Medical problem sidelines state Sen. Patricia Wiggins

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State Sen. Patricia Wiggins (D-Santa Rosa) has been removed from key committee assignments and has notified legislative leaders that she may miss some Senate sessions as she deals with an undisclosed medical problem, officials said Wednesday.

Wiggins, who has been in the news for recent outbursts at committee hearings, requested to be relieved of her assignments to the Senate Local Government and Veterans Affairs committees, according to Nathan Barankin, a spokesman for Senate President Pro Tem Darrell Steinberg (D-Sacramento). That request was approved Wednesday by the Senate Rules Committee.

Barankin said Wiggins will continue to attend Senate floor sessions for important votes, but has notified legislative leaders that she may need to take some excused absences in the weeks ahead. ‘The senator is under doctors’ orders to reduce her workload for the time being,’’ said David Miller, a spokesman for Wiggins. ‘She will, for now, be working primarily from home, where she has access to phone, e-mail and fax.’’

He added: ‘She will continue to travel to Sacramento for floor sessions on an as-needed basis.’

-- Patrick McGreevy in Sacramento