Bill > HB676

This bill creates twelve regional State and Local Government Accountability Appeal Boards to ensure that issues related to the reopening or continuation of businesses during the COVID-19 emergency declaration are heard and resolved expeditiously. The boards will consist of five members, including three appointed by the governor, one by the speaker of the House, and one by the president of the Senate. The boards can hold hearings, subpoena witnesses, and issue binding determinations on business-related matters such as state health guidelines, government requirements, and license regulations. Parties can seek reconsideration of the boards' decisions, and further judicial review is available in the common pleas court. The bill declares this an emergency measure necessary to provide businesses a quick method to resolve issues hindering their operations during the COVID-19 crisis.