The "Never Again Act" proposes a significant shift in Minnesota's emergency management framework by transferring the authority to declare emergencies from the governor to the legislature. Under this bill, a two-thirds vote from both houses is required to declare an emergency, and the governor can only exercise emergency powers following such a declaration. The bill also repeals the governor's ability to issue orders and expedited rules that carry the force of law during emergencies, thereby enhancing legislative oversight and control over emergency management.

In addition to restructuring emergency declaration authority, the bill introduces protections for citizens' rights, ensuring that the governor or state director cannot infringe upon rights such as free speech, religious exercise, assembly, and the right to operate a business. It amends various sections of Minnesota Statutes to reflect these changes, including the definitions of declared emergencies and the specific powers of the governor. The bill also clarifies conditions for medical distributions during emergencies and repeals several existing statutes related to executive orders and emergency declarations, aiming to streamline the legal framework and enhance accountability in emergency responses.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 12.03, 12.21, 12.25, 12.36, 12.45, 12.61, 14.03, 34A.11, 35.0661, 41B.047, 144.4197, 144E.266, 151.441, 270C.34, 295.50