Kentucky Governor Files Suit to Protect Executive Health Orders

On February 2, 2021, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear sued state lawmakers after they overrode his January 20 vetoes of three legislative bills that would eliminate many of the Governor’s coronavirus-related health orders and curb the Governor’s executive powers. These bills prevent shutdowns of schools and businesses that meet federal health guidelines, limit governor emergency orders to 30 days without legislative approval, and impose 30-day limits on social distancing and quarantine emergency regulations. Governor Beshear’s suit demands a declaration of rights and temporary and permanent injunctions based on constitutional executive powers in a public health emergency.