Bill Would End Coronavirus Isolation and Quarantine Orders, Limit Use of Emergency Powers

State Representative Derek Grier has filed legislation this year with the intent of protecting the rights of citizens from the abuse or misuse of emergency powers given to elected officials.

Grier’s HB 602 would place limitations upon those powers granted to state or local officials by requiring that emergency powers exercised by the governor or any other official must be narrowly tailored to serve a compelling health or public safety issue, and be limited in the duration, application, and scope to avoid the infringing of constitutional rights of the individual citizens under their purview. In addition, Grier’s bill would give state courts the jurisdiction to hear cases challenging those orders.

The bill would further state that only the governor would be allowed to issue emergency orders that would infringe on the following rights: the rights to travel, work, assemble, and speak; the freedom of religious exercise; the nonimpairment of contract and property rights; freedom from unreasonable search and seizure; and the freedom to purchase lawful firearms and ammunition. Any order infringing upon these rights would be subject to expiration dates unless extended by a ratifying vote of both legislative chambers.

Grier says that such legislation has become necessary in light of the events of the past year, particularly relating to the coronavirus and the effects it has had, including the closing of businesses and limiting of travel and gatherings. As a resident of St. Louis County, Rep. Grier hopes that this legislation can prevent citizens from losing their businesses as a result of lockdowns and regulations preventing them from opening their doors to customers and providing valued services.

"It is vital that we reign in the emergency powers of our elected officials,” Grier, R-Chesterfield, said. “A public health emergency should not give state and local officials absolute free reign to infringe on our constitutional liberties."

Grier’s legislation will be considered by the Missouri General Assembly, which officially convened for the 2021 legislative session on January 6.

Bill Would Protect Rights of Missourians Working From Home

State Representative Derek Grier is hoping that his recently-filed legislation will help ensure the rights of Missourians who now find themselves shifting from working in business offices to home offices.

Grier’s HB 491 seeks to prohibit local governments and local officials from issuing unreasonable and far reaching regulations against those operating businesses from home as the world adjusts to more and more people working from home due to the COVID 19 pandemic.

Under the bill, municipalities would be barred from restricting the operation of “no-impact home-based businesses” and requiring a person to obtain a permit or license to operate such a business. Municipalities would be allowed to establish reasonable regulations if they are narrowly tailored for specified purposes, such as public health and safety.

"Protecting home based businesses is more important than ever in the wake of Covid-19,” Grier, R-Chesterfield, said. "Locals officials should not be able to arbitrarily stop people from operating businesses out of their homes. Regulation of home based businesses must be narrowly tailored and serve a clear public interest."

Grier’s legislation will be considered by the Missouri General Assembly, which officially convened for the 2021 legislative session on January 6.

Bill Would Allow Military Specialists to Apply for Licensure

State Representative Derek Grier is seeking to ensure that the men and women of our armed forces can continue serving in their field of expertise even after they depart from the service.

Grier this year has sponsored legislation, HB 476, which would amend state statutes to include military occupational specialties among the criteria that would fall under the purview of licensing to legally practice an occupation or profession.

Currently, any person who holds a valid current license issued by another state, territory of the United States, or the District of Columbia, and who has been licensed for at least one year in another jurisdiction, may submit an application for a license in Missouri in the same occupation or profession, and at the same practice level, for which he or she hold their current license. Grier is seeking to add those who have been licensed by the military to the list of those who apply.

“It’s important for us to allow those who have served to use their experience to obtain civilian jobs,” Grier, R-Chesterfield, said. “Our military men and women ought to be able to use the training they have received while serving to come home and get skilled jobs, and to continue utilizing the skills they have worked so hard to obtain."

Grier’s legislation will be considered by the Missouri General Assembly officially convenes for the 2021 legislative session on January 6.