Republican lawmakers file lawsuit challenging extension of Inslee's stay-at-home order

TACOMA, Wash. -- A group of Republican state lawmakers filed a lawsuit Tuesday afternoon in Tacoma challenging the extension of Gov. Jay Inslee's "Stay Home, Stay Healthy" order.

The group's lawsuit will seek an emergency injunction to overturn the state of emergency amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

State GOP lawmakers supporting the lawsuit against the extension of Gov. Inslee's emergency order are:

Washington Gov. Jay Inslee announced Friday that the state’s stay-at-home order — in place since March 23 — would be extended through at least May 31 and said there will be a four-stage phase-in for lifting of restrictions.

Inslee responded to lawsuit on Tuesday: "I vigorously disagree with them. I think they are not only short-sighted but dangerous."

Day use activities at most state parks and some outdoor recreation like hunting, golfing and fishing resumed Tuesday. Previously Inslee announced the resumption of existing construction projects, and retail curbside pickup, automobile sales and car washes can start by mid-May. The next phase, which Secretary of Health John Wiesman said is expected to start June 1, would allow camping, new construction, and in-store retail purchases, with restrictions. Barber shops and salons could also reopen at that time, and restaurants could reopen at half capacity and table sizes limited to five.

There will be a minimum of three weeks between each phase, though Inslee said some counties with lower numbers of cases and deaths may be able to move to the second phase of the reopening schedule if approved by the Department of Health.

This is a developing story and will be updated.

The Associated Press contributed to this story.