The State Capitol Joint Management Commission this morning passed a motion by a vote of 5-2 to require people in the Statehouse complex to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination along with their identification in order to gain access to the complex.

All members of the commission voted in favor of the motion except for Christine Shipley of the Senate Minority Office and Mark Duffy of the Assembly Minority Office, who affirmed the position expressed in a letter by Republican senators here.

In the meeting, Shipley in particular gave voice to strong opposition to the policy.

“The primary concern is regard to the public,” she said. “The policy restricts effective access to the legislative process.”

The timing constraints for testing make it “impossible for the public to comply,” she said, deriding the policy as “exclusionary,” designed in part to deny unvaccinated people the right to participate in the legislative process.

Moreover, “Why now?” she wanted to know.

Finally, Shipley said since the measure would only cover the legislative sessions, those execuctive branch members of the commission should recuse themselves from a vote.

Kevin Drennan, representing the Senate Majority Office, said the fact that the legislature will return to session after the election makes the timing appropriate.

“We’re coming back into session,” Drennan explained. “We’re going to have committee meetings. We’re going to have people in the buildings. It is the desire of the speaker and senate president to cover the entire complex [which includes the executive branch].”

Duffy backed up Shipley.

“I want to support my colleague,” said the minority office rep. “The Assembly Republican caucus share” the views of the Senate Republicans. He noted that it was “interesting” that the resolution carved out the governor’s office facility down thee street, though the commission admits representatives from the executive branch. Finally, Duffy said, the measure contains no sunset provision.

“We meet every month,” said Drennan, in response, noting the commission could curtail or amend the policy as needed.