The original instrument and the following digest, which constitutes no part of the
legislative instrument, were prepared by Dawn Romero Watson.
DIGEST
SB 507 Original 2020 Regular Session White
Present law provides that the governor is responsible for meeting the dangers to the state and people
presented by emergencies or disasters, and may issue executive orders, proclamations, and
regulations and amend or rescind them. Provides that executive orders, proclamations, and
regulations so issued shall have the force and effect of law.
Present law provides that a disaster or emergency, or both, shall be declared by executive order or
proclamation of the governor if he finds that a disaster or emergency has occurred or the threat
thereof is imminent. The state of disaster or emergency shall continue until the governor finds that
the threat of danger has passed or the disaster or emergency has been dealt with to the extent that the
emergency conditions no longer exist and terminates the state of disaster or emergency by executive
order or proclamation, but no state of disaster or emergency may continue for longer than thirty days
unless renewed by the governor.
Present law provides that all executive orders or proclamations shall indicate the nature of the
disaster or emergency, the designated emergency area which is or may be affected, and the conditions
which have brought it about or which make possible the termination of the state of disaster or
emergency. An executive order or proclamation shall be disseminated promptly by means calculated
to bring its contents to the attention of the general public and, unless the circumstances attendant
upon the disaster or emergency prevent or impede it, promptly filed with the Governor's Office of
Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness and with the secretary of state.
Present law provides that in the event of an emergency declared by the governor, any person or
representative of any firm, partnership, or corporation violating any order, rule, or regulation, shall
be fined not more than $500 or confined in the parish jail for not more than six months, or both.
Proposed law provides that in addition to penalties provided in present law, in the event of a public
health emergency declared by the governor that limits the number of individuals participating in an
assembly or gathering in an effort to contain or control the public health emergency, no person shall
organize or participate in the gathering or assembly in violation of the proclamation. Provides that
any person found in violation of proposed law shall be fined $500 and may be confined to parish jail
for not more than six months.
Effective upon signature of the governor or lapse of time for gubernatorial action.
(Amends R.S. 29:724(E))