From Fox News · Charles Creitz · · 1m
Pennsylvania Lawmakers Push Back on Health Code Overreach
Pennsylvania lawmakers warn proposed health code rewrite grants bureaucrats police power, risking constitutional override.
In brief
Pennsylvania lawmakers warn proposed health code rewrite grants bureaucrats police power, risking constitutional override. Pennsylvania lawmakers oppose health code changes that could let officials enter homes without warrants during disease outbreaks. Originally reported by Fox News.
Health Code Rewrite Sparks Debate
Pennsylvania lawmakers propose 502-page health code update with expanded police powers.
“This absolutely is COVID 2.0, but it's even worse because [Governor] Josh Shapiro is trying to circumnavigate or skirt the constitutional provision that we the people in Pennsylvania voted to take that kind of power away from the governor.”
Constitutional Amendment Limits Gov Power
Pennsylvania voters approved a 2021 constitutional amendment limiting governors' disaster declarations to 21 days.
“We were the only state in the nation to reduce our governor's powers by a constitutional amendment after COVID.”
Critics Warn of Home Entries
Health officials could enter private homes without warrants to investigate disease outbreaks.
“They can enter any building and go in without a warrant to do an investigation.”
Opposition Calls It 'COVID 2.0'
State Rep. Russ Diamond labels proposed changes 'COVID 2.0' with unchecked surveillance powers.
“This absolutely is COVID 2.0, but it's even worse because [Governor] Josh Shapiro is trying to circumnavigate or skirt the constitutional provision that we the people in Pennsylvania voted to take that kind of power away from the governor.”
Governor Defends Health Code
Shapiro says proposed health code updates aim to modernize regulations while preserving public trust.
“Public health depends on trust and government should work closely with the people it serves.”
Public Comment Deadline Approaching
Pennsylvanians must submit feedback on health code changes by Monday to influence revisions.
“Once public comment concludes later this month, [Shapiro] will weigh in, and the regulations will be revised accordingly.”
Opposition Demands Constitutional Review
Critics insist health code changes violate Pennsylvania's constitutional amendment limiting governor's emergency powers.
“We don't want unelected bureaucrats making those decisions. We need to follow the [Commonwealth] Constitution.”
What to remember
Pennsylvania lawmakers oppose health code changes that could let officials enter homes without warrants during disease outbreaks.
