SB97 Summary

• State Health Officer orders relating to disease or pandemic outbreaks require Governor approval and filing with Secretary of State to take effect as law during a declared public health emergency.

• States of emergency terminate after 45 days unless extended by Governor proclamation (up to 120 days total) or further extended by Legislature through joint resolution.

• Governor may extend emergencies without limit only for those affecting less than one-third of counties, oil spills, or weather-related events including hurricanes, tornadoes, droughts, and floods.

• Prohibits Governor and State Health Officer from ordering vaccinations during emergencies when individuals assert medical conditions, bona fide religious beliefs, or sincerely held personal beliefs against vaccination.

• Repeals Section 11-47-132 authorizing municipalities to adopt and enforce ordinances compelling vaccination.