Bill > HB2560

This bill establishes the Department of the Tennessee Emergency Management Authority, or TEMA, to oversee emergency management efforts within the state, authorizing the creation of local emergency management organizations and cooperation with federal and other state governments. The bill renames the existing Tennessee Emergency Management Agency to the Department of TEMA and makes various conforming changes throughout Tennessee Code Annotated to reflect this new department and its commissioner, who will be the executive head responsible for coordinating emergency management activities, utilizing state resources like the National Guard, and maintaining liaison with other emergency management entities. The legislation also ensures that existing contracts, rules, orders, decisions, and policies remain in effect and are administered by the new department, and clarifies that individuals housed in emergency shelters may possess mobile telephones.