Originally Posted by
jlw
On Thursday, GA's governor issued an executive order under the Emergency Powers Act suspending all local "shelter" ordinances. He put in place a statewide order, but he reserved the power to enforce that order to the Department of Public Health, the Department of Public Safety (GSP, MCCD, Capitol Police) and the Adjutant General (National Guard).
On Friday, he issued a subsequent order adding the Offices of the Sheriff to those who may enforce the provisions of the order.
The order has numerous exceptions for travel, outdoor exercise, essential services, etc. Among them is the distribution of firearms and ammunition. These exceptions are not affirmative defenses. The burden of proof is still on the state, and stopping people to check to see if they are traveling per an exception would be unconstitutional. At minimum, reasonable articulable suspicion of a violation must be present in order to make a stop.
Our local environmental health (linked to DPH) is going to remain the point on all business regulation issues. They will attempt to seek cooperation. If they can't achieve this, the SO will assist, but no enforcement action will be taken without either the Sheriff's or my prior approval.
The only normalcy we have right now is that we are still America, and we are going to cling to that ideal.