GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF NORTH CAROLINA

SESSION 1993

H	1 

HOUSE BILL 88*

Short Title:  Continue Emergency Mgmt. Study.	(Public)
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Sponsors: Representatives Hightower; Smith, Gottovi, and Wright.
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Referred to:  Rules, Calendar and Operations of the House.
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February 9, 1993

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT TO AUTHORIZE THE CONTINUATION OF THE EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT ISSUES STUDY.
Whereas, the technical, legal, and economic issues involved in the provision of emergency response to natural and technological disasters are very complex; and
Whereas, the Legislative Research Commission Study Committee on Emergency Management Issues has met numerous times to discuss the varied issues before it; and
Whereas, a majority of the Committee's time was focused on the development of a regional response program for hazardous materials emergencies; and
Whereas, many of the issues that the Commission was directed to study by the 1991 General Assembly have not been fully studied and resolved; and
Whereas, there is a continuing need to study emergency management issues and provide for comprehensive disaster planning and a disaster recovery fund;  Now, therefore,
The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:
Section 1.  The Legislative Research Commission may study the State emergency management program's ability in the future to adequately address preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation for technological and natural hazards as may impact the citizens of North Carolina and their property.  In conducting its study, the Commission may consider the program's ability in the future to address recovery operations during Presidential and Gubernatorial declared disasters, including:
(1)	Need for Disaster Recovery Law, Disaster Recovery Fund, and related staffing needs; 
(2)	Need to expand the Emergency Information System; and
(3)	Need to respond and recover from catastrophic disasters, including resource needs at State and local levels such as auxiliary power requirements for vital facilities.
If the Commission conducts the study authorized under this act, it shall report its findings together with recommended legislation, to the 1994 Session of the 1993 General Assembly, or to the 1995 General Assembly, or to both.
Sec. 2. This act is effective upon ratification.