Bill > HF26

This bill restructures Minnesota's emergency management laws by shifting emergency declaration powers from the governor to the state legislature. The bill, titled the "Never Again Act," fundamentally changes how emergencies are declared and managed in the state. Key provisions include requiring a two-thirds vote in both legislative chambers to declare an emergency, which can last up to 30 days and can be extended by another legislative vote. The bill explicitly protects citizens' rights during emergencies, preventing infringement on freedoms such as free speech, religious exercise, assembly, bearing arms, travel, and operating businesses. It removes the governor's unilateral power to declare emergencies and issue orders with the force of law, instead requiring legislative approval and oversight. The bill also modifies numerous existing statutes to replace references to gubernatorial emergency declarations with legislative emergency declarations. Additionally, it repeals previous statutes related to executive emergency powers, effectively transferring emergency management authority from the executive branch to the legislative branch. The proposed changes aim to increase democratic accountability and prevent potential overreach during emergency situations by ensuring that emergency powers are approved and controlled by elected representatives rather than a single executive official.

Government Affairs, Military Affairs and Security

https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/bill.php?b=House&f=HF0026&ssn=0&y=2025