Bill > SF1191

This bill fundamentally changes Minnesota's emergency management procedures by shifting emergency declaration powers from the governor to the legislature. The Never Again Act would require a two-thirds vote in both legislative chambers to declare an emergency, which can last up to 30 days and must be explicitly extended, instead of allowing the governor unilateral emergency powers. The bill specifically limits government actions during emergencies by explicitly protecting citizens' constitutional rights, including free speech, religious freedom, right to assemble, right to bear arms, freedom of travel, and the right to operate a business. Key provisions include requiring legislative approval for emergency declarations, removing the governor's ability to issue orders with the force of law during emergencies, and ensuring that emergency powers cannot be used to infringe on individual rights. The bill repeals existing statutes related to gubernatorial emergency powers and creates a new process where the legislature must actively declare and extend emergencies, with strict limitations on the duration and scope of those declarations. By transferring emergency declaration authority from the executive to the legislative branch, the bill aims to provide more democratic oversight and prevent potential abuses of emergency powers.

Government Affairs

https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/bill.php?b=Senate&f=SF1191&ssn=0&y=2025