Bill > SB635

This bill authorizes the Governor to declare a "state of preparedness," which is defined as a condition where the threat of an emergency or disaster is severe enough to require state assistance to supplement local efforts and pre-position resources to prevent or lessen damage. The bill also establishes the Cardinal Disaster Relief Fund, to be managed by the Coordinator of Emergency Management, to cover costs associated with preventing and mitigating damage from anticipated emergencies, even those that don't rise to the level of requiring a gubernatorial declaration of a state of emergency, and for procuring, maintaining, and replenishing necessary supplies and equipment to ensure readiness and protect public safety and well-being. Furthermore, the Department of Emergency Management is tasked with assessing the feasibility of a program to prioritize damage prevention and mitigation for imminent emergencies, including developing criteria for responses when a gubernatorial declaration isn't warranted, procedures for resource management, exploring reimbursement from those causing emergencies, and estimating costs for responding to emergencies that don't require a gubernatorial declaration, with a report due by November 1, 2026.

Budget and Finance, Justice, Military Affairs and Security

https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/SB635