Political and Legislative
Kentucky’s Highest Court Is Hearing a Case That Examines the Scope of the Executive Powers
Kentucky’s highest court heard clashing views Thursday on the scope of executive powers as it reviewed Republican-backed laws that were meant to limit the Democratic governor’s authority to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The nearly hourlong Supreme Court hearing came a day before all coronavirus-related capacity limits on Kentucky businesses are being lifted. But the case tests the balance of power between the state’s executive and legislative branches and will have far-reaching implications for future governors confronted by long-running public emergencies.
The constitutional showdown pits Gov. Andy Beshear against Republican Attorney General Daniel Cameron, who appealed a lower court ruling that temporarily blocked the new laws.
