HB 2578 Summary

• Limits gubernatorial emergency declarations for public health emergencies to initial periods of 30 days, with extensions of no more than 30 days each, capped at 120 days total unless extended by concurrent resolution of the legislature.

• Requires the legislature to automatically convene in special session without gubernatorial consent if a state of emergency extends beyond 60 days, and mandates gubernatorial requests for extension include specific reasons, requested length, and a plan of action.

• Empowers the legislature to extend emergency declarations multiple times by concurrent resolution and allows the legislature to limit or modify emergency powers by a two-thirds vote.

• Prevents the governor from declaring a new state of emergency based on identical conditions after one expires unless the legislature consents by concurrent resolution.

• Maintains existing restrictions on emergency powers regarding firearms and ammunition, and preserves requirements for notice, dispute resolution, and clear and convincing evidence standards before revoking business licenses during emergencies.