This time last year the Iowa Legislature had concluded their session, but this year the assembly has been in limbo since before the second funnel week due to COVID-19.

The session was suspended almost two months ago, which has been extended through May 15th. House District 20 Representative Ray Sorensen (R) predicts the suspension will last closer to June to allow the planting season to be completed by then, “The end point of it is, I just hope we’re all ready to make tough budget decisions when we do get back there because we need to be able and willing to make some grown up decisions on how to move forward after this.”

Last week the Democratic leaders from the House and Senate sent a letter to the Iowa Legislative Council recommending procedures for them to take once the session resumes, including requiring health screenings for everyone entering the Capitol, advising legislators and others to use face coverings, restricting those who speak in the chambers to those legislators that are scheduled during debate, and staggering voting to limit the number of legislators in the chamber at one time, or develop plans to vote remotely. They also suggest due to social gathering restrictions to livestream all subcommittee, committee, and floor proceedings, make all proposed legislation and amendments available to the public at least 72 hours in advance of any action, and allow access to the Capitol to all credentialed press.