The Kentucky Supreme Court ruled unanimously Thursday that Governor Andy Beshear has the authority to issue emergency regulations during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Attorney General Daniel Cameron challenged his authority to issue mandates on mask-wearing, restaurant capacity and other measures related to slowing spread of the virus.
Governor Beshear was obviously pleased that the Supreme Court agreed he needs the authority to make executive decision during the declared state of emergency.
He says the affirmation of his executive powers won’t bring about any immediate new mandates, as he’s seeing how recent red county guidelines work.
A lack of mandates is not the reason for Kentucky’s rapid COVID spread, according to the governor, who says the major issue is compliance.
Senator Whitney Westerfield of Christian County tweeted after the decision that lawmakers will consider whether and how to refine public policy on executive powers in a state of emergency during the 2021 session of the General Assembly.
Attorney General Cameron issued a statement saying, “We have always maintained that the governor should be able to enact policies that protect the health of citizens, but he must follow a process that allows for public input and respects the Constitution.”