WHEREAS, the staff of the House Clerk's Office worked diligently to ensure the health and safety of both state legislators and members of the public at the 2020 Special Session I of the General Assembly, held during the COVID-19 pandemic; and

WHEREAS, prior to the Special Session, which convened on August 18, 2020, staff members of the House Clerk's Office installed voting equipment and other electronics at Virginia Commonwealth University's Stuart C. Siegel Center to allow the members of the Virginia House of Delegates to comply with social distancing regulations at an in-person floor session; and

WHEREAS, the House Clerk's Office addressed the unique challenges of continuing the Special Session in a virtual format to limit person-to-person exposure between members of the Virginia House of Delegates and members of the public while still allowing for full participation in the legislative process; and

WHEREAS, information technology professionals in the House Clerk's Office built and tested a groundbreaking system for safe, remote participation by members, advocates, and the public; and

WHEREAS, during committee meetings, personnel from the House Clerk's Office operated well-managed video communications, livestreaming services, and the remote voting system to support the members of the Virginia House of Delegates and allow members of the public to stay informed and engaged; and

WHEREAS, the House Clerk's Office staff members responded to extraordinary circumstances and went above and beyond to meet the needs of the Virginia House of Delegates while maintaining safety and transparency; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, That the House Clerk's Office hereby be commended for its work to ensure the safe and efficient operation of the 2020 Special Session I of the General Assembly during the COVID-19 pandemic; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the staff members of the House Clerk's Office as an expression of the House of Delegates' admiration for their hard work and dedication.