FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) — In a rebuke of the governor's handling of the COVID-19 crisis, Republican lawmakers advanced a bill Wednesday to allow Kentucky businesses to stay open if they comply with federal virus-related guidelines.

The measure, a priority of House Republicans, cleared a committee over Democratic objections on the second day of the 2021 session. It's among several GOP-backed bills aimed at reducing Gov. Andy Beshear's executive powers.

The bill would allow Kentucky schools and business to remain open if their plans to protect people from COVID-19 meet or exceed federal health guidelines. Republican Rep. Bart Rowland said it would provide “clarity and reassurance" for businesses and schools shut down during the pandemic.

During the COVID crisis, Beshear has wielded his executive authority to put restrictions on businesses and the size of gatherings. Republicans said the bill is a response to complaints in their districts that the governor's virus-related orders have been inconsistent.

“People want to do the right thing," GOP Rep. Ken Upchurch said. “They want to protect themselves. But they also have to run their businesses and make a living."

Democratic Rep. Derrick Graham termed the bill an “overreach” by lawmakers. Another Democrat, Rep. Kelly Flood, said the governor's mandates were “extremely difficult at times on all of us," but said Kentucky has fared better than other states because of Beshear's leadership.