MT Republicans wonât require public-health guidelines for 2021 legislative session
But will create Covid-19 response panel
By: Mike Dennison
and last updated 2020-12-16 20:35:57-05
HELENA â Legislative Republicans Wednesday rejected proposals to hold the 2021 Legislature remotely, or to require lawmakers to wear face masks or follow other public-health guidelines when they meet at the Capitol next month.
Instead, majority Republicans endorsed the creation of a partisan âleadership response panelâ that will react to any Covid-19 crises during the session, which is scheduled to begin Jan. 4.
The panel, controlled by Republicans, would have the power to restrict in-person access at the Legislature, offer Covid-19 testing or enforce ârelevant social-distancing measures.â