In response to the City Council voting to change the Douglas County Health Director's role in the City of Omaha during health emergencies, State Attorney General Doug Peterson announces he will dismiss a lawsuit once the ordinance is approved by the Mayor and it takes effect.
Peterson says changes made by the Council take away exclusive authority from the Douglas County Health Director and place final authority for issuing emergency health policies, such as mask mandates, in the hands of the Mayor and the Omaha City Council, creating accountability to the citizens of Omaha.
The Douglas County Health Director must now have approval from the City Council before enacting health mandates and measures.
Under the new procedure, approved by the council this week, the County Health Director will make a recommendation to the Mayor and Omaha City Council for health measures or mandates.
The Mayor will review, and it will then go to the City Council for a vote.
(Picture from Nebraska State Government)