Never Again Act

SF 1191, the "Never Again Act," would replace the governor's authority to declare emergencies with a legislative process requiring the Minnesota Legislature to approve emergency declarations. It repeals the governor's power to issue emergency orders with "full force and effect of law" and explicitly protects citizens' rights - including free speech, religious exercise, assembly, travel, and business operations - from being infringed during emergencies. The bill amends multiple emergency management statutes to transfer declaration authority to the Legislature and requires legislative approval for emergency extensions. This directly affects the governor's emergency powers and all Minnesotans whose rights could be restricted under current emergency rules.