Louisiana lawmakers hope to revoke COVID-19 restrictions implemented by Governor John Bel Edwards and temporarily halt him from signing new regulations. The announcement comes as the state legislature adjourned its second special session on Friday, about five days ahead of schedule.
A state rule allows lawmakers to end a state of public health emergency at any time with a petition signed by a majority of members in either the House or Senate. They can also created a period of time where the governor cannot issue another declaration of public health emergency.
According to KATC, House GOP leader Blake Miguez and a majority of House lawmakers plan to sign a petition that revokes Gov. Edwards' public health emergency declaration and prevents him from creating new restrictions for one week. The petition is expected to be delivered to Gov. Edwards' office on Friday.
Many state lawmakers have said Gov. Edwards' restrictions negatively impact Louisiana's economy. Edwards, however, credits the rules for the plateau of COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations since July, KPLC reports.
In a press conference on Friday, Gov. Edwards said he has yet to see the petition but called the move "reckless, irresponsible, and unconscionable" while also questioning its constitutionality.
If legislation is passed, it heads to Gov. Edwards' desk where he can veto it.
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