Bill > HB349

This bill amends existing law to formally include federally recognized tribes, which are American Indian tribes formally acknowledged by the Commonwealth and recognized by the U.S. Secretary of the Interior, in the Department of Emergency Management's (DEM) emergency services and disaster preparedness programs. Specifically, it requires the DEM to administer these services in coordination with federally recognized tribes that have entered into a contract or memorandum of understanding with the DEM for assistance. This change is a recommendation from the Commission on Updating Virginia Law to Reflect Federal Recognition of Virginia Tribes and aims to ensure that these tribes are integrated into the state's disaster preparedness and response efforts, including communication, planning, and resource management.

Budget and Finance, Justice

https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB349