Indiana court strikes down emergency law fought by governor

By TOM DAVIES and RICK CALLAHAN

Associated Press

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — The Indiana Supreme Court has thrown out a law that gave state lawmakers increased power to intervene during public health emergencies.

The court on Friday agreed with arguments from Republican Gov. Eric Holcomb that the law adopted by state legislators violates the Indiana Constitution.

The law gave legislative leaders authority to call the General Assembly into what it calls an "emergency session" when the governor has declared a statewide emergency.

The law was a response to Holcomb's efforts to deal with the COVD-19 pandemic.

The unanimous court ruling settles a legal fight that began more than a year ago when Holcomb filed a lawsuit over it.

The GOP-dominated Legislature had passed the law over his veto.

Gov. Holcomb released the following statement:

"From the beginning, this case presented important procedural, statutory and Constitutional questions that only the courts could answer. Today, the Indiana Supreme Court has provided clarity and finality on these important issues. I appreciate the patience and humility Speaker Huston and Senator Bray have shown throughout the entire process, of which I always sought to match. With this critical matter resolved, we’ll continue focusing on building a prosperous state full of opportunity for all."