Coronavirus In RI: Changes Made At The State House

PROVIDENCE, RI — Changes are being made at the Rhode Island State House amid ongoing concerns about the spread of the new coronavirus. Several new policies have been implemented at the General Assembly in an effort to protect legislators and the public.

Starting immediately, only lawmakers in their respective chambers, staff, pages and members of the media will be allowed in the House and Senate chambers and lounges before, during and after sessions, until further notice. Public galleries will still be accessible, and lounges will be open when used for committee meetings.

"We are taking every precaution to keep the public, legislators and staff healthy and safe," House Speaker Nicholas Mattiello said. "Obviously this is an evolving situation and we will continue to communicate with each other and the public. We are in continuous contact with the Department of Health and they have given us the clearance to continue holding our sessions at this time."

Any members of the public who wish to watch sessions can do so on Cox on Channels 15 and 61, in high definition on Cox Channel 1013, on Full Channel on Channel 15 and on Channel 34 by Verizon subscribers, as well as livestreamed on the General Assembly's website.

Committee meetings will continue, though seats have been rearranged to maximize space between people, and committee chairs have been asked to postpone hearings where large crowds are expected. Earlier this week, a scheduled hearing was postponed for this reason. Members of the public can also submit written testimony to slegislation@rilegislature.gov for Senate hearings, and the email address for House hearings can be found on hearing postings.

Both the House and Senate have canceled their planned St. Patrick's Day and St. Joseph's Day celebrations next week and the Greek Independence Day celebration planned for March 26.

All school tours and mock sessions planned for the chambers have been suspended, with the hope that they will be rescheduled later in the school year.

"We are very grateful to Governor Raimondo, Director Alexander-Scott and the team at the Department of Health for their outstanding leadership and communication with us and with Rhode Islanders as we all seek to do our part during this pandemic, "Senate President Dominick Ruggerio said. "We will continue to look to them for guidance, and will take every necessary action to assist them and to protect the public health."

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