Our General Assembly must have unilateral constitutional power to reconvene during emergencies. Never again shall we allow the Executive Branch unlimited renewal of emergency rules without check or balance from the General Assembly.
The COVID-19 emergency proved the disastrous effect that unbalanced power has on our liberties and livelihoods.
I spoke in favor of HB 1123 in 2021 during the Senate’s Committee on Rules and Legislative Procedure because the General Assembly was, at least, trying to fight for the principle of checks and balances.
The Judicial Branch agrees with allowing the General Assembly unilateral power to reconvene but expects the power to be established in our State Constitution.