In virginia, we have a law, the law grants powers to the executive when there is a state of emergency. The governor is allowed to declare a state of emergency, on a pretty broad basis (in January, he declared a “state of emergency” because of a political rally, and courts upheld his right to do so, and to curtail 1st and 2nd amendment rights based on the emergency).
I’m guessing the law has some method for the legislature to step in. It appears that our law does not have a time limit.
We the people do have the right to recall our governor, and that seems to be about the only thing we could do right now to legally stop him from doing anything he wants, with the power of our SOE law.
He declared the state of emergency on March 12. Which means, if we follow the law, it expires on May 11th unless the legislature extends it.
Here it the actual law:
323.10 Declaration by governor. The governor may issue an executive order declaring a state of emergency for the state or any portion of the state if he or she determines that an emergency resulting from a disaster or the imminent threat of a disaster exists. If the governor determines that a public health emergency exists, he or she may issue an executive order declaring a state of emergency related to public health for the state or any portion of the state and may designate the department of health services as the lead state agency to respond to that emergency. If the governor determines that the emergency is related to computer or telecommunication systems, he or she may designate the department of administration as the lead agency to respond to that emergency. A state of emergency shall not exceed 60 days, unless the state of emergency is extended by joint resolution of the legislature. A copy of the executive order shall be filed with the secretary of state. The executive order may be revoked at the discretion of either the governor by executive order or the legislature by joint resolution.