How the House of Representatives operates for at least next week is going to be much different.
In a late-afternoon email on Friday, House Speaker Melissa Hortman (DFL-Brooklyn Park) explained the adjustments that are necessitated by recommendations issued earlier in the day by the Health Department related to COVID-19.
“For the next week, all official House committees and meetings will proceed only with prior authorization from the Speaker's office. Use of committee hearing rooms in the State Office Building will also be limited to approved legislative business. Access to staff and member offices will be restricted to appointments only. Limited legislative activity may continue in order to respond to the needs of the state at this time,” she wrote.
In addition, the House Sergeant-at-Arms Office will determine meeting logistics and House Gallery seating. This, too, is based off Health Department recommendations.
More changes could be forthcoming.
“We will continue actively working with the Walz Administration and other legislative leaders to follow the community mitigation recommendations from the Minnesota Department of Health,” Hortman wrote.
For the latest House schedule, check out www.house.leg.state.mn.us/schedules.