Earlier this week, a group of churches challenged Brown’s executive orders that mandated social distancing and required businesses to close. The Baker County Circuit Court sided with the churches, stating that Brown had exceeded her authority in the length of the pandemic-related orders.
Judge Matthew Shirtcliff ruled that Brown’s public health provisions could not extend beyond 28 days, due to a specific section of state law. The governor’s initial emergency declaration lasted for 60 days, and she extended it for an additional 60 days earlier this month.
Hours after the Baker County court’s decision, the Oregon Supreme Court issued a stay, blocking the invalidation of Brown’s orders.
Now, the state’s high court is directing Baker County Circuit Court to either totally vacate its order by Tuesday, May 26, or argue further on why it should not.
Copyright 2020 Oregon Public Broadcasting.
