South Dakota House given OK to attend remotely due to virus (Audio)

February 16, 2021

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) – Members of the South Dakota House of Representatives received the go-ahead to attend floor sessions remotely after an eighth reported positive COVID-19 test among the legislative body.

Republican House Speaker Spencer Gosch says “if a legislator has been exposed” they are allowed to attend remotely because of temporary rules passed at the start of the session.

Democratic House Minority Leader Jamie Smith said Gosch told the House members Sunday that because of the amount of spread in the Capitol, all lawmakers should consider themselves exposed.

District 5 Representative Nancy York of Watertown is among those lawmakers who’ve tested positive. She’ll continue to do her legislative work from home until she’s clear to return to Pierre…

York says she always wears her face mask in the Capitol, and does not know how she contracted the virus.