Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman is requesting a mandatory COVID vaccination/testing policy for all House employees and interns.

However, the mandatory policy will not apply to lawmakers. In a recent memo, Hortman says she'll request the House Rules Committee set a February 9th deadline for all employees and interns to be fully vaccinated.  Otherwise, they will have to be tested weekly for COVID.

Hortman says it's in compliance with a federal OSHA order.  The policy has stiff penalties for noncompliance, but notes that litigation is ongoing and "we will continue to monitor legal developments."

Hortman also wants House policy to state that face coverings are required while on in-person work time, including for legislators.