Both houses of the Kentucky legislature have moved early to scale back emergency orders issued by the governor which, now in the irony of all ironies, will be sent to Governor Andy Beshear for his signature.
The bill says executive orders that place restrictions on the function of schools, businesses, or non-profit groups would expire after 30 days unless extended by the General Assembly.
Executive orders that regulate religious, political, and social gatherings or impose mandatory quarantines or isolation would also expire after 30 days. The bill passed the Senate by a 27-9 vote and the House 73-15.
Beshear said the new law will keep the state from providing clear guidance in the fight against COVID-19.
click to download audioThe House version, sponsored by Tompkinsville Republican Bart Rowland, said those entities should remain open as long as their policies meet or exceed U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines.
Beshear commented on the General Assembly action Friday and criticized the basis for the proposed law.
click to download audioBeshear has used executive orders since the pandemic began in March to order the shutdowns of businesses and schools to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19. Republican lawmakers have expressed their displeasure about not being included in discussions with Beshear about the executive orders and their effects on the state’s economy.
Beshear said he has chosen to receive guidance from medical experts on how to deal with the COVID-19 spread instead of lawmakers.
click to download audioThe bills could reach Beshear’s desk for his signature this weekend. With a 3-to-1 super-majority over Democrats in each chamber of the Kentucky General Assembly, the Republican-led legislature could easily override a veto by Beshear if he were to do so.
