House Resolution 20-1002 Summary

• Adds Rule 53 to the House Rules authorizing the Speaker to promulgate regulations enabling House members to participate remotely in legislative proceedings during declared public health disaster emergencies

• Remote participation prohibited in committees of reference, statutorily-created committees, and House select committees; regulations must be distributed to all members and posted on the House website

• Speaker may invoke remote participation regulations only after consulting with Majority and Minority Leaders and upon finding that in-person proceedings pose increased health risk; written notice required within 24 hours and regulations remain in effect only while disaster emergency continues

• Speaker-promulgated regulations must address remote participation extent, required technology for member identity verification and action authentication, quorum procedures, call of the House procedures, and member compensation

• Remotely participating members are deemed present at the seat of government for attendance and quorum purposes, their actions have the same legal effect as if physically present, and the Chief Clerk must record their participation and votes in the journal