Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Minnesota Senate Bill SF454

Introduced
1/21/25  

Caption

Legislative approval requirement for approval to extend a declared emergency beyond five days; legislative enactment requirement before certain executive orders and rules may have the force and effect of law

Impact

The proposed bill modifies existing statutes related to emergency declarations, affecting how emergencies can be managed in the state. It alters the context in which the governor can operate during a declared emergency, necessitating collaboration with the legislature. By defining 'bioterrorism' and 'public health emergency', the bill clarifies the scope and nature of emergencies that may warrant government intervention, indicating that legislative bodies will maintain a direct role in disaster management decisions.

Summary

SF454 introduces significant changes to emergency management in Minnesota, specifically detailing the requirements for legislative approval to extend declared emergencies beyond five days. The bill asserts that emergency executive orders and rules will not take effect as law unless enacted by the legislature. This shifts some of the governor's powers during emergencies, aiming to enhance legislative oversight and protect citizen rights, thereby curbing potential executive overreach during crises.

Contention

Debate surrounding SF454 may center on the balance between effective emergency response and preserving civil liberties. Critics could argue that requiring legislative approval for emergencies impedes swift action during critical situations, while supporters might contend that this ensures checks and balances on executive power. Additionally, the definitions introduced in the bill regarding bioterrorism and public health emergencies could cause discussions on their implications for public policy and emergency preparedness in the state.

Companion Bills

MN HF288

Similar To Legislative approval required to extend a declared emergency beyond five days, citizen rights protected, legislative enactment required before certain executive orders and rules may have the force and effect of law, terms defined, and criminal penalties repealed.

Previously Filed As

MN SF3256

Legislative approval to extend a declared emergency beyond five days requirement; legislative enactment before certain executive orders and rules may have the force and effect of law requirement

MN HF3224

Legislative approval required to extend declared emergency beyond five days, citizen rights protected, legislative enactment required before executive orders and rules may have the force and effect of law, terms defined, and criminal penalties repealed.

MN HF4257

Governor's power to declare emergency repealed, legislative emergency declaration and extension process established, governor's authority to adopt orders and expedited rules that have effect during emergency repealed, and citizen rights protected.

MN HF556

Three-fifths majority approval required from both legislative bodies to extend peacetime emergencies beyond 30 days.

MN SF955

Three-fifths majority approval requirement from booth bodies to extend peacetime emergencies beyond 30 days

MN HF546

Procedures and requirements modified for orders and rules promulgated during a peacetime emergency.

MN SF3028

Legislative approval for adoption of rules requirement

MN SF4692

Unilateral Emergency Powers Repeal Act

MN SF4246

Unilateral Emergency Powers Repeal Act establishment

MN HF4600

Ambulance staffing requirements and emergency medical responder registration modified, authority to reinstate ambulance service personnel certifications extended, requirements for approval and reapproval of education programs modified, and appropriation modified.

Similar Bills

MN SF241

Legislative approval requirement to extend the duration of a peacetime emergency declared by the governor

MN HF208

Minnesota Latino Museum funding provided, bonds issued, and money appropriated.

MN HF732

Legislative approval for peacetime emergency extension required, and duration limited.

MN SF3256

Legislative approval to extend a declared emergency beyond five days requirement; legislative enactment before certain executive orders and rules may have the force and effect of law requirement

MN HF3224

Legislative approval required to extend declared emergency beyond five days, citizen rights protected, legislative enactment required before executive orders and rules may have the force and effect of law, terms defined, and criminal penalties repealed.

MN SF955

Three-fifths majority approval requirement from booth bodies to extend peacetime emergencies beyond 30 days

MN HF556

Three-fifths majority approval required from both legislative bodies to extend peacetime emergencies beyond 30 days.

MN SF1216

Peacetime emergency extension beyond 14 days approval by supermajority of each house of the legislator requirement provision