SB 514 Summary

• Establishes comprehensive procedures for issuing public health orders (quarantine, isolation, and other restrictions) during declared public health emergencies, requiring Probate Court approval and due process protections.

• Creates multiple types of public health orders: ex parte preliminary orders (non-emergency), emergency preliminary orders (exigent circumstances), and final orders after a hearing within 72 hours with clear and convincing evidence standard.

• Requires all public health orders be issued in writing specifying the disease/contamination basis, duration (maximum 20 days, renewable), medical justification, and confirmation that restrictions are the least restrictive necessary means.

• Mandates that individuals subject to quarantine or isolation receive adequate food, shelter, medical care, communication means, and personal protective equipment; allows religious/spiritual treatment; and protects family unity to the extent possible.

• Prohibits employers from discharging or penalizing employees subject to public health orders and grants affected employees the right to sue for lost wages, with reasonable attorney's fees if they prevail; creates exception for work absences exceeding 21 consecutive days.

• Provides appellate review to Superior Court and requires annual reporting to the Governor and legislature on implementation of public health orders issued during the preceding year.