HB2350: Emergency Management, Department of; powers & duties, development & implementation of guidelines.

Legislative 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 SB 1386.