Today, the Louisiana House and Government Affairs Committee passed House Bill 4, which will add checks and balances to Louisiana’s emergency declarations process. Pelican Institute CEO Daniel Erspamer released the following statement in response to the passage of the legislation:

“Balancing executive power in Louisiana’s emergency declarations process has become one of the most consequential issues facing our state over the last several months. Under current law, Louisiana’s emergency powers lack the important checks and balances that are the bedrock of our American system and exist throughout all other levels of government. We must remember that emergency powers, particularly during a pandemic like the one we currently face, have an impact on the lives, livelihoods, and freedoms of our fellow citizens.

It is encouraging to see our legislature working to foster a system that favors collaboration with other elected officials over unilateral power. By adding these much-needed checks and balances to Louisiana’s emergency powers, we can be more responsive to the needs of the individuals, entrepreneurs, and families across our state.” 

###