HB168 Alabama 2021 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Danny GarrettRepresentative

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2021

Title

State Public Health Emergency, county health officer to obtain written approval from State Health Officer before issuing order addressing pandemic

Summary

The bill requires written approval from the State Health Officer before a county health officer can issue pandemic-related orders during a state of emergency.

What This Bill Does

It adds a rule that county health officers may issue orders to control a pandemic only if the State Health Officer has reviewed and provided written approval beforehand. The approval must be in writing and obtained before the order is issued. The requirement applies during a state of emergency declared under Section 31-9-8 in response to a pandemic or disease outbreak. The act also specifies when it becomes law after passage and governor approval.

Who It Affects

• County health officers: must obtain written approval from the State Health Officer before issuing pandemic-related orders during a state of emergency.
• Residents of Alabama counties: the timing and content of pandemic-related orders may be governed by State Health Officer-approved directives, affecting public health measures in their counties.

Key Provisions

• Section 1: During a state of emergency, a county health officer may issue an order or directive related to the control, prevention, or minimization of the pandemic or outbreak only after the State Health Officer has reviewed and provided written approval prior to issuance.
• Section 2: Effective date – the act becomes law on the first day of the third month following its passage and approval by the Governor, or otherwise becoming law.
• Scope: Applies to orders or directives related to control of a pandemic or outbreak as described in the bill.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 22, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Health Department, County