The seven justices on Kentucky’s Supreme Court voted unanimously to uphold Governor Andy Beshear’s state-wide mandates and restrictions amid the Coronavirus Pandemic. The decision says the Governor acted within his power under the Kentucky Constitution and has the right to issue executive orders in an emergency. Justice Lisabeth Hughes wrote that the Governor’s orders “were and continue to be necessary to slow the spread of COVID-19 and protect the health and safety of all Kentucky citizens.”
Republican Attorney General Daniel Cameron joined a lawsuit along with several Kentucky businesses to challenge the Democratic Governor’s orders, saying Beshear “overstepped his authority.” When the case went before the state’s high court in September, La Tasha Buckner, Chief of Staff and general counsel to the Governor, argued that the constitution requires the governor to act during an emergency and that decisions made “saved lives.” Cameron's legal team argued that Beshear went above his constitutional power.
We have requested a reaction from Governor Beshear and Attorney General Cameron’s offices. Beshear will hold a press briefing at 11:30. We will update this story as more information becomes available.