It appears likely that lawmakers will return to Baton Rouge for a special session covering several different issues that would start next Monday.
The vote to enter the session is imminent, and LaPolitics.com publisher Jeremy Alford said it will cover everything from Hurricane Laura to unemployment, but at the heart of the session will be Republican frustration with current COVID restrictions like bar limitations and the continued closure of some businesses.
“The driving force for this special session is to check executive powers during this public health emergency,” said Alford.
A petition to roll back the public health emergency failed, and Alford said Legislative attempts to override the Governor’s order will be tough to pull off.
“If they want to they are going to need some Democrats to come along for the ride and we haven’t seen any proof of that being possible,” said Alford.
Initially, it was thought an October special session would be called to allocate potential Congressional relief money, but Alford says those D.C. negotiations have stalled and lawmakers may have to return to Baton Rouge in December for another special session if those funds get passed.
Alford said even if Republicans manage to file an effort to override his public health emergency many lawmakers feel the issue will have to be settled in court.
“Let’s say they end up filing a petition to end up overriding the Governor’s executive order, they believe that the Governor eventually gets an injunction and they end up in court discussing whether or not these executive powers are inherent,” said Alford.
Alford believes it is likely the session would begin September 28 and run 30 days.
