Republicans in Ohio have introduced an amendment that would limit the power of the state Health Department and its director amid the coronavirus pandemic.
The amendment proposed by Republican lawmakers would limit any stay-at-home order issued by the Ohio Department of Health to 14 days, local media reported.
“This still allows the executive branch and the department of health to take the actions they see fit,” Republican state Rep. Steve Hambley told the Columbus Dispatch. “But it restores checks and balances.”
If passed by the state legislature, the amendment would require Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine and Ohio Department of Health Director Amy Acton to seek approval from a bipartisan committee before extending any more statewide lockdown measures.
DeWine, a Republican who has taken flak from protesters upset with the state’s lockdown measures, addressed the demonstrators directly this week.
“I’m the elected official. I’m the one who ran for office. I’m the one who makes the policy decisions. … So, when you don’t like the policy, again, you can demonstrate against me,” DeWine said.
The comments come after protesters showed up outside Acton’s home.
Initially enacted in late March, Ohio’s “Safe at Home” order was extended last week through May 29.
