during declared state of emergency.

South Carolina

SB 1211

General Assembly Session Meetings

Failed - adjourned

(Joint Resolution) Relates to sessions of the General Assembly; provides for meeting in session in a safe location or remotely if meeting in the Capitol Building is unsafe due to casualties of war or contagious disease; provides that the rules of the respective bodies shall be amended to implement the provisions of this constitutional amendment.

Utah

SJR 16

Electronic Meetings Legislative Rules

Adopted

Permits the legislature to conduct electronic legislative sessions and legislative meetings under limited circumstances. Establishes procedures and requirements for electronic meetings pursuant to the requirements of the Open and Public Meetings Act.

Utah

HB 5002

Open and Public Meetings Act Amendments

Enacted

(Special session) Modifies notice provisions relating to electronic meetings held without an anchor location; enacts requirements relating to the public's ability to view or hear, and make comments during, the open portion of an electronic meeting held without an anchor location; permits a public body to hold an electronic meeting without an anchor location if the chair of the public body makes a written determination.

Vermont

HR 17

Remote Voting

Adopted

Allows committee members to vote remotely during the current declared emergency.

Vermont

HR 18

Remote Participation During Emergency

Adopted

Allows for remote participation during the current declared emergency.

Vermont

HR 19

House state of emergency extension.

Adopted

Extends the House declaring a state of evergency.

Vermont

HR 22

Remote House Voting

Adopted

Allows for the House of Representatives to vote remotely to extend the House Declaration of Emergency

Vermont

SR 10

Senate resolution relating to the adoption of an emergency temporary Rule 29A

Adopted

Adds Senate Rule 29A, an emergency rule regarding committee meetings. 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. Provides that this Temporary Rule 29A shall expire on the convening of the 2021 biennial session

Vermont

SR 11

Senate resolution relating to temporarily amending the rules of the Senate to include rules during Declared Emergencies

Adopted

Provides that the Rules Committee may authorize that a session of the Senate during a 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.

Vermont

SJR 30

Amendment Temporary Joint Rule 22a

Adopted

Provides that the Joint Rules Committee is vested with the authority to permit any joint committees of the Legislature to meet and vote electronically as the Committee determines appropriate; provides that if the Governor reissues capacity restrictions at gatherings and events or requires masks and physical distancing in response to COVID 19, the Committee is again authorized to meet remotely and to permit any joint committees to meet and vote electronically as the Committee determines appropriate.

Vermont

SJR 48

Emergency temporary Joint Rule

Adopted

(Special session) Adopts an emergency rule to permit committees of the state Legislature to meet and vote electronically during the current declared emergency related to coronavirus.

Virginia

HR 219

Conducting session in a disaster

Failed

(Special session) Amending and readopting Rule 4 of the Rules of the House of Delegates, pertaining to conducting a session of the House, or a committee meeting, by electronic communication means during a disaster or other emergency.

Virginia

HJR 5006

Limitation of Legislation

Failed

(Special session) Relates to limiting legislation to be considered by the 2020 Special Session I of the General Assembly and establishing a schedule for the conduct of business coming before such Special Session.

Virginia

HR 514

Rules of the House of Delegates

Adopted

(Special session) Relates to amending and readopting Rule 4 of the Rules of the House of Delegates, pertaining to conducting a session of the House, or a committee or other legislative branch public body meeting, by electronic communication means during a disaster or other emergency.

Virginia

HR 515

Special Session Electronic Communication

Adopted

(Special session) Authorizes the Speaker of the House of Delegates or the House of Delegates to provide for a session of the House to be conducted by electronic communication means during the 2020 Special Session I of the General Assembly.

Virginia

HR 516

Salaries and Per Diem for Special Session

Adopted

(Special session) Relates to salaries, contingent and incidental expenses, and per diem to be paid during 2020 Special Session I.

Virginia

HR 517

Limitation of Legislation

Adopted

(Special session) Limits legislation to be considered by the 2020 Special Session I of the General Assembly and establishes a schedule for the conduct of business coming before such Special Session.

Virginia

SR 503

Special Session Operating Resolution

Adopted

(Special session) Relates to 2020 Special Session I operating resolution, including provisions related to session per diem and mileage reimbursement

Washington

HR 4689

Conduct of the House of Representatives

Adopted

Provides for the conduct of the House of Representatives during interim periods.

Washington

SR 8711

Senate Business During Interim

Adopted

Provides for Senate business during interim.

Wyoming

Jt. Rules 23-1(o)

Special Session Bills

Adopted

Provides that members who attend a special session remotely shall be considered present in person and within the bar of the respective Senate or House, shall be permitted to vote and shall be counted for purposes of determining whether a quorum is present.

Wyoming

Pol. 20-02

Management Council Policy

Adopted

Provides that for official legislative committee meetings conducted remotely through any video conferencing platform, only the members of the legislative committee, and presenters listed on the meeting agenda, and members of the public who request and are approved to testify in advance shall be provided access to and allowed to directly participate in the video conference. Public participation shall be facilitated through the comment and sign up feature on the committee's website and any other means authorized by the committee chairmen.

Guam

R 323

Conduct Meetings and Public Hearings

Adopted

Adds new sections to a new rule of the 35th Guam legislature standing rules to temporarily authorize committee meetings and public hearings remotely during a public health emergency or state of emergency declared as a result of the effects of covid-19 on Guam.

District of Columbia

B 23-718

COVID-19 Response

Enacted

Alows the Council to meet virtually and allows flexibility in FOIA and Open Meetings.

Puerto Rico

SR 1353

Legislative Continuity Rule Addition

Adopted

Adds Rule 50.2 to Senate Resolution 13, as amended, known as Senate Rules of 2017, in order to ensure the continuity of legislative work when an emergency has been declared.

U.S. Virgin Islands

No. 33-20-004

Emergency Order

Adopted

Provides for an emergency session to address matters related to the coronavirus. Allows members to attend the session and vote through visual remote communications. Provides that the session be broadcast on television, radio and the internet.

Related Resources

Updated August 20, 2024

Mason's Manual 2020 Edition

Mason's Manual of Legislative Procedure is a premier parliamentary authority for state legislatures. NCSL follows Paul Mason's tradition of updating and reprinting the book approximately every 10 years.

About State Legislatures Center for Legislative Strengthening

Updated February 21, 2024

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About State Legislatures Legislative Staff

Updated October 03, 2024

The One Constant in Legislative Life Is Change

A session at NCSL’s 2024 Legislative Summit addressed the ways the internet, social media and other technologies are affecting public access, decorum and overall operations in legislatures nationwide.

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Resource COVID-19: State Actions Related to Legislative Operations

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Resource COVID-19: State Actions Related to Legislative Operations

Overview of Actions in 2020, 2021 and 2022

2022 Bills and Resolutions Related to Legislative Rules, Operations or Procedures

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