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Lawsuit filed seeking return to in-person legislative session

Delaware Public Media

Former Republican Gubernatorial candidate Julianne Murray has filed a lawsuit in U.S. District Court seeking to force legislators to return to in-person session.

 

The suit comes after Republican lawmakers called for a return after criticizing the handling of virtual committee meetings.

 

Republican lawmakers and Murray both hinge their arguments on two controversial gun control bills passing through the general assembly.

 

Murray argues the general assembly shouldn’t be hearing controversial bills during this virtual session, and the public hasn’t been given enough access to lawmakers to voice their support or opposition to the bills.
 

The lawsuit also argues with the now greater availability of vaccines, the proven use of masks to prevent the spread of COVID and the fact that federal lawmakers are meeting in person means there’s no reason Delaware legislators should still be convening online.

 

Democratic leadership has said the state of emergency declared by Gov. John Carney over a year ago gave them the authority to conduct business remotely, and passed legislation at the beginning of the session giving them the power to do so.

 

They also would like to return to in person session but are waiting for the go ahead from the state public health department.

 

A court date has yet to be set for the lawsuit, but Murray is looking for a swift return to in-person meetings.

Roman Battaglia grew up in Portland, Ore, and now reports for Delaware Public Media as a Report For America corps member. He focuses on politics, elections and legislation activity at the local, county and state levels.
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