The Republican-led Louisiana House on Friday easily approved eight proposals that would restrict or suspend Democratic Gov. John Bel Edwards' orders aimed at combating the coronavirus pandemic.
One of the measures, House Concurrent Resolution 9 by House Speaker Clay Schexnayder, R-Gonzales, would temporarily suspend the governor's orders.
It won House approval 68-22 and next faces action in the Senate.
Others are aimed at allowing lawmakers, by majority votes in each chamber, to end executive orders or proclamations during the pandemic.
One of the bills approved, by Senate President Page Cortez, R-Lafayette, would give a legislative panel input on gubernatorial orders before they are extended, and require reasons for the renewal and action plans.
That measure, Senate Bill 29, cleared the House 65-27 and now returns to the Senate, which approved a similar version earlier this week.
Others glided through the House by similar margins, with virtually no debate and the votes generally breaking along party lines.
House leaders said afterwards they are not ready to get behind a single approach. They said approving multiple bills will give lawmakers ample opportunity to forge a consensus.
"We are on step one of the process," House Speaker Pro Tem Tanner Magee, R-Houma said after the Friday session. "It is wide open right now."
The special session called by Republican leaders began Sept. 28 and can last until Oct. 27 at 6 p.m.
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