Ariz. gov. signs bill to limit successor’s powers
Sen. behind bill cites his ‘abuse’
PHOENIX — Gov. Doug Ducey signed legislation Friday limiting his successor’s ability to tap emergency powers he used for more than two years in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The measure, which won’t take effect until Ducey leaves office, is one of several bills to prevent future state and local leaders from using some of the public health tools that enraged conservatives who thought Ducey went too far in restricting the rights of individuals and business owners.
Public health experts, on the other hand, complained Ducey was far too timid in controlling spread of the virus, ended restrictions abruptly, and allowing cases and hospitalizations to skyrocket multiple times.
Ducey has described his management of the pandemic as a nuanced approach that angered people, but limited job losses.
The bill signed Friday limits the governor’s authority to declare a public health emergency, which opens broad powers to spend money, and impose emergency restrictions on people and businesses. After 120 days, the governor would have to get approval from the Legislature to continue the emergency declaration and lawmakers would have to approve its extension every 30 days. Sen. Michelle UgentiRita, a Scottsdale Republican who introduced the bill, has said Ducey’s emergency powers “have been misused and abused.”
Ducey last year signed a budget bill that included similar provisions, but the Arizona Supreme Court ruled lawmakers can’t stuff the budget with policies unrelated to the state’s spending plan.
Ducey’s emergency declaration has been in place for nearly two years, although his restrictive orders have expired. Now, the emergency declaration allows him to stop local governments from closing businesses or enacting their own mask or vaccine mandates.
Another measure nearing a final vote in the Legislature would prohibit government agencies from requiring masks in their facilities. The only exceptions are institutions with longstanding infection control measures unrelated to COVID-19.