A grocery store displays a sign requiring customers to wear masks in Austin, Texas on March 10, 2021. [Photo/Agencies] When the COVID-19 pandemic hit a year ago, many US governors invoked emergency powers to impose restrictions on residents, ranging from temporarily ordering them to remain home to mandatory wearing of masks and the shutting down of restaurant indoor dining, gyms and other businesses. Lawmakers in 45 states have proposed more than 300 measures this year related to legislative oversight of executive actions during the pandemic or other emergencies, said the National Conference of State Legislatures. Some of the proposals are going further to fundamentally shift power from governors to lawmakers even if there is another virus outbreak, a terrorist attack or a natural disaster.