SECTION 1. Chapter 17 of the General Laws, as appearing in the 2018 Official Edition, is hereby amended by striking out section 2A and inserting in place thereof the following section:-

Section 2A. Upon declaration by the governor that an emergency exists, which is detrimental to the public health, the commissioner may for a period of 90 days, with the approval of the governor and the public health council, during such period of emergency, take such action and incur such liabilities as the commissioner may deem necessary to assure the maintenance of public health and the prevention of disease. Such 90-day period may be extended by joint resolution of the general court until such time as the governor declares that such emergency has terminated.

The commissioner, with the approval of the public health council, may establish procedures to be followed during such emergency to insure the continuation of essential public health services and the enforcement of the same.

Upon declaration by the governor that such emergency has terminated, all powers granted to and exercised by the commissioner under this section shall terminate.

SECTION 2. Section 22 of chapter 659 of the acts of 1950 is hereby amended by striking out section 22 and inserting in place thereof the following section:-

SECTION 22. Any declaration of a state of emergency pursuant to this act or any part hereof shall expire after 90 days unless extended by a joint resolution of the house of representatives and the senate acting concurrently. This act or any part hereof may become inoperative by the adoption of a joint resolution to that effect by the house and senate acting concurrently at any time.