HB447 Alabama 2022 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Danny GarrettRepresentative

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2022

Title

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

Summary

HB447 would require the State Health Officer's written approval before a county health officer can issue pandemic-related orders during a public health emergency.

What This Bill Does

Currently, a county health officer may issue orders to control a pandemic during a public health emergency. This bill would require the State Health Officer to review and provide written approval before any such county-issued order or directive can be issued. The measure applies during emergencies declared under the law (Section 31-9-8) and would take effect on the first day of the third month after passage and governor approval.

Who It Affects

• County health officers who would have to obtain written approval before issuing orders related to pandemics during emergencies
• State Health Officer who gains formal authority to review and approve or deny county pandemic-related orders

Key Provisions

• The State Health Officer must review and provide written approval before a county health officer can issue any order or directive relating to the control of a pandemic during a state of emergency.
• The act takes effect on the first day of the third month following its passage and governor approval; otherwise it becomes law.

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