The state’s Legislative Continuity Committee met on September 9, with a few important matters recommended for the 2021 General Assembly. What the group agreed on and is presenting to legislative leaders (who make the final call) was how legislators are to be accommodated in-person at the Statehouse. The Senate will remain in its chamber, now incorporating the gallery in order to socially distance members. The larger House contingent would be shifted to the auditorium and conference rooms in the Indiana Government Center South office building next to the Statehouse.
There will be live testimony on bills, but via video from other conference rooms. While Indiana Chamber issue experts will be masked up and present for these video testimonies, we also plan to submit detailed written comments electronically to ensure our stance and reasons are fully understood, especially given the expectation that hearings may be shorter in 2021.
The big questions that remain: if the session starts on time in January, the length of session and what safety precautions will be required for legislators – such as mask wearing or possible COVID testing.
Energy a Focus in 2021
The Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission has issued its 2020 report to the 21st Century Energy Policy Development Task Force. Related to that, the Indiana Chamber Foundation’s energy study is well underway and is expected to be completed by the end of October. Stay tuned!
