Statement from Speaker Heastie on December Session

In March of this year, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Assembly amended the rules of the People’s House to allow the body to convene according to emergency procedures during a declared state or national state of emergency. Today, we will amend our rules to permit the Assembly to use remote procedures through Wednesday, January 6, 2021, and allow the Assembly to safely convene on the opening day of our 2021 session.  

The health and safety of New Yorkers is at the forefront of all of our minds, especially in the holiday season. This pandemic is not over yet, so for the safety of our members, staff and the hardworking New Yorkers who come to the Capitol every day to work, this resolution is critically important. We look forward to the day when we can return to our normal operations and welcome citizens back into the historic New York State Assembly chamber.