Missouri House lawmakers gave final approval to legislation that would severely limit local public health officials’ ability to enact emergency restrictions.
House Bill 75, sponsored by Representative Jim Murphy, a Republican from St. Louis, would limit how many days a public official is allowed to order restrictions governing businesses, churches and other facilities during emergencies like the COVID-19 pandemic.
Supporters said local health officials have had too much power andhave hurt local economies.
Opponents of the bill said the proposal politicizes decisions that should be made by health experts.
The bill was passed Thursday afternoon in the House and sent to the Senate where discussions are expected to flare again.
