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In a landmark decision, the Ohio Supreme Court ruled on Friday to uphold a constitutional amendment passed by voters in 2024 that limits the governor's emergency powers. The amendment, known as Issue 5, was proposed in response to the extensive emergency orders issued by then-Governor Mike DeWine during the COVID-19 pandemic.The court's decision marks a significant victory for proponents of the amendment, who argued that the governor's emergency powers were too broad and lacked proper oversight. Under the new law, the governor's emergency orders are now subject to approval by the state legislature after 14 days, and can only be extended for a maximum of 30 days at a time.In a 5-2 decision, the court ruled that Issue 5 does not violate the separation of powers or infringe on the governor's authority to respond to emergencies. Chief Justice Maureen O'Connor, writing for the majority, stated that the amendment was a reasonable check on executive power and did not unduly hinder the governor's ability to act swiftly in times of crisis.Governor DeWine, who had opposed the amendment, expressed disappointment with the court's decision, but pledged to abide by the new law. In a statement issued after the ruling, he emphasized the importance of working with the legislature to ensure that the state can respond effectively to emergencies while respecting the will of the voters.The ruling is expected to have far-reaching implications for future governors in Ohio, as well as for other states grappling with the balance of power between the executive and legislative branches during emergencies. Legal experts believe that the court's decision sets a precedent for upholding similar restrictions on emergency powers across the country.Overall, the Ohio Supreme Court's decision represents a significant victory for proponents of constitutional limits on emergency powers, and may serve as a model for other states seeking to provide greater oversight and accountability in times of crisis.