Public Health Order Changes
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Bill Summary - 21LSO-0537 Bill No.: HB0127 Effective: 7/1/2021 12:00:00 AM LSO No.: 21LSO-0537 Enrolled Act No.: HEA No. 0093 Chapter No.: 168 Prime Sponsor: Barlow Catch Title: Public health amendments. Subject: Public health amendments . Summary/Major Elements: This act amends how certain public health orders may be issued. The act applies to each public health order that restricts individuals' movements or their ability to engage in an activity, that applies to individuals not under an isolation or quarantine order, and that is designed to prevent or limit the transmission of a contagious or possibly contagious disease. These orders, whether issued by the State Health Officer or a local health officer, are limited to ten (10) days. Subsequent orders, including order extensions, for the same or substantially same purpose may be issued as follows: For orders of the State Health Officer, the Governor may issue subsequent orders not to exceed sixty (60) days; For orders of local health officers, locally elected governing bodies can issue subsequent orders. For certain orders issued by local health officers, the act requires forty-eight (48) hours' notice to the public and an opportunity to comment. This act also amends provisions governing the appointment and oversight of the State Health Officer. The act requires the Governor to appoint the State Health Officer. The act provides that either the Governor or the Director of the Department of Health may remove the State Health Officer. The act removes the option of the Director of the Department of Health to also serve as the State Health Officer. The above summary is not an official publication of the Wyoming Legislature and is not an official statement of legislative intent. While the Legislative Service Office endeavored to provide accurate information in this summary, it should not be relied upon as a comprehensive abstract of the bill.
Public statements
Last checked Aug 6, 1:50 AM
R · H18
Why they voted this way
The lawmaker opposes the joint conference resolution because it fails to maintain constitutional checks and balances by excluding legislative oversight.
H60
Why they voted this way
The lawmaker supports the bill because it addresses concerns regarding amendments from the other body and represents the best available option after rejecting an alternative.
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The amendment adds a new provision that ensures parents or guardians have the right to care for their minor children without restrictions from certain public health orders.
The amendment adds new sections to the bill that protect a caregiver's right to care for vulnerable adults and defines key terms related to this protection.
The amendment changes how the state health officer is appointed and removed, adds new rules for local health officers' removal, and clarifies certain sections related to public health.
The amendment changes how public health orders are issued by requiring notice and comment from the public before an order takes effect, with some exceptions.
The amendment allows the legislature to meet electronically or in a different location from the state capital if a public health emergency requires it, while still having key officials physically present at the capital.
The amendment adds new rules about how public health orders are made, including that these orders will replace any previous local orders and cannot be changed or canceled by the state department of health.
The amendment adds requirements for public health orders, including notice and comment periods, limits on order duration, and legislative approval processes.