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Arizona House speaker: Pregnant representative can't attend session remotely

Published: Wednesday, January 12, 2022 - 11:27am
Updated: Wednesday, January 12, 2022 - 6:38pm
Howard Fischer/Capitol Media Services
Arizona House Speaker Rusty Bowers on May 18, 2020.

House Speaker Rusty Bowers responded to Rep. Athena Salman’s request for her to attend the legislative session remotely.

Salman requested to attend the session remotely due to being pregnant while there is a spike in COVID-19 cases. Bowers says the state’s constitution requires House matters to be handled in the Capitol. 

While they cannot attend remotely, Bowers says there are some accommodations for representatives to vote from their offices. 

“We’ve accommodated them to move to their offices. They can vote, participate remotely in their committees and on the floor, their vote. They won’t be able to speak, but they can certainly vote and see what’s happening and be informed," Bowers said. 

With the spike of COVID-19 cases due to the omicron variant, Salman does not want to be exposed as her baby is due this week.

Politics