2020 House Bill 5710

Revise penalties for violating governor’s orders during declared emergency

Introduced in the House

April 16, 2020

Introduced by Rep. Jason Sheppard (R-56)

To revise the penalties in one of the two laws that authorize a governor to assume extraordinary powers during an emergency, including the statewide “lockdowns” ordered under the 2020 coronavirus epidemic. The current law makes violations “a misdemeanor,” and the bill would add a “civil infraction” provision and specify fines of either $250 for individuals, and up to $5,000 for businesses or other entities. This bill amends the state’s 1976 emergency declarations law; House Bill 5709 amends a 1945 law to make the same change.

Referred to the Committee on Government Operations