The Connecticut State House of Representatives voted to extend Gov. Ned Lamont's emergency powers until May 20, moving the measure on to the state Senate.

Connecticut lawmakers held a heated debate on the topic. Republicans said it was time for lawmakers to take over.

"What Republicans are offering today is not about whether to wear a mask, not whether or not we need hand sanitizer, but how we respect the rule of law,” said House Minority Leader Vin Candelora.

Their plan would have given lawmakers until April 21 to vote on all of Gov. Lamont's orders. The public health emergency would have been extended to May 1, but not the civil preparedness declaration.

Democrats said it would lead to chaos until more people get vaccinated. Federal funding could also be at risk.

"When every person is eligible for a vaccine, you can begin to view the executive orders in a very different light,” said House Speaker Matt Ritter.

Republicans also wanted to limit future emergencies to 30 or 60 days and allow lawmakers to reject any executive order by a simple majority.

Ritter says he's open to those ideas, but not in a vote tonight.

"You know where that idea came from? Our conversations. My general counsel drafted it,” he said.

As expected, lawmakers rejected the Republican plan.

The state House also extended outdoor dining for an extra year. Republicans say that proves lawmakers can review Lamont's orders when they want to.