The GOP Battles Governor Over Pandemic Abilities

A bill…restricting a governors’ abilities to issue public health orders during a pandemic is unconstitutional and a violation of the separation of powers. That’s according to Gov. DeWine, who plans to veto the latest legislation headed for his desk while holding out hope for a compromise. The GOP-controlled House approved the final version of the bill last week, we reported, and it now heads to DeWine with what his fellow Republican legislative leaders believe is a veto-proof majority in both chambers. It’s the latest effort by GOP lawmakers to rein in DeWine’s authority to issue statewide orders…such as mandatory mask wearing and limits on the size of crowds at sporting events. Among other provisions, the bill limits public health orders to 90 days…and would allow the Legislature to terminate them after 30 days with a concurrent resolution…a fast-tracked vote, different from normal legislation.