Bill > SF4692

This bill, the Unilateral Emergency Powers Repeal Act, makes several key changes to emergency management in Minnesota: It repeals the governor's ability to unilaterally declare a state of emergency and instead requires a two-thirds vote of the legislature to declare an emergency. The emergency declaration would be limited to 5 days initially and could only be extended for up to 30 days by another two-thirds legislative vote. The bill also repeals the governor's authority to issue orders and rules that have the force of law during an emergency. Instead, the legislature would have the sole authority to pass laws during an emergency. Additionally, the bill includes language explicitly protecting certain civil liberties, such as freedom of speech, religion, assembly, and the right to operate a business, from being infringed upon during an emergency. Overall, the bill significantly limits the governor's emergency powers and shifts that authority to the legislative branch, with the goal of providing more checks and balances during times of crisis.

Military Affairs and Security

https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/bill.php?b=Senate&f=SF4692&ssn=0&y=2023