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Representative requests bill to extend governors COVID-19 emergency declaration through June
Summary
Representative Ray secured leave to open a bill file to draft a joint resolution extending the governors COVID-19 emergency declaration to June to preserve access to federal funding; the House granted leave to open the file by voice vote but did not adopt a resolution that day.
Representative Ray asked the House for leave to open a bill file to draft a joint resolution that would extend the governors COVID-19 emergency declaration through June, explaining that the existing declaration is effective for 30 days and extension would preserve the state's ability to draw down federal funding for test kits and response activities. "What we're proposing is actually doing a joint resolution to extend that declaration out till June," Ray said, adding the governor could rescind the declaration at any time.
Members asked whether the resolution could or should address upcoming party caucuses and conventions; Ray answered those political-convention decisions would likely be handled by the parties in coordination with the Department of Health and the governors office. Representative Ward spoke in favor, noting the statutory limits on the original 30-day declaration and urging flexibility. The House voted by voice to grant Representative Ray leave to open a bill file; the motion passed.
No joint resolution was introduced or adopted on the floor during the March 10 session; the action recorded was permission to prepare a bill file and draft language for possible floor consideration later.
