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Senate mandates in-person committee hearings, restores public access for those with negative tests

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Illinois

* From the Senate President’s office…

Committee Hearings
With the exception of Executive Appointments, all Senate committees next week will be conducted in-person only. Members, staff, and witnesses will need to be physically present in committees.

Staff Testing
COVID Testing will remain in place for Members, staff, lobbyists, and members of the public. A PCR test taken within 72 hours or a SHIELD Test will be necessary for entry. SHIELD Testing is strongly encouraged for efficiency. […]

· PCR TESTS taken by local health care professionals or pharmacies (not rapid tests) will be accepted, provided they are taken within the prior 72 hours.

o Please be mindful of the time it takes to receive results; Friday is the best option for Monday entrance; Saturday is the best option for Tuesday entrance; Sunday is the best option for Wednesday entrance.

Updated Protocols: Senate Reopening Phase Two
A negative COVID PCR or SHIELD test and wristband is still required for any person entering into Senate committees, galleries, or offices. Lobbyists and members of the public must obtain wristbands at the North Entrance desk for entry. The following changes will apply:

· The Senate elevators will be unlocked.
· People are allowed in committees with wristbands.
· The galleries with remain at 50% capacity, with wristbands.
· Lobbyists will be allowed on the benches outside the chamber, with wristbands.
· Those without wristbands should be directed to the check-in point at the North Entrance.
· For people in our areas with wristbands, masking is strongly encouraged.

COVID Guidance & Reminders
Face masks, which cover the nose and mouth, are strongly encouraged but not required for all persons in Senate areas of the Capitol. Please take care and respect in approaching or meeting with another person within 6ft as to their preference on mask-wearing. Social distancing remains strongly encouraged.

If at any time, you feel uncomfortable or you are aware of individuals not following COVID protocols, please contact xxxxxxxxxxxx and we will assist you.

If a you test positive, please immediately contact xxxxxxxx, conduct contact tracing, and follow Center for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines. Full CDC guidance and COVID-19 information can be found here.

We are continuously monitoring the virus and guidance from health organizations and will update our policies as necessary.

I strongly support the idea of in-person hearings and opening up access.

However, remote testimony by people who can’t make it to Springfield definitely found its place in the past couple of years. People who were never able to testify before the pandemic were suddenly able to have their voices heard. It was a very positive thing. The Senate doesn’t currently have the technology to accept remote testimony during in-person hearings, but I’m told they have invested in that tech and will have it implemented as soon as they can.

* Related…

* A bit more normal, Illinois lawmakers welcome in-person guests for first time in two years

posted by Rich Miller
Friday, Mar 18, 22 @ 11:14 am

Comments

I really wish the House and Senate had the same standards. Glad they’re opening up, but the testing requirement is still too much.

Comment by New Day Friday, Mar 18, 22 @ 11:28 am
=== People who were never able to testify before the pandemic were suddenly able to have their voices heard. It was a very positive thing. ===

Very true, but it also makes the day go longer for the pols and keeps them from their recreational activities.

Comment by Norseman Friday, Mar 18, 22 @ 11:36 am
Mixed feelings about this. One of my last in-person committee hearings was, ironically enough, about vaccinations and seated next to me was a parent with a toddler (anti-vax) that kept coughing and sneezing the entire time. I don’t look forward to being in the same room with this crowd again.

Comment by Chito Friday, Mar 18, 22 @ 11:49 am
“testing requirement is still too much”

So what would be acceptable to you? Being allowed into a crowded room without a mask and full blown covid symptoms?

The Chamber makes the rules. If you don’t like them, go somewhere else.

Comment by Huh? Friday, Mar 18, 22 @ 12:17 pm
“Being allowed into a crowded room without a mask and full blown covid symptoms?”

Or being in a crowded room with no mask next to someone who is asymptomatic but still contagious.

The GA has three weeks left. The last thing they need is an outbreak that shuts business down.

Comment by wildcat12 Friday, Mar 18, 22 @ 1:37 pm
Here’s to hoping appropriation committee hearings will be virtual. Biggest waste of time is waiting for “your turn” … at least the feds hearings for a single agency.

Comment by Anyone Remember Friday, Mar 18, 22 @ 2:31 pm
I believe that agency approp hearings are completed.

Comment by SaulGoodman Friday, Mar 18, 22 @ 2:42 pm
It would be much more convenient for the general public if hearings were hybrid. So many more people have been able to participate in the process without having to come to Springfield, it will be a lost opportunity if participating virtually is no longer an option.

Comment by the future Friday, Mar 18, 22 @ 2:47 pm
When does the SHIELD funding run out to pay for this? Once testing is not free are we going to require PCR testing for constituents to go listen?

Comment by G.A.L. Thursday, Mar 24, 22 @ 1:05 pm

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