Some state lawmakers have a sense of humor.

They laugh at themselves with the quip, "No one's life, liberty or property is safe while the legislature is in session."

It may be a joke but they have been on temporary reprieve while the state recovers from covid-19.

Senate President Harvey Peeler and House Speaker Jay Lucas wrote their members to plan to return to the statehouse Tuesday, May 12.. 

"While the pandemic did not permit us to continue to meet as normal, the job of this legislature will not be left unfinished" they wrote.. 

"While the state pursues reopening, we must stand poised to get back to work."

House Clerk Charles Reid wrote,that work will be restricted to chamber debate and votes only.

Members will not hold committee or subcommittee meetings.

House and Senate are expected to work through the week..

Unfinished business incoudes $180 million to combat corona virus and, up to $15 million to protect the health of voters, poll workers and local election employees in the June and November elections.

While they were still in session lawmakers wore face masks and gloves.

Some voted from the balcony, avoiding sitting tnear others,

Lawmakers have scheduled committee meetings over teleconferencing networks such as Zoom.

Both chambers will be cleaned and social distancing will be kept, Peeler and Reid said.