Proposition 135 will be on the November ballot, letting voters decide whether to place restrictions on the Arizona governor’s emergency powers. If it passes, it would amend the state Constitution.
When the Arizona governor declares an emergency, it comes with some special powers, including the ability to suspend any laws regarding conduct of state business and any rules or regulations. Prop. 135 wouldn’t change that. But it would set a 30-day expiration date on those powers unless the state House and Senate approve an extension.
The governor would not be allowed to call a new state of emergency for the same issue. The Legislature could also vote to cancel that emergency declaration before the 30 days are up.
Republican criticism and efforts to limit these powers began in 2020, when Republican Gov. Doug Ducey used them to enforce COVID-19 restrictions.
