Committee advances bill barring state agencies from self-declaring emergencies

A Senate committee advanced House Bill 136 after its sponsor said the measure would prevent state agencies from unilaterally declaring emergencies and creating their own rules.

"This bill simply says that the state agencies cannot self declare emergencies at the government," Representative Pringle said, explaining the measure grew from frustration observed on a committee that reviews contracts and sunsets. "All it says is they can't self declare. The governor has to ... declare it and send them a letter."

The transcript records a motion in favor and indicates the bill received a favorable report, but it does not include a clear roll-call tally for the committee vote. The meeting included brief informal remarks and birthday greetings for Representative Pringle during discussion.

The bill will proceed according to legislative procedures; the transcript does not specify amendments or exact next steps.