Legislature Delays Return to Sacramento After Assembly Members and Staff Test Positive for COVID-19

The California State Senate and Assembly have both delayed their scheduled return to Sacramento from summer recess on Monday after six individuals in the Assembly, including two Assembly Members, tested positive for COVID-19. Assembly Member Autumn Burke announced receiving positive results after being notified by the Assembly Human Resources Department that she had been subject to a “mask-to-mask” exposure in late June. Burke indicated she and her daughter are exhibiting no symptoms and will remain in isolation until released by a doctor. Assembly Member Tom Lackey has also tested positive for COVID-19 and has been hospitalized since Sunday.

As such, legislative leaders announced this week that both houses would be delaying their return to Sacramento while the Capitol underwent cleaning and legislative leaders determine how to resume their legislative activities safely. Lawmakers announced on Thursday that both houses would return to Sacramento on July 27. The Legislature was previously set to end their session on August 31 and faced many very busy weeks ahead with nearly 700 bills to consider and act upon. It remains unclear how the Legislature’s calendar will be adjusted in light of this week’s news.

CHEAC will continue to keep its members posted with the latest information as it becomes available. The latest version of the CHEAC Weekly Bill Chart is available here.