by striking out the text in its entirety and inserting in place thereof the following text:-

Ordered, Whereas, on March 10, 2020, pursuant to executive order No. 591, the governor declared a state of emergency in the commonwealth to respond to the 2019 novel coronavirus, also known as COVID-19, and such a state of emergency continues to exist in the commonwealth; and

Whereas, Joint Rule 12A requires that all formal business of the second annual session be concluded not later than the last day of July 2020; and

Whereas, it is critical for the senate and house of representatives to continue convening in formal session to respond to, and mitigate the spread of, COVID-19 to protect the health, security, safety, economic well-being and convenience of the people of the commonwealth; now therefore be it

Ordered, That, the senate and house of representatives declare that a state of emergency exists within the General Court; and be it further

Ordered, That, notwithstanding Joint Rule 12A, the formal business of the second annual session may continue after the last day of July 2020.