public health orders

The COVID-19 pandemic has prompted Indiana Republican lawmakers to change the way local health officials are allowed to do their jobs during a public emergency.

Religious organizations would be shielded from many health orders in future public emergencies under legislation approved by the House Tuesday.

Legislation headed to the governor’s desk would allow lawmakers to call themselves into special session during a public emergency, like the COVID-19 pandemic.

Neither the governor nor local officials could ever restrict worship services during a public emergency under a bill approved by a House panel Wednesday.

Local health officials could no longer impose restrictions that go further than the state’s during a public health emergency under legislation approved by a House committee Wednesday. 

Legislation approved by the Senate Monday would give more power to local city or county leaders to overturn the actions of local health officials.