2021 House Bill 4049

Transfer power to close schools during epidemic from state health department to locals

Introduced in the House

Jan. 27, 2021

Introduced by Rep. Pamela Hornberger (R-32)

To establish that the director of the Department of Health and Human Services does not have the authority to issue epidemic-related emergency orders that close schools for in-person instruction or prohibit school sporting events. The legislature gave this authority to the state health department director in the Public Health Code enacted in 1978; the bill would amend that law by instead giving this authority to local health departments.

Referred to the Committee on Appropriations

Feb. 3, 2021

Reported without amendment

With the recommendation that the substitute (H-1) be adopted and that the bill then pass.

Feb. 4, 2021

Passed in the House 57 to 52 (details)

Received in the Senate

Feb. 9, 2021

Referred to the Committee on Appropriations

March 2, 2021

Amendment offered

To remove a tie-bar the bill to House Bill 4048, meaning that bill does not need to become law for this one to also become law. HB 4048 is a massive epidemic-related supplemental spending bill.

The amendment passed by voice vote

Passed in the Senate 20 to 15 (details)

To establish that the director of the Department of Health and Human Services does not have the authority to issue epidemic-related emergency orders that close schools for in-person instruction or prohibit school sporting events. The legislature gave this authority to the state health department director in the Public Health Code enacted in 1978; the bill would amend that law by instead giving this authority to local health departments.

Received in the House

March 3, 2021

Passed in the House 60 to 50 (details)

To concur with the Senate-passed version of the bill.

Vetoed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer

March 9, 2021

Received in the House

March 9, 2021

Referred to the Committee on Appropriations