IOWA CAPITAL DISPATCH
Four people at the Iowa Capitol reported testing positive for the coronavirus since the legislative session began, including two additional cases which were announced over the weekend.
Rep. Amy Nielsen, D-North Liberty, confirmed to multiple news outlets that she was one of the two new cases announced Saturday.
Capitol staff and legislators are not required to announce if they test positive for COVID-19. Nielsen is the first lawmaker to openly report that she contracted the virus since session began Jan. 11.
Lawmakers must be present at the Capitol to vote and to participate in floor debates and committee meetings. In the House of Representatives, only those lawmakers and members of the public who attend in person may speak about the bills during subcommittee meetings; others may submit comments in writing.