The resolution and an accompanying explanation was laid out in a letter from Tone W. Trøen, President of the Storting, to the standing committees. A translation of the letter in its entirety is given below.

Information about standing committee meetings in the time ahead

In order to limit the spread of infection in the situation we are now in, the Storting has passed the following resolution, in accordance with section 79 of the Storting’s Rules of Procedure.

“As of 12^th March 2020 and until further notice is given, the requirement of attendance in person as laid down in section 25 (“Committee Meetings”) and section 26 (“Voting in the committees”) of the Storting’s Rules of Procedure will be temporarily suspended.”

This will make it possible for the committees to carry out their duties without committee members having to attend in person. Committee members will be able to take part in meetings by means of remote technology solutions, such as telephone or Skype, or by written consideration in the committees.

It should be underlined that the requirement in section 26 first paragraph of the Storting’s Rules of Procedure, which states that at least three-fifths of the members must vote, remains unchanged. Furthermore, the Presidium presupposes that committee chairs will ensure that the decisions made in the standing committees are documented and accountable. This includes that the identity of those taking part in meetings via remote technology solutions is verified, and that the minutes of the meetings expressly state which committee members have taken part by other means than by attending in person. When decisions are made on the basis of written procedures, it must be ensured that a minimum of three-fifths of the committee’s members reply in writing.

Yours sincerely

Tone W. Trøen

President of the Storting

Also see

The Storting steps up its coronavirus measures

The Storting constitutes coronavirus special committee