By Zach Hester, Reporter • zach@southerntorch.com

ALABAMA — The Alabama Legislature's upcoming session will look a little different due to changes caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

In order to comply with statewide health protocols, citizens will have limited public access to the 2021 session. Masks will be required in all public places while visiting the State House, as well as temperature checks, visitations by appointment only, and social distancing.

"We are doing all we possibly can under these difficult circumstances to protect the public, our staff, and our members, while opening the government for this session with an open, transparent process," said Pat Harris, Secretary of the Senate.

The State of Alabama's legislative website, www.legislature.state.al.gov, has been upgraded to allow the public to view and engage with the legislative process virtually. Neither galleries for the House or Senate will be open.

The 2021 session of the Alabama State Legislature is expected to begin on February 2.