Democrats’ efforts to amend House rules to require masks be worn in committees and on the floor have been put off by the chamber’s Republican supermajority.

Rep. G.A. Hardaway (D-Memphis) made the motion on Friday, a day after House members had approved their rules for the 112th General Assembly. Speaker Pro Tem Pat Marsh (R-Shelbyville), who chairs the Rules Committee, said every member had been given the opportunity to suggest amendments when the panel met earlier in the week. No mask rule was introduced at that time, so Marsh made the motion to send Hardaway’s proposal back to the committee. It’s unclear when the panel will meet again.

At least 10 House members have tested positive for COVID-19 so far. They are:

• Bill Beck (D-Nashville)
• David Byrd (R-Waynesboro)
• Karen Camper (D-Memphis)
• Kent Calfee (R-Kingston)
• Scott Cepicky (R-Culleoka)
• Mike Carter (R-Ooltewah)
• Jeremy Faison (R-Cosby)
• Torrey Harris (D-Memphis)
• Gary Hicks (R-Rogersville)
• Kevin Vaughan (R-Collierville)

In the Senate, Mike Bell (R-Riceville), Ed Jackson (R-Jackson), and Page Walley (R-Bolivar) have had COVID-19.

All have recovered except Byrd, who at last report remained on a ventilator at a Nashville hospital.