Under strict health and safety protocols, the Oklahoma Legislature opened on Monday to address the expected state revenue failure and an expanded state health emergency requested by Gov. Kevin Stitt.
“The Legislature will complete important business next week while putting safety at the forefront of all activities at the Capitol,” said House Speaker Charles McCall, R-Atoka.
McCall said the Legislature will address the pending state revenue failure by accessing reserve funding in regular session, and affirm the governor’s emergency health declaration request in special session.
Who will be at the Capitol?
- Capitol access remains restricted to elected officials, essential Capitol staff, the press, state officials invited for critical meetings and construction personnel.
- Most House staff will continue to work remotely; only essential staff will be at the Capitol.
- No gatherings of more than 10 will be allowed in any House room at any time.
House members and staff will not be allowed into the Capitol if they:
- Have COVID-19 or its symptoms
- Live with someone who has COVID-19 or its symptoms
- Are immunocompromised or at risk
- Live with someone who is immunocompromised or otherwise at risk
- Before entering the Capitol, House members and staff will have their temperature taken. No one with a temperature above 100.4F will be admitted.
- House members unable to enter the Capitol for these reasons or others can vote remotely via a proxy under House Rule Fifteen.
The Legislature has not been in the Capitol since March 17, when a staffer tested positive. The Legislature and staff has worked remotely and the Capitol has received a deep cleaning.