Sen. Lynda Wilson, offered this statement on legislation she pre-filed requiring all gubernatorial emergency orders to be approved by the legislature after thirty days.

“As the COVID-19 pandemic has ravaged the health and well-being of men, women and children across our state over the past ten months, constituents from every region are wondering why the Legislature has remained on the sidelines.

“On February 29, Governor Inslee issued the first emergency order due to coronavirus. Once an emergency is declared, the governor may issue orders pursuant to it. Under current law, there are two types of orders, one requires legislative consent, the other does not. This bill would require legislative review of all emergency orders.

“This legislation would simply include lawmakers in the decision-making process and ensure that voices from across our state are heard. As the governor announces another extension of his stay-home order today, it shows why we must enact these protections now.”