Policies have been updated when lawmakers meet in January for the Alaska State Legislature.
The Alaska Legislative Council met on Monday, December 28 to go over the enforcement policy for the upcoming Legislative Session.
Sen. Gary Stevens, who chairs the Legislative Council meeting, said Senator Cathy Giessel and Representative Bryce Edgmon expressed concern to him about people being in the Senate and House chamber with those who don’t want to mask up. So, the Legislative Council asked Dr. Anne Zink and Beacon Occupational Health & Safety Services to join the meeting to discuss the COVID Enforcement Policy.
The COVID-19 Mitigation Policy specifically states that a member who refuses to have their temperatures taken or answer the health screening questions will not be allowed to enter the State Capitol.
Other mitigation policies include:
- Any member who refuses to wear a face covering will be escorted by Beacon OHSS to their individual office where they shall remain.
- Any member who refuses to undergo testing will be reported to the presiding officer and rules chair of the respective body, as well as the LAA Executive Director for appropriate action, if any.
- Any member who screens positive for symptoms will be escorted to the onsite testing location for further screening and testing. A member who tests positive for the virus may not gain access to the Capitol until their quarantine period is over as prescribed by Beacon OHSS.
- Any member who is identified as a close contact of a known-positive will self-quarantine as prescribed by Beacon OHSS.
- It is the intent of Legislative Council that a member quarantining shall be excused from the call of the house under Uniform Rules 15 and 16.
At the Legislative Council meeting, the Safe Floor Session Policy was also updated:
- Members must request permission before approaching the dais and shall not congregate.
- Plexiglass dividers will be sanitized on a regular basis.
- A brief at-ease will be routinely called for electrostatic disinfection.
- Floor staff will not refill water glasses for members; water will be available for self-service.
- A member who stands to be recognized must sit before making remarks.
- Members must remain seated when giving floor remarks and testimony.
- Other than when speaking or voting, a member who wishes to increase social distancing may relocate within their respective chamber.
- Press may not enter the chambers or galleries. Floor sessions will be broadcast live throughout the Capitol.
Legislative Council COVID-19 mitigation policies are based on Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommendations and are allowable under applicable federal laws to keep a workplace reasonably safe.
Click the following links below to view documents from the Monday, December 28, 2020 Legislative Council meeting: