Indiana House Bill HCR0002

Indiana 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 11/16/21

Caption

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION terminating the public health emergency first declared on March 6, 2020, in Executive Order 20-02.

Impact

If passed, HCR0002 would effectively end the series of executive orders issued by Governor Eric Holcomb that have been in place to manage the COVID-19 crisis. This would revoke the legislative authority that allowed the governor to extend the public health emergency multiple times, creating a significant shift in how the state handles public health crises moving forward. It also indicates a desire from the legislature to reassert its authority over disaster declarations, stating that the conditions requiring emergency legislation are no longer present.

Summary

HCR0002 is a concurrent resolution aimed at terminating the public health emergency in Indiana that was originally declared on March 6, 2020, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The resolution reflects the legislative perception that the state has transitioned past the acute phase of the pandemic and that the precautions previously deemed necessary are no longer justified. It emphasizes the belief that residents are capable of managing their health and safety without the enforcement of ongoing emergency measures.

Contention

Discussion around HCR0002 may reveal contention, particularly among legislators concerned about the continuing risks associated with COVID-19 variants. Some may argue that terminating the emergency prematurely could undermine public health responses and safety measures, particularly in vulnerable populations. Opponents of the resolution may emphasize the necessity of maintaining certain protocols until the state reaches a more stable public health status. Thus, while aiming to restore a sense of normalcy, the bill raises questions regarding preparedness for future health crises.