2020 Senate Bill 1253

Limit state health department epidemic orders without legislative approval

Introduced in the Senate

Dec. 3, 2020

Introduced by Sen. Lana Theis (R-22)

To restrict emergency orders issued by state health department (the Department of Health and Human Services) in response to an epidemic to 28 days unless an extension is approved by the legislature.

Referred to the Committee on Government Operations

Dec. 10, 2020

Amendment offered by Sen. Jim Ananich (D-27)

To not limit orders to 28 days.

The amendment failed 16 to 22 (details)

Amendment offered by Sen. Winnie Brinks (D-29)

To place in state a law imposing face mask mandates on residents in specified circumstances during the coronavirus epidemic.

The amendment failed 16 to 22 (details)

Passed in the Senate 22 to 16 (details)

Received in the House

Dec. 15, 2020

Referred to the Committee on Government Operations

Dec. 17, 2020

Substitute offered by Rep. Luke Meerman (R-88)

To adopt a version of the bill with provisions for places of worship and inconsistent business closure rules.

The substitute passed by voice vote

Amendment offered by Rep. LaTanya Garrett (D-7)

To place in law provisions imposing specific public facemask mandates.

The amendment failed by voice vote

Amendment offered by Rep. Vanessa Guerra (D-95)

To strip out the provision limiting emergency orders to 28 days without legislative consent.

The amendment failed by voice vote

Passed in the House 59 to 44 (details)

To restrict emergency orders issued by state health department (the Department of Health and Human Services) in response to an epidemic to 28 days unless an extension is approved by the legislature. The bill would also prohibit imposing restrictions on the capacity of persons at a place of worship or the administration of a sacrament. If an order otherwise forces a business to close but it observes all the safety precautions required of one allowed to remain open, the firm would be allowed to remain open. The provisions also apply to local health departments.

Received in the Senate

Dec. 18, 2020

Passed in the Senate 21 to 16 (details)

Vetoed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer

Dec. 30, 2020