2020 S PECIAL S ESSION FAQ S Did Governor Gordon issue a proclamation? Governor Gordon issued a proclamation on May 7, 2020 calling the 65th Legislature into a special session. Read the entire proclamation here. When will the special session be held? The special session will start on Friday, May 15 at 8:00 a.m. and resume the following day, Saturday, May 16 at 8:00 a.m., if the business of the Legislature has not concluded. What is the purpose of the special session? The purpose of the special session is to address immediate needs of the state due to the COVID-19 public health emergency. The Legislature will also direct funds appropriated in the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act. This will be the Wyoming Legislature’s first special session since 2004. Will the session be virtual or in-person? The proclamation from the Governor requires the “First Special Session to be conducted electronically...” Thus, the special session will be held on the Zoom online meeting platform, and broadcast to the public using YouTube. Legislators who attend the special session in the State Capitol Complex will also participate in the special session via Zoom from their laptops. If all legislators who attend in the Capitol Complex cannot be accommodated on the floors due to social distancing guidelines, legislators will be located in committee rooms and offices throughout the Complex. Will the Capitol be open to the public during the special session? Due to social distancing guidelines, and for the safety of the public and legislators, the Capitol Complex will not be open to the public during the special session. How can the public participate in the special session? LEGISLATIVE SERVICE OFFICE • 200 W. 24TH STREET, ROOM 213 • CHEYENNE, WYOMING 82002 TELEPHONE (307)777-7881 • FAX (307)777-5466 • E-MAIL LSO@WYOLEG.GOV • WEB SITE WWW.WYLOEG.GOV May 11, 2020 • PAGE 2 OF 2 Members of the public are encouraged to participate in the special session by using the online hotline or by contacting members directly using legislator contact information available on the Legislature’s website here. How can the media participate in the special session? Media members wishing to cover the Special Session from the Capitol Building must notify LSO by Noon on May 13. Due to social distancing guidelines, media members granted access to the Capitol Complex will be required to observe proceedings from the third-floor galleries and sit in designated seat locations. Media will be able to take photographs from their designated seats. Media members will not have the ability to send lobby notes to legislators that may be seated on the floor or take photographs from the second-floor side hallways. There will be a designated interview area in the Capitol Complex where legislators who wish to speak to media members can be interviewed while maintaining appropriate social distancing. If more applications are received than can be safely accommodated, a lottery will be held. Will all legislative action occurring in the Capitol be livestreamed? Yes, audio and video livestream of the House, Senate, and any potential joint conference committees will be available for the public or media to view on the Legislature’s website at www.wyoleg.gov. You can find the Legislature's daily calendar here. Where can I find draft legislation being discussed during the special session? All proposed legislation under consideration can be viewed on the Legislature’s website at www.wyoleg.gov or by clicking here. What are the rules of the special session? Proposed rules for the special session can be viewed on the Legislature's website here. What has the State of Wyoming done in response to COVID-19? For further information about the State of Wyoming’s response to COVID-19, please visit covid19.wyo.gov or click here. What if I have more questions? Please email the Legislative Service Office at lso@wyoleg.gov. LEGISLATIVE SERVICE OFFICE • 200 W. 24TH STREET, ROOM 213 • CHEYENNE, WYOMING 82002 TELEPHONE (307)777-7881 • FAX (307)777-5466 • E-MAIL LSO@WYOLEG.GOV • WEB SITE WWW.WYLOEG.GOV