Bill
Bill > SB1386
VA SB1386
VA SB1386Emergency Management, Department of; powers & duties, development & implementation of guidelines.
summary
Introduced
01/13/2025
01/13/2025
In Committee
02/14/2025
02/14/2025
Crossed Over
02/20/2025
02/20/2025
Passed
03/07/2025
03/07/2025
Dead
Vetoed
05/02/2025
05/02/2025
Introduced Session
Potential new amendment
2025 Regular Session
Bill Summary
Department of Emergency Management; powers and duties; development and implementation of standardized guidelines and training programs. Provides for the Department of Emergency Management (the Department) to consult with the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services regarding the development of standardized guidelines for mental health support during an emergency or extended incident. The bill also requires the Department to develop a training program comprised of National Incident Management System (NIMS) principles, the state's Incident Command System (ICS) structure, and the role of the Emergency Operations Center (EOC). Under the bill, each agency head shall be required to complete the training within six months of appointment and again every two years thereafter. In addition, the bill provides for the Department to (i) offer health and safety training to volunteer organizations incorporated into the Virginia Emergency Support Team (VEST) and (ii) establish a health monitoring system for volunteers to be implemented during a declared state of emergency. The bill has a delayed effective date of July 1, 2027. As introduced, this bill was a recommendation of the Joint Subcommittee to Study Pandemic Response and Preparedness in the Commonwealth. This bill is identical to HB 2350.
AI Summary
This bill expands the powers and duties of the Department of Emergency Management (DEM) by introducing several new requirements and responsibilities. The bill mandates that the DEM consult with the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services to develop standardized guidelines for mental health support during emergencies, including defining what constitutes an "extended incident" and establishing protocols for addressing mental health concerns. Additionally, the bill requires the DEM to develop a comprehensive training course on emergency management principles, including National Incident Management System (NIMS) and Incident Command System (ICS), which all agency heads must complete within six months of appointment and every two years thereafter. The bill also requires state agencies to create documents outlining roles and responsibilities during emergencies. Furthermore, the DEM is tasked with offering health and safety training to volunteer organizations in the Virginia Emergency Support Team (VEST) and developing a health monitoring system for these volunteers during declared states of emergency. These provisions aim to improve emergency preparedness, mental health support, and coordination across state agencies, with the changes set to take effect on July 1, 2027.
Committee Categories
Budget and Finance, Justice
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Vetoed by Governor (on 05/02/2025)
Official Document
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