Oregon Legislature addresses coronavirus safety plan during 2021 session

SALEM, Ore. — Members of the Oregon Legislature addressed their new coronavirus safety plan for the upcoming 2021 Legislative Session.

Officials say the goal of the plan is to balance the following priorities:

• Safety – for the public, building employees, legislators and their staff
• Transparency – to ensure that the process is clear and encourages public input
• Strong public participation – to make sure proposed legislation receives public review
• The completion of the Legislature’s business – to meet the needs of the state

The session will begin with committees meeting remotely and physical entry to the Capitol permitted for authorized personnel. Floor sessions will be limited to necessary business only, with daily floor sessions beginning in April.

If public health conditions improve, public entry to the Capitol will be expanded in accordance with public health protocols.

Authorized personnel who work in the building, including legislators, will follow public health workplace rules. That includes wearing masks and social distancing.

Officials say members will be permitted to have staff on-site but will be limited to the office occupancy limits.

Remote work will be strongly encouraged for all other staff and legislative agencies.

Currently, Marion County is among the 23 of 36 Oregon counties in the Extreme Risk category.

County conditions will be monitored weekly beginning in February to determine the potential for expanded entry.

The Legislature will convene on Monday, January 11 for the swearing in of new members and the start of Organizational Days.

The Legislative Session will begin on Tuesday, January 19.