The California Senate is Set to Return May 11, 2020

The California Senate is set to return on May 11, 2020. The Senate Committee Hearing schedules can be found here: https://www.senate.ca.gov/dailyfile. All hearings and floor sessions are live streamed, and can be found here: https://www.senate.ca.gov/calendar

The Senate policies and procedures will be similar to the Assembly which was posted last week. In their words:

NOTICE: While we remain under stay at home orders, the Senate is committed to facilitating the ability of the public to take part in the senate proceedings, and will provide safe opportunities for public participation. The Senate will livestream the hearing on our website at www.sen.ca.gov. The public may submit comment or testimony in writing to the committee, or participate via telephone at the conclusion of the hearing, during the public comment period.

To call in during the public comment period, please dial the phone number provided by the Chair of the committee at the time of the hearing or find the number posted on the committee website. As is our normal practice, public comment will be accepted at the conclusion of each bill presentation.

We strongly discourage in person attendance, but individuals wishing to attend the hearing in person are advised that we must balance the opportunity for the public to participate in the legislative process, with the critical need to protect public health. As such, we are required to strictly enforce the physical distancing guidelines mandated by state and local public health officials. Entry into the Capitol will require all persons to adhere to these guidelines:

• Do not enter the Capitol if you have a cough or fever.
• If you have had the virus, and are required to remain at home and monitor symptoms, watch and participate from home.
• Maintain a minimum six-foot distance from others.
• Capitol restrooms are equipped with soap, please wash hands often, and use hand sanitizer.

In order to maintain physical distancing, seating will be limited. If we cannot provide you with a seat consistent with physical distancing requirements, you can watch on the Senate website. Those who attend in person will be required to follow directions from the Senate Sergeant-at-Arms.

• The public is highly encouraged to use face coverings.
• The admission into the Capitol will commence 15 minutes before the hearing.
• Temperature checks will be required as part of the screening process for admission into the Capitol.