CO SR005

Adds Senate Rule 44 authorizing the Senate President to promulgate regulations enabling remote participation in Senate legislative proceedings during declared public health disaster emergencies.

Regulations may only be invoked when conditions in Joint Rule 44(a) are met and the President finds that in-person proceedings pose increased health risks, with written notice required within 24 hours and effect limited to the duration of the emergency.

Regulations must address: extent of remote participation and voting, technology/software requirements, quorum procedures, call of the Senate procedures, and written vote certification requirements kept in Senate records.

Regulations may address additional matters including measures to facilitate safe and healthy work environments and protect vulnerable members and other persons during the emergency.

Remote participants are deemed present and in attendance for quorum purposes, with their actions having the same legal effect as if physically present, and all remote participation recorded in the Senate journal.