Lawmakers target governor's emergency powers, recommend changes

State lawmakers gathered Thursday to discuss limiting the power of the executive branch during declared emergencies, such as the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Special Committee on the Kansas Emergency Management Act went through at least 37 items of legislation that would change Kansas’ emergency management laws, and it recommended many of them on Thursday for consideration in the next legislative session.

“I don’t believe there was any intent coming from this committee to broaden the authority of the governor,” said Rep. Stephen Owens, R-Hesston. “I believe it was the intent of this committee ... to further regulate said authority, not to enhance it.”

Items the committee looked at included those targeted at Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly. Some were technical, such as requiring that the governor specify, when issuing an emergency order, the statute allowing such action. Others had more impact, such as how the Legislature would have oversight over the governor’s powers if not in session.

Read more: https://www.cjonline.com/news/20200924/lawmakers-target-governorrsquos-emergency-powers-recommend-changes
(Topeka Capital-Journal)