House Bill 132 amends Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 58-2-107, to enhance the oversight of the governor's emergency management powers. The bill introduces new subsections that prohibit the governor from issuing proclamations or executive orders that infringe upon the rights of citizens as outlined in the Tennessee Declaration of Rights and the U.S. Bill of Rights. Additionally, it establishes a framework for the General Assembly to have a role in the declaration and extension of states of emergency, allowing them to terminate, renew, or extend such emergencies through a joint resolution.

Furthermore, if the General Assembly is not in session during a state of emergency, an ad hoc legislative council will be formed, consisting of key legislative leaders, to manage the emergency's duration. This council can extend the state of emergency for up to thirty days by a majority vote. The bill also modifies the existing law regarding the duration of a state of emergency, ensuring that it cannot last longer than thirty days without renewal by the General Assembly or the legislative council. The act will take effect upon becoming law and applies to emergencies declared after that date.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 58-2-107, 58-2-107(b)(2)