New Mexico legislative session forges ahead despite a COVID-19 outbreak – By Dan Boyd (Albuquerque Journal) / Feb 22, 2023
SANTA FE – Three years into the pandemic, New Mexico lawmakers are still struggling to keep COVID-19 at an arm’s length.
But legislators are forging ahead despite a recent outbreak of cases at the Roundhouse that prompted the House this week to suspend an existing rule and allow members who test positive for the virus to participate remotely – and vote – in floor sessions and committee hearings.
Four Democratic lawmakers participated remotely in a House floor session one night this week that extended well past 11 p.m. Their voices croaked as they were called on to verbally cast “yes” or “no” votes through a video conferencing program.
The Senate passed a similar rule at the start of this year’s 60-day legislative session, which has allowed Senate Majority Leader Peter Wirth, D-Santa Fe, and several others to take part in legislative business from their homes.
