Rhode Island House Bill H7218

Rhode Island 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/26/22
• Refer: 1/26/22

Caption

House Resolution Terminating The Governor's State Of Emergency Declaration

Impact

The bill positions the General Assembly as a crucial check on executive power, reinforcing the principle that extended emergency powers should require legislative oversight and approval. This change implies that future declarations of a state of emergency would need to be either closely monitored or renewed by the General Assembly through a concurrent resolution, promoting transparency and accountability in governmental actions taken during emergencies.

Summary

House Bill H7218, titled 'House Resolution Terminating The Governor's State Of Emergency Declaration,' was introduced in the Rhode Island General Assembly in January 2022. The bill aims to terminate the emergency powers granted to the Governor under Rhode Island General Law § 30-15-9(e), which were initially invoked to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. It reflects the legislative body's intent to limit the Governor's unilateral decision-making authority during declared states of emergency, specifically addressing the powers that the Governor has exercised in relation to the COVID-19 state of emergency since March 2020.

Conclusion

Ultimately, H7218 reflects a legislative intent to redefine the framework within which emergency powers are exercised in Rhode Island, aligning such powers more closely with legislative oversight and public accountability. The discourse around the bill underscores the evolving dynamics of governance during emergencies and highlights the importance of collaborative decision-making in the state government.

Contention

Points of contention surrounding H7218 involve discussions about the balance of power between the legislative and executive branches. Advocates for the bill argue that it is essential to prevent potential overreach by the Governor during future emergencies, citing concerns that prolonged emergency orders may infringe upon individual liberties and local governance. Conversely, opponents may voice concerns regarding the challenges that could arise from restricting the Governor's authority, especially in situations requiring swift and decisive action to protect public health and safety.