The doors of the Senate shall be open again
The Senate is reopening to the public after shutting down most access during the pandemic. According to a Tennessee Lobbyists Association memo, the upper chamber is dropping most of the restrictions it had imposed when COVID-19 struck last year. The House restrictions were never as wide-ranging to begin with, and most its mitigation efforts were lifted last month.
Here is the memo outlining the Senate changes:
TLA Members,
We were notified of the following changes this evening:
Due to increased vaccine availability and the overall decline in the spread of COVID -19, Lt. Governor McNally will be implementing revised building protocols beginning Monday, March 8. These protocols apply to the 7th Floor of Cordell Hull Building, Senate Hearing Room I and Senate Floor Sessions:
1. Members of the public will be admitted to the Cordell Hull Building using the main entrance on Rep. John Lewis Way and will have elevator access to the 7th Floor.
2. Until elevator programming is adjusted, General Assembly staff will assist the public with elevator access to the 7th floor. Once programming is complete, elevator access for the public will be open.
3. Members of the public are encouraged not to enter a member’s office without an appointment.
4. Senate Hearing Room I will be open to the public with limited seating. So-cial distancing and capacity restrictions shall be maintained and enforced.
4. The public may access the Capitol through the tunnel for Senate Floor Sessions. One elevator will be designated for members only for session.
5. The Senate Gallery is open with limited seating available for the public and reserved seating for media. Social distancing and capacity restrictions shall be maintained.
6. The area outside the Senate Chamber is reserved for Senate staff.
7. The 8th Floor and 7th floor Senate Conference Rooms remain closed.
8. There shall be no Days on the Hill, group meetings or tours.
9. Appropriate CDC facial coverings are required in the Senate facilities of the Cordell Hull Building and the Capitol, including the tunnel.
10. Individuals with 2021 Photo Identification Badges issued by the General Assembly may access the Cordell Hull Building through the entrance on 6th Avenue.
11. The north elevator is reserved for members and staff, no public use.
12. Committee chairs may choose in-person or remote testimony for their committee meetings.
The protocols are subject to modification at any time.
Senate to block public access to committee floor
The state Senate will continue to bar public access to committee meetings during the upcoming legislative session. According to guidelines shared with members, the restrictions will mirror the COVID-19 mitigation steps taken by the upper chamber last summer.
The House is expected to continue to allow access by lobbyists and other members of the public.
Here’s is the memo sent by Senate Clerk Russell Humphrey:
To: Members of the Senate, 112th General Assembly
From: Russell A. Humphrey, Chief Clerk
In consideration of the infection rates and State of Tennessee COVID-19 guidelines, Mr. Speaker McNally and Senate Leadership have set the following protocols:
* The Senate side of the first floor of the Cordell Hull Building and the Senate Hearing Room are only to be utilized by Senators and authorized staff.
* On the 7th Floor of the Cordell Hull Building only Senate Members, Senate Staff, and appointments pre-scheduled by the pubic are authorized on the floor. Please notify Ms. Connie Ridley of Senators appointments with members of the public the afternoon in advance. Once appointments are concluded, guest must leave the floor.
* The Senate Chamber and the Senate Hearing Room are arranged to provide seating at a minimum physical distance of six feet. Only Senate Members, limited Clerk’s staff, and a press pool reporter are allowed in the Senate Chamber.
* Members are requested to wear face covering that covers both the mouth and nose while in public areas, including the Senate Chamber and Senate Hearing Room.
* Staff are required to wear face covering that covers both the mouth and nose while in public areas, including the Senate Chamber and Senate Hearing Room.
* Testimony in Committee meetings by non-members will be conducted remotely only. Please let the Chairman’s office know if you have someone to testify on a matter.
* Due to space limitations, seating is limited to staff and press in the Senate Hearing Room and the Senate Gallery.
* No accommodations are available for Days on the Hill or local, regional or state Leadership Groups.
These protocols shall remain in effect until further notice. Mr. Speaker McNally ask you to be flexible, as these will change as conditions improved. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions.
