Oklahoma House rejects attempt to require masks for members

The Republican-led Oklahoma House has rejected an attempt by Democrats to require members to wear masks on the House floor and take other steps to minimize the spread of the coronavirus.

The House and Senate each convened Tuesday for a constitutionally mandated organizational day to formally elect its leaders and seat its elected members.

They also voted to adopt rules ahead of the new legislative session that begins Feb. 1.

During discussion of the rules, Democratic leader Rep. Emily Virgin proposed several amendments, including a requirement that members wear masks on the floor of the House. But all were rejected on mostly party-line votes.