Power-hungry Newsom vetoes bi-partisan bill that would have limited his “emergency” powers.

Governor Newsom has vetoed a bill which would have limited his emergency powers during a state of emergency, to the specific issues pertinent to the emergency. AB 1687 also specifies that the Governor may only suspend a statute or regulation during a state of emergency in connection with the specific conditions of that emergency. Republican Assemblyman Kelly Seyarto says the purpose behind the bill is to clarify the broad ambiguities of the Governor’s authorized powers and ensure that these powers are limited and focused. AB 1687 was passed with bipartisan votes by legislative committees and both houses of the State Legislature. Newsom claims he vetoed the bill because “it could delay or derail state emergency response and negatively impact the most vulnerable and potentially cost lives and invite frivolous lawsuits.” Governor Newsom continues to hold his March 4 2020 State of Emergency Powers that he declared at the start of the pandemic.