Abstract: Requires legislative approval for the renewal of an emergency declaration and provides
the procedure to be used in the legislative approval of an emergency declaration.
Present law provides that a public health emergency shall be declared by executive order or
proclamation of the governor if the governor finds that a disaster or emergency has occurred or the
threat thereof is imminent.
Present law also provides that a public health emergency shall continue until the governor finds that
the threat of danger has passed or the disaster or emergency has been dealt with to the extent that the
emergency conditions no longer exist and terminates the state of disaster, emergency, or public
health emergency by executive order or proclamation.
Present law provides that no public health emergency may continue for longer than 30 days unless
renewed by the governor.
Present law authorizes the legislature to terminate an emergency declaration of a state of public
health emergency by petition of a majority of the surviving members of either house.
Proposed law further provides that the petition may establish a period where no other declaration of
a public health emergency may be issued. The petition must also include a date and time of
termination for such emergency.
Proposed law provides that the petition must be submitted to the clerical officer of the respective
house who will then send the signed petition to the other house, the governor, and the secretary of
state. The clerical officer must also publish the petition on the joint legislative website and in the
official journal of the state.
Present law provides that upon receiving a signed petition terminating a public health emergency,
the governor must issue an executive order or proclamation ending the state of public health
emergency. Proposed law provides that upon receipt of a signed petition terminating a public health
emergency, no further action is needed from the governor to effectuate the termination of the state
of public health emergency. Provides that the governor may ask the legislature for authority to renew
the declaration.
Proposed law provides that no public health emergency may continue for longer than 30 days unless
authorized by the legislature as provided by proposed law.
Proposed law establishes a balloting procedure by which the legislature may authorize the governor
to renew a public health emergency.
Effective upon signature of governor or lapse of time for gubernatorial action.
(Amends R.S. 29:768; Adds R.S. 29:768.1)
Summary of Amendments Adopted by House
The Committee Amendments Proposed by House Committee on House and Governmental
Affairs to the original bill:
1. Add that the petition may establish a period where no other declaration of a public health
emergency may be issued.
2. Add a provision that the clerical officer of the respective house will then send the signed
petition to the other house, the governor, and the secretary of state. Further add that the
clerical officer must also publish the petition on the joint legislative website and in the
official journal of the state.


Statutes affected:
HB60 Original:
HB60 Engrossed:
HB60 Reengrossed: