Jagler Introduces Bill To Regulate Local Health Orders

(Madison) A state senator from Watertown has introduced a bill that would regulate local health orders. John Jagler says his legislation brings the local health order process in line with state regulations.

Currently, state emergency orders from the executive branch are limited to 60 days, unless the legislature votes to end the order early or extend it. Jagler’s bill would apply the same standard to local health officers as they attempt to address public health emergencies.

The governing body – whether it be a county board or city council – could either let the order expire, vote to end it early or vote to extend the order. If the county board or other local governing body votes to extend the order, a reasonable deadline would need to be included to ensure that states of emergency do not continue forever.

Jagler says public health laws are designed to balance the need to act decisively in an emergency while also protecting the individual rights of the public. He adds the executive needs to be able to act quickly but their orders need the buy-in of the public.