The Republican-controlled Joint Facilities Committee voted to revoke the mask mandate at the Statehouse and legislative office building as vaccinations expanded and fatalities dropped sharply. NH Journal reports House Majority Leader Jason Osborne said state government should set an example for the rest of New Hampshire by returning to normal.
On Friday, the Republican-controlled Joint Facilities Committee voted to revoke its mask mandate at the capitol and legislative office building.
NH Journal
NH Journal notes the vote fell along party lines and quotes Senate President Chuck Morse on the broader policy.
It was an 8-4 vote down party lines, “The policy that’s in place in the state of New Hampshire is not requiring face masks right now. Your individual choice, my individual choice, I think that’s where we’re headed back to,”
NH Journal
Osborne pointed to vaccination progress and improved conditions at the capitol.
With fatalities reduced by over 95 percent since vaccinations began, over 70 percent of our population over 65 having been vaccinated, and vaccines available to all legislators and staff who want one, our state is getting back to normal, and there should be no exception for state government,
House Majority Leader Jason Osborne
He also credited efforts to make the building safer, in remarks reported by NH Journal.
House Speaker Packard and Senate President Morse have worked hard on creating a safe environment at the State House, including air filtration machines to improve ventilation and provide an extra level of protection. It is our responsibility to set the example for the rest of New Hampshire. Follow the science, and return to normal life.”
NH Journal
The House itself planned to keep meeting in Bedford for the time being, NH Journal reports.
On Thursday, Packard announced the lower chamber was again heading to the New Hampshire Sportsplex in Bedford for a two-day legislative session. The 55,000 square foot venue where the House met twice previously for five days of work allows for proper social distancing among the 400-member body.
NH Journal
The committee’s decision aligned the Statehouse with the state’s broader move away from mask requirements, which the governor signaled was nearing its end.
Osborne argued state government should model a return to normal, citing vaccination rates and ventilation upgrades at the capitol, NH Journal reports. Leaders highlighted added air filtration and other steps taken to keep the building safe.
Even with the mandate lifted, the House planned to continue meeting at the Bedford venue to allow for distancing among its 400 members.
The change took effect as broader state policy moved away from mask requirements.
Osborne argued state government should set an example by returning to normal.
Leaders cited vaccination progress and ventilation upgrades at the capitol.
The committee vote fell along party lines.
The House planned to keep meeting in Bedford to allow for distancing among members.
Senate President Morse said individual choice was where the state was headed.
There had been no cases of COVID-19 spread tied to the venue, NH Journal reports.
The committee’s vote came as the state moved past pandemic restrictions.
Osborne said state government should model a return to normal.
Leaders cited ventilation upgrades and vaccine availability.
The House planned to keep meeting in Bedford for distancing.
Read the full story at NH Journal.
