Mask Rules Will Vary Inside Illinois Statehouse
The Illinois Statehouse in Springfield.
Different sections of the Illinois Statehouse will have different masking requirements when the Illinois House returns to session Tuesday.
The Secretary of State’s office, which oversees the Capitol Complex itself, says masks are now “recommended,” but not required inside the Capitol building.
But, both the House and Senate get to oversee the rules for their own chambers and office areas.
The House, which is in session beginning Tuesday, is beginning to relax some of its mitigations. For the first time in two years, the House Gallery will be open to the public at 50% capacity and outside visitors, such as clergy and pages, will be allowed on the floor.
The House will still require masks, citing the “significant amount of time in close proximity” members and staff spend together on the House floor.
“We have staff members who test positive every week through the mandatory SHIELD testing,” said House Speaker Chris Welch. “When they test positive, not only are they out of the workplace for a week, but so is anyone that they’ve come in contact with.
The Senate is not in session this week, but a spokesperson for Senate President Don Harmon says “as of now,” Senate protocols for masks and testing will remain in place.
Almost a dozen House Republicans have been removed from the floor in recent weeks as they’ve protested against the mask mandate.
