SACRAMENTO – Senate President pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins (D-San Diego) today announced the following upcoming Senate events:

• The Special Committee on Pandemic Emergency Response will meet Wednesday, May 6, 2020 at 1:30 p.m.

The special committee is tasked with reviewing the state’s response to the COVID-19 health crisis – what has gone right and what could be improved. The committee will also make findings and recommendations for future preparedness. The special committee is chaired by Senator Lena A. Gonzalez (D-Long Beach), vice-chaired by Senator Patricia C. Bates (R-Laguna Niguel), and will include the following Senators: Andreas Borgeas (R-Fresno), Anna M. Caballero (D-Salinas), Bill Dodd (D-Napa), Hannah-Beth Jackson (D-Santa Barbara), Brian W. Jones (R-Santee), Mike McGuire (D-Healdsburg), Richard Pan (D-Sacramento), Thomas J. Umberg (D-Santa Ana), and Scott D. Wiener (D-San Francisco). 

As with the Senate’s April 16, 2020 budget hearing on COVID-19, some members of the committee are expected to participate remotely under the terms of Senate Resolution 86, which was adopted by the Senate to allow its work to continue during the COVID-19 crisis. Those interested in viewing the hearing are asked to watch online in order to follow public health guidelines. Seats are limited and everyone in attendance in the Capitol will be subject to strict physical distancing and other steps as needed for the Senate to follow state and local guidelines. Details on where to watch the hearing and how to submit public testimony will be provided in the file notice for the hearing. Due to increased demand following the April 16 hearing, the Senate has increased its viewing and participation capacity.

• The Senate is expected to return from recess on Monday, May 11, 2020.

The Senate’s final return date is subject to ongoing information and guidance from health officials and the Senate’s priority remains returning in a way that does not endanger the health of the public, Senators, or staff. Details on physical distancing, remote participation, and other necessary public health precautions will be announced prior to the Senate’s return.

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