Can a Governor Seize Property During a Disaster?

What’s the deal? Oregon’s House Bill 2238 (2021 | OR) would have clarified that the Governor can seize any real or personal property during an emergency. Well, that’s not going any where now.

Why should we care? It’s a COVID world. We’re living in a COVID world. All regulations related to emergencies and disasters are up for debate.

How can this impact me? Every state is considering and reconsidering how much power should the state government have in an emergency, who should hold the power, and how should it be exercised. In the author’s words, “As sometimes happens, it has been mischaracterized by interests that put private profiteering before the public good,” 

News21 | Oregon lawmaker won’t pursue bill on governor taking land in emergencies