This legislative bill proposes changes to how emergency management is handled in Minnesota. The key points of the bill include:

1. Legislative Approval for Emergencies: The bill requires that any declared emergency by the governor cannot extend beyond five days without approval from the legislature. If the extension beyond five days is needed, it must be approved by both the House of Representatives and the Senate.

2. Definition of Emergencies: The bill clarifies what constitutes a declared emergency, including bioterrorism and public health emergencies characterized by substantial threats to health due to infectious agents or toxins.

3. Governor’s Powers: It amends the powers of the governor during emergencies, particularly in procuring supplies, instituting programs, and coordinating with federal and other state bodies. Decisions such as altering state employee work conditions, school schedules, and certain state functions can be adjusted in times of emergency.

4. Legislative Oversight on Emergency Decisions: Important decisions, like extending state of emergencies or expending certain amounts of federal funding, require legislative oversight or approval.

5. Protection of Rights: It ensures that citizen rights are safeguarded during emergencies by limiting the governor’s ability to suspend business licenses or violate constitutional rights without proper justification.

6. Execution of Emergency Operations: The bill allows the governor to make necessary arrangements to manage emergencies effectively, like entering into contracts and mobilizing resources without being hindered by usual procedural requirements.

7. Public and Legal Accountability: The bill stipulates that all contracts and agreements made during an emergency must be in writing, executed by authorized personnel, and promptly filed with appropriate state officials to ensure transparency and accountability.

The overall intention behind the bill is to add a layer of checks and balances to the executive powers during emergency situations, ensuring that significant decisions are backed by legislative support while still allowing flexibility and swift action needed to manage emergencies effectively.