- Franklin Circuit Judge Phillip Shepherd said Thursday that he will extend a temporary order blocking a state law restricting the governor’s authority to combat COVID-19 and hopes to have a ruling within 10 days.
One of the motions seeks an injunction that would block new GOP-backed laws that rein in Governor Andy Beshear’s executive powers in times of emergency.
The restraining order is currently blocking a measure that would allow Kentucky businesses and schools to comply either with COVID-19 guidelines from Beshear’s administration or the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention — whichever standard is least restrictive.
Republican legislators have said the Democratic governor overreached with restrictions on businesses and individuals. The governor contends the steps he took to limit activity during the pandemic have saved lives.
click to download audioA ruling against the governor would likely mean the end of the statewide mask mandate Beshear enacted through an executive order in July. On Thursday, the governor said he doesn’t understand the pushback against what he calls one of the most effective weapons in fighting the spread of the coronavirus.
click to download audioBeshear said he did not watch Thursday’s virtual hearing. However, Kentucky’s public health commissioner, Dr. Steven Stack, did testify and told the judge that Senate Bill 1 would render him powerless in fighting the ongoing pandemic.
