Public will be allowed in WA State Senate chambers again starting Friday
The Washington state Senate galleries will reopen to the public on Friday, but some restrictions will still be in place.
Members of the Senate Facilities and Operations Committee met Tuesday to vote on the proposal to reopen the chamber.
That proposal was informed by the Department of Health. DOH recommended that most COVID-19 restrictions remain in place, with the exception of allowing the public into the galleries.
For now, maximum capacity for members of the public will be capped at six. The space will be limited on each side to accommodate social distancing guidelines. While the north gallery will be open to the public, the south gallery will be for the media.
So far this session, credentialed members of the media have had limited access to galleries while the chamber has been closed to the public. The Legislative Building is open to the public.
Visitors will be required to self-administer rapid COVID-19 tests upon arrival at the Senate chamber, and must have a negative test result as a condition of entry. The tests will be provided by the Senate. Visitors also must continue to follow safety protocol by wearing a mask and social distancing.
The House chamber remains closed to the public, although House members voted Monday to increase the number of Representatives allowed on the floor from 20 to 27.
The legislative session ends March 10.
This story was originally published February 23, 2022 at 6:03 AM.
