Confirmed COVID-19 Case in State Legislature Could Derail End of Session

Updated 3:45 p.m.

A California state lawmaker announced Wednesday on Twitter that he’s tested positive for COVID-19. The office of state Sen. Brian Jones, R-Santee, tweeted, “Jones today, upon his return to Sacramento this week for the end of Session, received news that he has tested positive for COVID-19. He will be taking additional tests to recheck the results and to rule out possibility of a false-positive result.”

Jones said he’s following CDC and CDPH protocols for people who test positive.

Senate President pro Tempore Toni Atkins said Jones has been in the Capitol this week. As a result she cancelled floor session for today while the Senate conducts contract tracing.

Though it shares the Capitol building with the Senate, the Assembly proceeded with its planned schedule.

The COVID-19 case comes at a critical time for the Legislature, as lawmakers work to pass hundreds of bills before the session ends on Aug. 31. A new COVID-19 outbreak could throw a wrench in those plans.

With time winding down, lawmakers are still working on several major issues, including extending a moratorium on evictions for people unable to pay their rent because of the coronavirus. Also pending are other COVID-19 related bills, legislation on police use of force, housing and contract employees.

Despite the positive case, Atkins said work in the Senate will continue.

“The Senate will use the tools available to us to make sure that we can complete necessary work prior to August 31,” she said.

The pandemic has already shortened the legislative session this year. Lawmakers and staff first took an extended recess in March when the outbreak began to spread. That was followed by an extended summer recess in July that was called after cases of COVID-19 were confirmed in the state Assembly. While most lawmakers have been going to work at the Capitol, most staff have been required to work at home and testimony at legislative hearings has been given remotely. The Capitol has remained closed to the public.

— Katie Orr (@1KatieOrr)