This bill amends the All Hazard Emergency Management Act and the Public Health Emergency Response Act to establish legislative oversight over emergency declarations made by the governor. Specifically, it stipulates that a declaration of a state of emergency or a public health emergency will automatically terminate after ninety days unless the governor convenes a special session of the legislature to address the emergency circumstances. The special session must occur no later than the ninetieth day following the initial declaration. If the legislature does not act to restrict, suspend, or terminate the emergency declaration during this session, the governor may extend the declaration for an additional period not exceeding sixty days.

Furthermore, the bill includes provisions that limit the governor to declaring only one state of emergency for a specific event, requiring legislative consent for any subsequent declarations related to the same event. The amendments also clarify the process for terminating a state of public health emergency, ensuring that the governor must consult with the secretary of health and follow the new legislative oversight procedures established in this act. Overall, the bill aims to enhance legislative control over emergency powers and ensure accountability in the management of public health and safety emergencies.

Statutes affected:
introduced version: 12-10A-5