May 10, 2021 / 11:05 PM EST
INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) The Indianapolis City-County Council on Monday night restored county virus restrictions after state legislators’ veto override stripped health officials of their power to make guidelines during health emergencies.
Under the new law, if local health leaders want tougher restrictions than the state issued, a city or county council will have to pass them. The measure also allows the county commissioners or mayors to reverse emergency decisions, such as shutdown orders, issued by their local health departments.
The City-County Council passed Proposal 170 in a 19-5 vote on Monday night to restore the virus restrictions already in place in Marion County. Dr. Virginia Caine, director of the Marion County Health Department, was at the virtual meeting along with the councilors.
Indiana legislature overrides Holcomb s veto of bill to limit powers of local health officials wishtv.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from wishtv.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
Credit FILE PHOTO: Brandon Smith / IPB News/Gov. Eric Holcomb s Office
Gov. Eric Holcomb sued the Indiana General Assembly Tuesday over legislation that would give lawmakers more authority to intervene during a public emergency.
Many lawmakers felt sidelined during the COVID-19 pandemic as the governor issued dozens of executive orders, some of which legislators openly opposed. To give themselves more opportunity to intervene in the future, lawmakers passed a bill, HB 1123, that allows them to call a special session of the General Assembly during a public emergency.
But Holcomb – supported by some constitutional experts – believes the Indiana Constitution exclusively gives the governor that power. And he’s suing to find out for sure.
Listen to the broadcast version of this story.
Gov. Eric Holcomb sued the Indiana General Assembly Tuesday over legislation that would give lawmakers more authority to intervene during a public emergency.
Many lawmakers felt sidelined during the COVID-19 pandemic as the governor issued dozens of executive orders, some of which legislators openly opposed. To give themselves more opportunity to intervene in the future, lawmakers passed a bill, HB 1123, that allows them to call a special session of the General Assembly during a public emergency.
But Holcomb – supported by some constitutional experts – believes the Indiana Constitution exclusively gives the governor that power. And he’s suing to find out for sure.
Holcomb sues in bid to void emergency bill
Says passed law is unconstitutional
NIKI KELLY | The Journal Gazette
INDIANAPOLIS – Republican Gov. Eric Holcomb filed suit Tuesday against the Indiana General Assembly and its GOP leaders, claiming they approved an unconstitutional law. But procedural issues might stop the court case before that question is determined.
That s because Attorney General Todd Rokita said Holcomb has no right to sue.
Holcomb is asking a Marion County judge for a permanent injunction blocking a new law allowing lawmakers to call themselves in for emergency session.
“I took an oath to uphold the Constitution of the State of Indiana and I have an obligation to do so. This filing is about the future of the executive branch and all the Governors who will serve long after I m gone,” Holcomb said in a news release.