1531 AMH SCHM MORI 197

HB 1531 - H AMD 512

By Representative Schmidt

WITHDRAWN 03/08/2025

On page 1, after line 20, insert the following:

"NEW SECTION. Sec. A new section is added to chapter 70.54 RCW to read as follows:

(1) Upon the declaration of a public health emergency, the legislature shall convene a public health oversight committee, composed of one member appointed from each of the two largest caucuses in the house of representatives and the senate. Members of the oversight committee must be appointed by the leadership of each caucus. The appointments must be made within five business days of the declared emergency.

(2) The oversight committee may, by motion of two or more committee members, review any action taken by state or local officials to respond to the public health emergency. If two or more committee members find that the action is unwarranted, the committee shall issue a cease and desist order to the applicable state or local officials. Upon receipt of the order, the applicable state or local officials must immediately terminate all activities subject to the order."

Renumber the remaining section consecutively and correct any internal references accordingly.

EFFECT: Requires, upon the declaration of a public health emergency, the Legislature to convene a public health oversight committee. Requires the committee to be composed of four legislators, one from each caucus of the House and the Senate, appointed by the leadership of each caucus within five business days of the declared emergency. Allows two or more members of the committee to initiate a review of any action taken by a state or local official to address the emergency. Allows the committee to issue cease and desist orders upon the vote of two or more committee members. Requires state and local officials to immediately terminate all activities subject to the cease and desist order.

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