Milstead suggested the plan has been misunderstood. Legislators cannot use the money to buy computers that would allow them to work from home. And lawmakers will likely work from within the Statehouse, practicing social distancing by logging in from their offices or meeting rooms.

However, the plan clearly allows for legislators to work from outside the Statehouse.

“Currently, we anticipate a hybrid (2021) session, with most legislators participating from within the building, but a percentage participating remotely,” Milstead said in a July 7 letter outlining the request.

Little’s Coronavirus Financial Advisory Committee approved the request unanimously, and added $20,000 to it. Rep. Melissa Wintrow, D-Boise, requested the money for closed captioning, and the committee signed on.

The Legislature plans to put the upgrades to work before 2021, for legislative interim committees and working groups this summer and fall, and for new member orientation and the organizational session after the November election.