RICHMOND, Va. – The coronavirus pandemic is again upending the daily routines of the tradition-bound Virginia General Assembly.
The body that traces its lineage back more than four centuries to 1619 has been working under extraordinary circumstances, legislating to a substantial degree by video conference.
The situation has led to persistent technical difficulties, an uncharacteristically profane hot mic situation and more serious complaints from lawmakers and advocates alike.
Critics say legislating over Zoom has limited transparency, stifled public participation and diluted the Democratic process. “If we were to do this year in and year out, I would think it was terrible.