Senate committee advances bill to clarify executive authority over emergency unemployment determinations

Madam Chair of the Senate Public Health, Welfare and Labor Committee recognized Senator Deushman to present Senate Bill 1, which he said would restore legislative authority for certain emergency actions related to unemployment benefits.

Senator Deushman told the committee that “the governor on May 19, issued a letter saying that we would suspend or end the emergency, unemployment,” and that portions of those actions were dated June 27 and June 30. He said a court had found that the governor lacked the legislative authority to make those calls and that SB 1 “allows that authority to exist” and “allows DHS to make that determination.”

The bill’s sponsor did not read statutory language into the record during the brief presentation. When the chair opened the floor to questions, Senator Hammer was recognized and asked: “Did you consult with the attorney general?” Senator Deushman responded that the attorney general’s office and legal staff at DWS were involved in developing the bill and that, in his view, the measure satisfied the court’s concerns.

Madam Chair asked whether anyone in the public wished to speak; no members of the public came forward. The committee then moved to a do-pass recommendation for SB 1. The transcript records a voice vote; the chair called for those in favor to say “aye,” and declared the bill passed. The record does not show a roll-call tally, the names of a mover or seconder, or any recorded opposition.

With no further business on the agenda, the chair thanked members and dismissed the committee.