Declarations
- Speaker of the House
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- Declarations
Declarations are emergency powers granted in a time of crisis and are enforced like laws. The Speaker has the power to declare a State of Emergency (HCC § 2-5-6, as amended under H J Res 12) when "assistance and/or resources are needed to relieve and/or control a situation that requires abnormal support, resources, and funding". Under the Health Emergency Action Act (HEAA), the Health Advisor (created under this Act) has the power to declare a health emergency (HCC § 11-1-2) and "shall have the authority to compel or require Members of the House to do certain actions to limit or prevent the spread of disease within reason." Declarations are not approved by the House and they cannot be vetoed by the Speaker. The House however, must pass legislation staying who has the power to issue certain declarations within their purview and decides any restrictions or limits they have.
Generally, declarations must expire at a certain point. Under HEAA, declarations are valid for thirty (30) days, unless renewed again (HCC § 11-1-2(b)(i)). All declarations cannot violate House of Commons Code (HCC) nor violate any local, State, or Federal law. They also cannot force someone who is not a Member of the House to adbide by any declarations.
The Clerk of the House manages all declarations on file. Click here to view current Declarations.