Resolution calling upon the New York State Legislature to pass, and Governor to sign, S.7545 /A.9342, to make the extension of certain local emergency orders subject to the approval of the local governing.

Text

Res. No. 343 ..Title Resolution calling upon the New York State Legislature to pass, and Governor to sign, S.7545 /A.9342, to make the extension of certain local emergency orders subject to the approval of the local governing. ..Body By Council Members Paladino, Yeger, Holden, Ariola, Carr, Borelli, Kagan and Vernikov Whereas, The state of emergency to address the threat and impact of COVID-19 in the City of New York was first declared in Emergency Executive Order No. 98, issued on March 12, 2020; and Whereas, On July 5, 2022, Mayor Adams issued Emergency Executive Order No. 135, further extending the state of emergency for five additional days; and Whereas, New York City has therefore been in a state of emergency related to the spread of COVID-19 for over two years; and Whereas, Pursuant to New York State (NYS) law, chief elected officials are authorized to declare and extend a local disaster emergency; and Whereas, This unilateral power circumvents the legislative process, limiting the input of elected representatives; and Whereas, NYS Senate Bill S.7545, introduced by Senator Patrick Gallivan, and Assembly Bill A.9342, introduced by Assembly Member Stephen Hawley, would empower local legislative bodies to approve any renewal of a local state of emergency; and Whereas, Under the proposed legislation, orders issued by a local health agency would also be limited to five days in duration, with extension permitted only upon approval of the relevant local legislative body; and Whereas, As New York City seeks to emerge from the worst phases of the COVID-19 pandemic, NYS should implement stronger good governance laws to create more accountability to executive power; now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York calls upon New York State Legislature to pass the Governor to sign, S.7545/A.9342, to make the extension of certain local emergency orders subject to the approval of the local governing body LS 9519 NM 7/7/22

Full text · NYC Council