NORTH  CAROLINA -- Big changes in how one branch of state government will be conducting business are going into effect.

As of Monday, the public is not allowed inside of the legislative building in Raleigh.

Since the spread of COVID-19, legislative committees have been meeting virtually.

Technology for this has not been used before and was not even considered until last year. But it allows lawmakers to safely distance themselves while still being able to discuss the urgent needs of the state during the pandemic.

The decades old building has seen some technology face lifts over the last year, as new audio lines were built into rooms. This was meant to help with overflow crowds who still want to hear what is happening.

These advancements are now essential with the public not allowed in the building for the legislative session beginning on April 28.

Currently, only members, staff, and credentialed media are allowed to attend. Even then, now one will be allowed in the building without having their temperature taken.

There is no end date as to when these new policies expire, but they are expected to be in place during the short session that begins next week.