Senate staffers watch the final moments of the 2021 legislative session. Just like last year, pandemic-related rules have been passed requiring everyone physically in the chamber to wear a face mask. (Eddie Moore/Journal)
SANTA FE — Mask wearing is required, eating on the chamber floor is prohibited and remote attendance will be allowed under certain circumstances under a pandemic rule approved by the Senate on Wednesday.
After approval by a 32-7 vote, the rule will apply to the current 30-day session and any special sessions called by Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham later this year.
But before Senate Resolution 1 passed, several Senate Republicans did not wear face masks on the chamber floor for the first two days of the session. That sparked criticism from some Democrats.
“I’m just so disappointed that this rule is even needed,” said Sen. Jeff Steinborn, D-Las Cruces, who called wearing a face mask around other senators a courtesy.
Sen. Mark Moores, R-Albuquerque, who wore a mask, responded that he offended the criticism.
“While other people were in a bubble, I was on the front lines,” said Moores, who is a partner at a state medical laboratory and has helped run COVID-19 tests in the early stages of the pandemic.
Sen. Gregg Schmedes, R-Tijeras, an ear, nose and throat doctor who did not wear a face covering until the rule was approved, called masks “harmful” and said they have not been effective in slowing the spread of COVID-19, claiming that they have worsened speech delays in some individuals.
But Senator Martin Hickey, D-Albuquerque, a retired physician, denied Schmedes’ claims.
“Wearing a mask significantly reduces transmission and in many cases, as we are now seeing, saves lives,” Hickey said.
In addition to being required to wear masks, the rules allow senators to choose whether to attend remotely during committee hearings or in person at the roundhouse.
During sessions, senators would have to be either in their office in the Capitol or on the floor of the chamber to debate and vote on bills.
But senators who are isolating because they have contracted COVID-19 — or those who are at high risk from the virus — could attend from their homes or other locations.
The remote participation allowance, which was not in effect during a special redistribution session last month, prompted debate about hypothetical scenarios – such as the possibility of a senator working a bill remotely from the comfort of their own home.
“If someone’s home, we hope they don’t have the energy,” quipped Sen. Daniel Ivey-Soto, D-Albuquerque.
The Senate rules are somewhat different from those approved in the House of Representatives, where all committee meetings are being held virtually to reduce the potential spread of the virus.
Meetings on the house floor will be held in person, but members who have tested positive for the virus, are showing symptoms or are isolating due to possible exposure can attend and vote remotely.
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