Indiana governor undecided on appeal of emergency law ruling
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Indiana’s governor says he will take as much time as he needs to decide whether to continue his court fight against a new law giving state legislators more power to intervene during public health emergencies.
Republican Gov. Eric Holcomb maintains the law violates a state constitutional provision allowing only the governor to call the Legislature into a special session after its regular annual session wraps up.
A Marion County judge, however, upheld the law Thursday, saying the General Assembly has the authority to determine when it will meet.
Holcomb said Friday that he and his attorneys are reviewing the ruling and haven’t decided whether to appeal.
- Read the judge’s ruling
- Judge: Indiana General Assembly can call itself into session during emergencies
Statement
“The framers of our Constitution created a system where citizens hold elected officials accountable, and not the other way around, which is what makes democracy special. This case is about preserving individual liberty by ensuring our elected representatives can meet during emergencies if necessary to keep government officials in check.
“The people of Indiana want their voices to be heard, and they deserve a choice on how they can live their lives and how their elected representatives can best represent them. This is a win for everyday Hoosiers, which is what is absolutely necessary if we are to maintain a free republic.”
Attorney General Todd Rokita