SF1191

This legislative bill, known as the "Never Again Act," proposes the transfer of the authority to declare emergencies from the governor to the state legislature in Minnesota. It aims to ensure that during emergencies, the governor cannot unilaterally make decisions or issue orders that carry the full force of law; instead, such powers would be exercised only with legislative approval. The bill emphasizes protecting citizens’ rights during emergencies, including rights to free speech, religious exercise, assembly, bearing arms, traveling, and operating businesses. Additionally, it mandates adjustments to several state statutes to align with the new requirement that emergency declarations and the implementation of emergency measures require legislative approval. The bill also includes provisions for handling various emergencies related to health, public safety, and animal diseases, specifying how authority should be managed during these situations. All these measures collectively aim to create checks on the governor’s powers during emergencies, ensuring a more democratic process through legislative oversight.