When Executive Orders go unchecked by the legislature, the opportunity to abuse power threatens our most important freedoms. This includes the freedom to make healthcare decisions for yourself and your family.
Since Governor Phil Murphy declared the first state of health emergency in New Jersey, he has issued 179 additional executive orders, the latest Executive Order 280 reinstated a NJ Public Health Emergency. His Executive Order powers have enabled him to hand down dozens of directives without any input or oversight from the New Jersey legislature. As a result, S1200 was introduced to restore desperately needed checks and balances in the lawmaking process.
Sponsored by Senator Declan O’Scanlon (R-13) & Senator Vin Gopal (D-11), limits the duration of a State of Emergency to 60 days unless an extension is authorized by the Legislature, and limits a public health emergency declaration to a total of 60 days (the initial 30 day duration and one 30-day renewal by the Governor as provided by current law) unless an extension is authorized by the legislature.