It is the new abnormal. Legislative sessions – the governing of the states – thrown into chaos by the COVID-19 virus that is forcing social distancing and shelter in place (or more accurately “stay at home”) orders that keep getting pushed further and further out.
Governors responses ranging from essentially shutting down America’s largest city to a governor who wouldn’t force his beaches to close during the peak college spring break season.
The Michigan State Legislature lost one of its members, Representative Isaac Robinson, as the disease claimed the first state legislator. At least one governor – Governors John Bel Edwards lost a staff member, April Dunn.
Legislators and staff in Georgia, Kentucky and New York test positive, but hopefully on their way to recovery.
But what exactly are state legislatures doing during the COVID-19 crisis? Most are doing the responsible thing and postponing or shut down. Some are making history in meeting and voting remotely. And some continue to do the people’s business pretty much as usual.
Thirty states have postponed for some time since the start of the crisis. Some have reconvened, either remotely or to complete session in a limited capacity.
Thirteen states have already gaveled out – several early as a result of COVID.
Five states are either not in session (4), or scheduled to start later this year (1)
And two states – Alaska and Massachusetts have not stopped meeting.
Update List of Legislative Changes
Most of the business of the legislatures have been relegated to COVID-related legislation or essential business of the state. Legislation like budget and emergency funds, postponing elections, cancelling the need for mandatory testing, passing new operating procedures to continue during this time.
It is not without internal politics and drama – in Vermont, Rep Cynthia Browning (D-Arlington) pulled a Congressman Massie, and called the entire legislature in for a voice vote. The Vermont legislature will be exploring ways to conduct business and vote remotely, in powers they gave themselves during the emergency.
But they aren’t the only ones …
The New Jersey Legislature voted remotely for the first time.
Pennsylvania approved voting remotely amid COVID virus concerns.
Some governors have been making names for themselves – for good or for bad during this crisis. Democratic Governors Andrew Cuomo (NY) and Gavin Newsom (CA), Republican Governors Larry Hogan (MD) and Mike DeWine (OH) are among the governors most often identified for their leadership in this crisis.
But every governor has made executive orders in response to the COVID crisis – from closing non-essential businesses, shelter in place orders, temporary licensure waivers, unemployment rules and alcohol delivery are just a few of the issues keeping states running.
The National Governors Association has a great resource on all state actions.
These are unprecedented times, but hopefully it gets better soon.
About the Author – Michael O’Brien is the founder and principal of MOB Advocacy. He has more than ten years’ experience as a state and local lobbyist. Michael has lobbied governors, mayors, legislators, state and local agencies and regulators in more than 40 states.
About MOB Advocacy – MOB Advocacy is a full-service, nationally-scoped state and local government relations firm. We design and implement legislative, regulatory and procurement solutions tailored to meet any organization’s unique needs and specific goals.
Photo by Edwin Hooper on Unsplash