Bill > HF288

This bill modifies Minnesota's emergency management procedures by introducing several key changes to how emergencies are declared, extended, and managed. The bill redefines terms like "declared emergency" and adds new definitions for "bioterrorism" and "public health emergency," which provide more precise legal descriptions of potential emergency scenarios. It significantly limits the governor's unilateral power during emergencies by requiring legislative approval to extend an emergency beyond five days, and mandates that any executive orders or rules issued during an emergency must be enacted into law by the legislature within five days to have full legal effect. The bill also protects citizens' rights by prohibiting the suspension of business licenses for failing to comply with emergency orders and ensuring that no constitutional rights are violated during an emergency. Additionally, the bill removes certain criminal penalties related to emergency management violations and adds provisions that require legislative oversight of substantial federal emergency funding. The changes aim to provide more checks and balances on executive emergency powers while maintaining the ability to respond quickly to critical situations, with a focus on protecting individual liberties and ensuring democratic accountability during times of crisis.

Government Affairs

https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/bill.php?b=House&f=HF0288&ssn=0&y=2025