State lawmakers return to the capitol today for the second week of the legislative session. Ten committee hearings are set set for today. The three-month long session will end June 1st. But because of the spread of the coronavirus, there’s a chance the session could end early, so lawmakers are putting more of an emphasis on bills that must be passed.
Public access into the building will be limited. Fewer people will be allowed in the committee rooms and in the House and Senate chambers. Also, social distancing will be practiced.
Also individuals entering the capitol will have their temperature checked. If a person has a fever, they will not be allowed in. People who pass the fever test, will receive a special sticker for the day
Legislative desks, podiums, committee rooms and all flat surfaces will be wiped down with disinfectants.
Republican legislative leaders say after consulting with medical professionals, they’re taking the necessary CDC precautions so the Legislature can continue to function, so they can meet their constitutional responsibilities.
So what are lawmakers taking up today, House Appropriations will hear from the department of transportation and the office of public services and corrections.
At 9:30, House Commerce will consider the bills to adopt daylight saving time as the standard time.
All public schools are closed today through April 13th. The state department of education has secured a waiver from the federal government that enables schools to serve meals to all children 18 and younger regardless of their location and income during the school closure period. A parish-by-parish list of school meal sties can be found at Louisiana-believes-dot-com.
The state saw it’s first two deaths from the virus over the weekend, and Governor Edwards says we expect the total number of cases to continue rising…