Alabama 2022 Regular Session

Alabama Senate Bill SB255

Introduced

2/23/22

Refer

2/23/22

Engrossed

3/10/22

Refer

3/10/22

Caption

State Health Officer, order issued in response to outbreak of a disease has full force of law if approved by Governor and filed with Secretary of State in state of emergency, Sec. 22-2-8 am'd.

Impact

The bill would significantly affect existing public health laws by reinforcing the centralized authority of the State Health Officer during emergencies. It enables a quicker response mechanism for health threats that may arise suddenly and require immediate action. Stakeholders believe this will enhance public health safety; however, it may also raise concerns regarding potential overreach of executive powers, particularly regarding the balance of authority between the state legislature and the executive branch during emergencies.

Summary

SB255 is a legislative proposal that grants the State Health Officer considerable authority during public health emergencies. Specifically, it ensures that any orders issued by the Health Officer in response to an outbreak of a disease will have the full force of law, provided these orders receive approval from the Governor and are filed with the Secretary of State. This framework is intended to facilitate swift and effective responses to health crises, allowing the state to manage outbreaks more efficiently and protect public health.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB255 appears to be mixed. Supporters, including health officials and emergency management advocates, argue that it equips the state with necessary tools to address public health challenges effectively. They emphasize the importance of expedient action in times of crisis. Conversely, opponents express concerns about the broad powers granted to the Health Officer and the implications for checks and balances within the state's governance structure, suggesting that it could set a concerning precedent for government authority in future emergencies.

Contention

A notable point of contention relates to the potential implications for civil liberties and local autonomy. Critics of SB255 warn that such expansive powers could lead to decisions being made without sufficient legislative oversight, thus sidelining local governance. This concern raises fundamental questions about the degree of authority that should be entrusted to state officials in emergency situations, reflecting a broader debate about public safety versus individual rights.

Latest AL SB255 Activity

View All Events: AL 2022 Regular Session SB255

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

AL HB143

State Health Officer; approval by Governor required before certain emergency rules, orders, or directives are effective

AL SB74

State Health Officer, qualifications and appointment of revised, authority during states of emergency revised.

AL SB128

Public Health Department State Board of Health, entity abolished and duties transferred to State Committee of Public Health; membership of committee revised; State Health Officer duties and qualifications revised

AL HJR113

United States Government, urges to disassociate with World Health Organization

AL SB105

Relating to civil liability; to amend Section 6-5-332, Code of Alabama 1975, to limit the liability of members of any community emergency response team who perform emergency care at the scene of an accident or disaster.

AL HB276

Law enforcement, authorizes state colleges to employ retired law enforcement officers without officers losing retirement allowance

AL SJR63

Urging the Trump Administration, the United States Secretary of Defense, and the United States Secretary of the Air Force to establish a permanent headquarters for the United States Space Command at Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, Alabama

AL HB186

Appropriations from State General Fund for executive, legislative, and judicial agencies of the State, other functions of government, debt service, and capital outlay for fiscal year ending September 30, 2026

AL SB148

AL SB67

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