Emergency Powers Bill Update: Changes Will Remove Governor’s Ability To Re-Issue Orders
Image Credit: Gov. Bill Lee / Facebook
The Tennessee Conservative [By Kelly M. Jackson] –
Last week, Freshman House Representative Bryan Richey (R-District 20- Maryville) filed HB0189.
The legislation, as introduced, repeals the authority of the governor to renew an executive order to address an emergency after 45 days; authorizes the governor to call the general assembly into an extraordinary session to address the emergency; if the general assembly fails to address the emergency, authorizes the governor to renew the executive order one year after the expiration of the original order or one year after the adjournment of session, whichever occurs later.
Yesterday, January 24th, that bill was withdrawn in favor of a new bill that made some changes to the language, with specificity to the section that allows the Governor to re-issue an executive order that was in effect due to a state of emergency but, had expired. The governor would not be able to reissue that order for one full year.
The new legislation filed yesterday to replace HB0189, is HB0422, which removes entirely the Governor’s ability to re-issue the same order once the order has expired. Additionally, the new version of the bill changes the process for renewal in one other way, through a house joint resolution, versus the passage of legislation.
As introduced, HB0422 authorizes the renewal or extension of the executive order or proclamation issued by the governor declaring a state of emergency only by passage of a joint resolution by the general assembly. – Amends TCA Title 4; Title 8 and Title 58.
According to House bill sponsor, Bryan Richey, it is expected that the bill will have co-sponsorship in the State Senate.
About the Author: Kelly Jackson is a recent escapee from corporate America, and a California refugee to Tennessee. Christ follower, Wife and Mom of three amazing teenagers. She has a BA in Comm from Point Loma Nazarene University, and has a background in law enforcement and human resources. Since the summer of 2020, she has spent any and all free time in the trenches with local grassroots orgs, including Mom’s for Liberty Williamson County and Tennessee Stands as a core member. Outspoken advocate for parents rights, medical freedom, and individual liberty.
