In an unprecedented day in Georgia history, both chambers of the General Assembly have nearly unanimously confirmed Gov. Brian Kemp’s request to enter into a state of public health emergency.
The declaration, effective immediately, gives Kemp broad powers to free up more resources to fight the pandemic, including compelling health care facilities to provide services, enforcing evacuations and mandating quarantine and vaccination through April. At that time, Kemp would have to renew the state of emergency, and the General Assembly would ratify the renewal through another special session. If they cannot convene for whatever reason, Kemp will be able to renew it unilaterally.
The chambers were delayed for hours as they debated this point: whether to reconvene if a renewal is needed or to allow the governor to renew unilaterally.
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