The House and Senate are at odds over how to handle the Governor’s public emergency health authority and COVID business restrictions. LaPolitics.com Publisher Jeremy Alford says the first week of the special session showed how each chamber feels about the Governor’s handling of the pandemic.
“You see a Senate that wants to be a little more deferential to the position of the Governor and I think the House wants to be a little more aggressive,” said Alford.
The Senate passed legislation that would require the Governor to notify Legislative leaders seven days ahead of time of any public health emergency extensions, and explain why it was necessary. The House has passed everything from a complete repeal of his declaration to bills allowing lawmakers to pick and choose what restrictions should be upheld.
The Senate passed one signature bill addressing public health authority last week, but Alford said the House approved nine different items tackling questions of gubernatorial emergency powers.
“It is kind of a see what sticks approach to policymaking,” said Alford.
Alford said there’s a mix of resolutions and bills that would strip the Governor of his public health powers in play, but the session could end anti-climatically as resolutions are only temporary, and any bills are likely to be rejected.
“He most certainly will veto anything that waters down his executive authority,” said Alford.
The special session could get interrupted later this week as the National Hurricane Center is predicting a hurricane could make landfall in Louisiana on Friday.
The special session must come to a close on Tuesday, October 27th at 6 PM.
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