*** UPDATED x1 *** House introduces new rule
Wednesday, May 20, 2020 - Posted by Rich Miller
* The newly proposed amendment to the House rules is in HR846…
For meetings of committees during a disaster proclaimed by the Governor due to the COVID-19 virus, access to the room in which the committee is held shall be limited to members and officers of the General Assembly, majority and minority staff, and no more than 5 members of the public who are representatives of the press, except as otherwise authorized by the Speaker. The Speaker shall designate one or more locations outside of the committee room for the public to safely watch and listen to the proceedings of the House and its committees via a live audio/video broadcast. Access to such locations may be limited as necessary to maintain safety, including, but not limited to, requiring that persons at such locations follow the decorum requirements of Rule 51.5(a). Notwithstanding any other provision of these Rules, testimony at a committee hearing during a disaster proclaimed by the Governor due to COVID-19 virus may be limited to written testimony at the discretion of the Chairperson. This subsection may not be suspended. […]
On any day in which the House is in session during a disaster proclaimed by the Governor due to the COVID-19 virus, access to the House Chamber and adjoining hallways and passages shall be limited to members and officers of the General Assembly, majority and minority staff as authorized by the Speaker or Presiding Officer, and no more than 5 members of the public who are representatives of the press, except as otherwise authorized by the Speaker. Representatives of the press shall be limited to the gallery space allotted to them by the Speaker or the Speaker’s designee. The Speaker shall designate one or more locations outside of the House Chamber for the public to safely watch and listen to the proceedings of the House and its committees via a live audio/video broadcast. Access to such locations may be limited as necessary to maintain safety, including, but not limited to, requiring that persons at such locations follow the decorum requirements of Rule 51.5(a). This subsection may not be suspended. […]
51.5 Decorum during the COVID-19 Disaster.
(a) On any day in which the House is in session during a disaster proclaimed by the Governor due to the COVID-19 virus, all members and officers of the General Assembly, majority and minority staff, and other persons when entitled to the House floor, galleries, and adjoining hallways and passages shall:
(1) to the extent medically able and except as reasonably necessary for eating or drinking, wear a face-covering that covers the nose and mouth;
(2) to the extent possible, maintain social distancing of at least six feet from any other person except as permitted by the other person;
(3) have submitted to and passed a temperature check prior to entry; and
(4) have passed through a metal detector prior to entry.
(b) In a committee hearing during a disaster proclaimed by the Governor due to the COVID-19 virus, members and officers of the General Assembly, staff, witnesses, and members of the public in the room in which the committee is held shall follow the requirements of subsection (a) of this Rule.
(c) A violation of this Rule shall be considered a breach of decorum and disorderly behavior. The Presiding Officer may by order remove any person, other than a Representative, from the House floor, galleries, and adjoining hallways and passages for violation of this Rule. Notwithstanding any other provision of these Rules, including Rule 30(e) and Articles XI and XII, a Representative in violation of this Rule may be disciplined and subject to reprimand, censure, removal from the House chamber, or other disciplinary measure, except expulsion and imprisonment, upon a motion approved by a majority of those elected. Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to limit discipline pursuant to Article XI or XII of these Rules.
(d) This Rule may not be suspended. [Emphasis added.]
They also added the words “and Chamber” after “Access to the House floor.” It’s been sent directly to the floor for consideration.
* I was told by two lobbyists that the guards aren’t allowing bags and laptops into the BoS Center. Lobbyists and members of the public can keep their phones, but they apparently aren’t allowed to use them.
I seriously don’t understand why any lobbyist would go over there under those conditions.
* Meanwhile, Amdor dug into the archives…
*** UPDATE *** I strongly suggest watching the live coverage post the rest of the day for instant updates, but here are a few…
- South of Sherman - Wednesday, May 20, 20 @ 12:43 pm:
Except expulsion and imprisonment?
Well, that’s disappointing.
- Responsa - Wednesday, May 20, 20 @ 12:43 pm:
Is it permissible to eyeroll during the proceedings? If so, how many times?
- Fixer - Wednesday, May 20, 20 @ 12:54 pm:
Twice, Responsa. Twice. Three strikes and you’re out.
- Really - Wednesday, May 20, 20 @ 12:57 pm:
Quite honestly the vast majority of this group should have been imprisoned already for breach of fiduciary duty.
- SouthSide Markie - Wednesday, May 20, 20 @ 1:01 pm:
== except expulsion AND imprisonment == (emphasis added)
Fun with words: Does that mean that expulsion OR imprisonment, separately, are available sanctions?
- No One - Wednesday, May 20, 20 @ 1:12 pm:
Gotta give credit where credit is due - at last Durkin is standing up to the Nazi rhetoric.
- Just Me 2 - Wednesday, May 20, 20 @ 1:14 pm:
This blog is supposed to be civil, but my thoughts on Bailey willfully ignoring what every health expert is suggesting really burns.
The entire premise of Bailey’s argument that J.B. is overstepping his authority is because private citizens can be trusted to act appropriately, and he is a perfect example that not ALL citizens can be trusted, so we need emergency rules for the lowest common denominator.
- Jibba - Wednesday, May 20, 20 @ 1:16 pm:
Good on Durkin, but it really IS the least he could do. Jeers for Bailey. Given that there is nobody else in that photo with him, his colleagues seem to be socially distancing from him in a big way.
- Ron Burgundy - Wednesday, May 20, 20 @ 1:17 pm:
The method of removal from the chamber is left open. May I suggest trebuchet?
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, May 20, 20 @ 1:18 pm:
That… that is the Leader Durkin I know… that is the leader I know that will do what’s right.
I not only applaud Leader Durkin, I stand with him, following him as he takes on hate… not by tweet or release, but by confronting it… and making clear… that garbage is unacceptable.
Thank you Leader Durkin. This is who I know you to be.
Oswego Willy
- Downstate - Wednesday, May 20, 20 @ 1:19 pm:
“The entire premise of Bailey’s argument that J.B. is overstepping his authority.”
Does anyone know why Pritzker wouldn’t just get legislative approval, rather than fight the Bailey lawsuit?
- Rich Miller - Wednesday, May 20, 20 @ 1:20 pm:
===why Pritzker wouldn’t just get legislative approval===
He and others contend he already has the approval. No need to change anything.
- Token Conservative - Wednesday, May 20, 20 @ 1:20 pm:
==Thank you Leader Durkin. This is who I know you to be.==
Second.
- Roadrager - Wednesday, May 20, 20 @ 1:24 pm:
Over the nose, Leader Durkin. Mask goes over the nose, or the coronavirus goes right up it.
Also, the Darren Bailey story in one fictionalized act:
Darren Bailey, Foodservice Worker: “This oppression must end, the people need to get back to work.”
Bailey’s Manager: “Good news Darren, we’re back open for business. Now, here are the new safety rules we’ve put in place, so we’re not spreading an incurable disease with no known treatment all over the joint.”
Bailey: “Hey, take your safety rules and go cram ‘em, this oppression must end, throw me out, I don’t care.”
- Downstate - Wednesday, May 20, 20 @ 1:29 pm:
“He and others contend he already has the approval. No need to change anything.”
Thanks. I appreciate the response. It seems like a quick vote, while they are in session, would end it all.
- PublicServant - Wednesday, May 20, 20 @ 1:32 pm:
How many times has Bailey been admonished? I can see that it should have been at least once so far.
- Cassie - Wednesday, May 20, 20 @ 1:35 pm:
== Thanks. I appreciate the response. It seems like a quick vote, while they are in session, would end it all. ==
Except that next time there’s an extended emergency — or maybe just an emergency at all — someone would say that the Governor needs to have legislative approval. It sets a(n unnecessary) precedent.
- Grandson of Man - Wednesday, May 20, 20 @ 1:35 pm:
Great comeback by Leader Durkin. Thank you.
- Yiddishcowboy - Wednesday, May 20, 20 @ 1:38 pm:
Many thanks, Leader Durkin.
- Candy Dogood - Wednesday, May 20, 20 @ 1:39 pm:
===Over the nose, Leader Durkin. Mask goes over the nose, or the coronavirus goes right up it.===
Not only is it worn incorrectly, it’s worn incorrectly while specifically addressing another person who is not wearing a mask who is surrounded by people celebrating that they’re not wearing a mask. Minority Leader Durkin also appears to be wearing an N95 — which could theoretically protect him if he’d bothered wearing it correctly.
It’s great that he’s confronting a protester with an offensive sign, but good golly, he’s missed the boat on the whole reason he is wearing a mask.
- Norseman - Wednesday, May 20, 20 @ 1:42 pm:
=== It seems like a quick vote, while they are in session, would end it all. ===
Good thought, but I doubt that it would end it all. I wish it could. Clearly, the GOP has taken an anti-public health approach for political reasons. So this will be a Dem vote only. That vote will not end the political campaign against the response effort.
=== Thank you Leader Durkin. ===
Yes, bravo leader. It’s a good start. Now do Bailey for refusing to wear a mask.
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, May 20, 20 @ 1:46 pm:
If you’re focused on the mask and not what the minority leader of the Illinois House of Representatives did… wow.
How many other members are out there… doing that?
Huh?
How many?
You’re concerned about a mask? That’s your takeaway? That’s your first and most frontal thought?
Go on… let’s talk about the mask.
If someone shows y’all a ball of aluminum foil… you’re like a distracted kitty cat.
I’m still waiting for the “mask squad” to point out *anyone* doing what Leader Durkin did.
Or what, y’all too focused on masks to see the importance of that act… or others.
Geez, Louise.
Leader Durkin, I’m sorry that what you did is now lost on the “mask patrol”
- Amalia - Wednesday, May 20, 20 @ 1:48 pm:
thank you Leader Durkin. those idiots should be called out.
- Downstate - Wednesday, May 20, 20 @ 1:48 pm:
Norseman,
If Bailey’s contention is that JB’s moves are not democratic, then a quick vote by the legislature would take the wind out of Bailey’s sail.
Do you think there is any concern on JB’s part that he wouldn’t have the votes?
- allknowingmasterofraccoodom - Wednesday, May 20, 20 @ 1:48 pm:
Leader Durkin’s mask is below his nose because he is talking. If it was above his nose while talking it would fog up his glasses. I am just assuming this for 2 reasons: 1- he is smart enough to know and 2-I have this issue as well.
- Rich Miller - Wednesday, May 20, 20 @ 1:49 pm:
===would take the wind out of Bailey’s sail===
LOL
Right.
- Linus - Wednesday, May 20, 20 @ 1:58 pm:
Good on Leader Durkin. Please keep it up, sir!
Terry Parke screaming and acting the fool? More times than anyone could count.
Darren Bailey pointing a finger and acting the fool? See: Parke, Terry.
- Token Conservative - Wednesday, May 20, 20 @ 2:15 pm:
===the legislature would take the wind out of Bailey’s sail.===
He’s full of enough hot air to sail around the world. Twice.
- Downstate - Wednesday, May 20, 20 @ 2:33 pm:
“You’re concerned about a mask? That’s your takeaway?”
What Leader Durkin did was a great thing. But there’s really no point in wearing the mask if you aren’t covering your nose.
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, May 20, 20 @ 2:39 pm:
=== But===
You can’t be helped.
Any other legislator out there?
- Chicago Cynic - Wednesday, May 20, 20 @ 2:41 pm:
Expel Bailey now. it’s a win-win. He’ll love being turned into a martyr and it will give the rest of his colleagues joy to see him removed.
- Temp Expat - Wednesday, May 20, 20 @ 2:48 pm:
Good for Durkin. Now waiting for a Democrat to publicly criticize the Deputy Governor that recently threatened to burn down the home of a legislator. Any Democrat will do.
- Downstate - Wednesday, May 20, 20 @ 2:51 pm:
OW,
I realize that it’s easier to resort to name-calling, but it’s important for people to know the importance of wearing a mask….properly.
I have 60 employees and a family member in health care. Each of their lives depend on people not being cavalier.
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, May 20, 20 @ 2:55 pm:
- Downstate -
Move on.
Anyone ignoring the important thing Durkin did by being concerned with pearl clutching misses the point if the importance.
Making it about me doesn’t absolve you from your take.
=== I have 60 employees and a family member in health care. Each of their lives depend on people not being cavalier.===
Not diminishing this. Nope. Not at all.
Diminishing what Durkin did is not helpful when the list of legislators confronting bigotry and hate has Durkin’s name… and no no other from his side.
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, May 20, 20 @ 2:58 pm:
===pearl clutching===
It’s easily seen as not covering the nose.
We all can see it.
Do we want Durkin confronting hate… or are we… in this lone instance… going to make this about mask education?
With respect.
- Ron Burgundy - Wednesday, May 20, 20 @ 3:45 pm:
81-27 to remove from the floor. So long Bailey.
- Downstate - Wednesday, May 20, 20 @ 4:05 pm:
“Making it about me doesn’t absolve you from your take.”
I’m not trying to make it about you. You reacted so harshly to the individual that mentioned the safety lapse. (I believe “distracted kitty” was the term you used.”)
People are entitled to their opinions and don’t deserve to be belittled - particularly when they are focused on the safety of us all.
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, May 20, 20 @ 4:10 pm:
- Downstate -
Move on.
My best to your family, stay safe, stay well.
- Downstate - Wednesday, May 20, 20 @ 4:20 pm:
“Move on.”
Respectful discourse suits you much better.
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, May 20, 20 @ 4:28 pm:
- Downstate -
I stand by the distracted kitty cat statement.
Still, stay safe, be well, you and yours.
- Proud Sucker - Wednesday, May 20, 20 @ 5:42 pm:
===Leader Durkin’s mask is below his nose because he is talking. If it was above his nose while talking it would fog up his glasses. I am just assuming this for 2 reasons: 1- he is smart enough to know and 2-I have this issue as well.===
I have a fairly substantial proboscis, and I have noted that the stiffer masks like many N95s did slip when I was talking - even with the metal snugger strap. I have switched to a cloth mask which works better.