By State Sen. Jeff Raatz (R-Richmond)
During the COVID-19 pandemic, many major decisions impacting the lives of Hoosiers were being made by the state executive branch with little or no input from legislators or the judicial branch.
The executive branch declared a statewide public health emergency on March 6, 2020, which was extended 23 times until March of 2022, giving the governor broad authority to issue executive orders throughout that time.
For that reason, I co-authored Senate Enrolled Act 234 to ensure any future disaster emergency considerations must include input from the General Assembly.
Thanks to this new law, statewide disaster emergencies declared by the governor can only last for 60 days. After the 60 days, the governor must call the General Assembly back into session for it to be renewed.
If the General Assembly does not renew the disaster emergency, the governor cannot call for a new statewide disaster emergency unless it is for a disaster wholly unrelated to the previous disaster. This provision ensures there will be input from the General Assembly if it is to be a prolonged disaster declaration.
It is extremely important that different parts of the state and our government to work together in times of crisis. In the General Assembly, authority is broadly distributed so as many voices as possible are considered to help ensure elected officials make the best possible laws and regulations on behalf of those they represent.
Constituents can reach out to me with any questions or concerns they may have by filling out a "Contact Me" form on the IndianaSenateRepublicans.com/Raatz website or by phone at 800-382-9467.
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State Sen. Jeff Raatz (R-Richmond) represents Senate District 27, which includes
Henry, Union and Wayne counties, and portions of Franklin County.
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