HF233

This legislative bill, titled "Unilateral Emergency Powers Repeal Act," aims to overhaul how emergency powers are handled in Minnesota. It proposes to strip the Governor of the authority to unilaterally declare emergencies and shifts this power to the Legislature, requiring a two-thirds majority vote from both houses for such a declaration. Additionally, it would require legislative approval to extend any declared emergency beyond five days.

The bill also aims to prohibit the Governor and other state directors from infringing on certain citizen rights, such as free speech, religious exercise, assembly, bearing arms, freedom of travel, and the right to operate a business or earn income, during an emergency. It removes the Governor's ability to impose orders and rules that would have the force of law during an emergency, instead allowing only the Legislature to enact such measures.

Furthermore, the bill includes various amendments to the existing statutes to align with these changes, ensuring that emergency powers can be more transparently and democratically managed and that the rights and freedoms of citizens are better protected during state emergencies.