SB184 Alabama 2021 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Shay ShelnuttSenator

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2021

Title

State Public Health Emergency, County Health Officer prohibited from issuing order addressing pandemic under certain conditions

Summary

The bill would stop county health officers from issuing local epidemic-control orders during a state of emergency if a statewide order has already been issued by the State Health Officer.

What This Bill Does

If the State Health Officer issues a statewide order or directive to control, prevent, or minimize an epidemic, county health officers would be barred from issuing any conflicting local orders related to the same epidemic during the emergency. This ensures statewide guidance takes precedence over local actions. The bill also specifies that it becomes law a few months after passage and governor approval.

Who It Affects

• County health officers: cannot issue local orders about epidemic control during a state of emergency if a statewide order has been issued.
• Residents in Alabama: statewide orders would govern epidemic-control measures, reducing the ability of individual counties to implement separate local directives during emergencies.

Key Provisions

• Section 1 prohibits county health officers from issuing any order or directive related to control, prevention, or minimization of an epidemic or outbreak during a state of emergency if the State Health Officer has issued a statewide order or directive.
• Section 2 states the act becomes effective on the first day of the third month after its passage and governor's approval (or once it becomes law).

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 23, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Health Department, County