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Executive Committee approves policy for remote public testimony
Summary
The Executive Committee of the Legislative Council approved a policy that extends rules for remote public testimony in committee hearings, voting unanimously after staff presented three registration-options and members debated continuity concerns.
The Executive Committee of the Legislative Council on Tuesday approved a policy governing remote public testimony in committee hearings, adopting the version presented by Legislative Council staff.
The policy, presented by Deputy Director Elizabeth Burger of Legislative Council staff, formalizes how and when witnesses may register to testify remotely. Burger told the committee she had presented three options at an earlier meeting: keep the status quo with registration ending when the bill hearing begins; allow chairs discretion to switch in-person-registered witnesses to remote; or extend remote registration to match the in-person/written testimony window, which is the conclusion of the bill hearing.
"Happy to answer any questions," Deputy Director Elizabeth Burger said after outlining the three options.
Supporters argued for preserving remote access. Senator Lundin said the policy ‘‘has worked well’’ and that remote participation is important because it expands access: "While our system is not perfect, I think that it the policy has worked well. Having remote participation is amazing." Other members expressed concern about mid-hearing changes and potential for people to be missed if registration windows shift.
A member moved to approve "the public remote testimony policy as presented by the Legislative Council staff." The roll call recorded the following votes: Duran — Yes; Lundin — Aye; Pugliese — Yes; Rodriguez — Aye; Madam Speaker — Yes; Mister President — Yes. The motion passed unanimously.
Deputy Director Burger circulated a copy of the signed policy after the vote.
The committee did not make other changes to the registration window at this meeting; members said they would not rush decisions if additional information or discussion were needed.
