H594 - Temporarily Open Gyms/Health Clubs/Fitness Centers. (Ratified)

Overview: House Bill 594 would have done the following:

• Authorize existing indoor or outdoor exercise and fitness facilities, gyms, health clubs, and fitness centers to open and resume operations, provided specific conditions are met, although temporarily closed by executive order due to COVID-19.
• Authorize existing food establishment, private clubs or private bars, wineries, and distilleries to offer and operate outdoor dining and beverage service options, provided specific conditions are met, although temporarily closed by executive order due to COVID-19.
• Allow the Governor, with a concurrence of the majority of the Council of State, to exercise emergency powers to reclose the restaurants, bars, and fitness facilities opened by HB594, provided the concurrence is documented and released.
• Require the Secretary of Health and Human Services or the Secretary of Environmental Quality to seek the concurrence of the majority of the Council of State has been obtained and released when issuing an order of abatement related to COVID-19 that requires closure of restaurants, bars, and fitness facilities.

House Bill 594 was ratified by the General Assembly on June 10, 2020, and vetoed by the Governor on June 19, 2020.