Important information from OK House of Representatives and Senate
On Monday, the House and Senate held a joint press conference regarding agreed upon procedures for considering legislation for an indefinite period as a response to COVID-19.
The House passed HR 1032 which would permit its members to vote by proxy on floor votes only. The Senate did not adopt proxy voting.
The Senate did approve an amendment to SCR 8 which eliminates the April 23 deadline for bills to be heard on the floor of the opposite chamber of origin. Both Chambers approved HCR 1017 which provides continuing permission for each chamber to be adjourned for more than three days.
Moving forward, access to the Capitol will be limited to elected state officials, essential Capitol staff, credentialed press and certain state officials. However, due to someone in the Senate testing positive for COVID-19, Senate offices will be closed and employees will work remotely through March 20.
On Tuesday afternoon, the House approved SB 661. The bill will allow public bodies to hold meetings by teleconference or videoconference where each member is audible or visible to the public. It was amended on the House floor to allow this measure to be in effect until November 15, 2020 or the Governor declaring the state of emergency to be terminated, whichever date first occurs. Tuesday evening, the Senate passed the measure 40-0. Governor Stitt signed it into law on Wednesday, March 18.