Bill > LD1573

This bill modifies Maine's emergency powers law by adding a new provision that restricts the Governor's ability to extend or renew emergency proclamations without legislative approval. Specifically, the bill prevents the Governor from reissuing or renewing an emergency proclamation, issuing a new proclamation that is substantially similar to a previous expired proclamation, or reissuing a proclamation that the Legislature has already terminated, unless the Legislature first provides explicit approval. This change appears to be designed to increase legislative oversight of the Governor's emergency powers, likely in response to concerns about executive authority during prolonged states of emergency. The bill amends section 742, subsection 1 of Title 37-B of the Maine Revised Statutes Annotated (MRSA), which deals with emergency management and civil defense, by adding a new paragraph F to codify these restrictions on the Governor's emergency proclamation powers.

Government Affairs

https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/display_ps.asp?LD=1573&snum=132