HB 417 (2021)

Extends the length of a state of emergency from 21 to 30 days, and requires a majority of the House and Senate to renew a state of emergency. 

The House amended the bill to add a provision to automatically renew a state of emergency for 14 days if the legislature is unable to meet.  The House amendment also requires executive council approval in the acceptance of services, equipment, supplies, materials, or funds from the federal government during an emergency. The legislative fiscal committee must approve the acceptance of any gifts, grants, or loans over $100,000 related to the emergency.  This law would only take effect after the end of the COVID-19 emergency.

The Senate rewrote the bill.  The Senate version also extends the state of emergency from 21 to 30 days, but does not require a majority of the House and Senate to renew a state of emergency.  Instead, the legislature can terminate a state of emergency or any emergency order through a majority vote.  The Senate version of the bill specifically exempts the legislature from "any emergency orders that would infringe on their ability to travel and conduct their business as representatives of the people." The legislative fiscal committee must approve the acceptance of any gifts, grants, or loans over $100,000 related to the emergency.  This law would only take effect after the end of the COVID-19 emergency.

A conference committee of representatives and senators failed to agree on a final version of this bill.