Brief(1)
ERO 29 would create the Commission on Emergency Planning and Response. The Commission would replace the existing State Emergency Response Commission and all duties, powers, and functions of that existing Commission would be transferred to the newly created Commission. Under the order, all duties, powers, and functions of the Secretary of Health and Environment and the Adjutant General associated with the State Emergency Response Commission and related functions would be transferred to the new Commission. In addition to assuming the statutory duties of the State Emergency Response Commission, the new Commission would facilitate coordinated planning and preparation for, response to, and mitigation of emergencies and disasters at the state level. The Commission would coordinate federal, state, county, and local entities and private business and industry in the state's planning process for emergencies and disasters.
The Commission would be composed of 13 members representing the Fire Marshal; Departments of Health and Environment, Transportation, and Commerce and Housing; Highway Patrol; and Adjutant General; and two representative of counties, two representatives of cities, and three representatives of business and industry. The city, county, and business representatives would be appointed by the Governor to staggered four-year terms. The Adjutant General would provide staff support to the Commission. The Governor's appointees on the Commission would be eligible for compensation of $35 per day and reimbursement for travel and subsistence expenses related to Commission meetings.
The ERO would take effect July 1, 1999, unless disapproved by either Chamber of the Legislature as provided by the Kansas Constitution.
Background
The State Emergency Response Commission, which would be abolished by ERO 29, was created to implement certain state responsibilities under the federal Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act of 1986. The Commission is responsible for coordinating the state's chemical emergency training, preparedness, and response. Representatives from the Offices of the Governor, Fire Marshal, and Adjutant General testified in support of the bill. The representative of the Governor's Office testified that the new Commission will implement duties, powers, and functions of the State Emergency Response Commission for chemical hazard preparedness in addition to coordinating preparedness planning for disasters such as floods, tornadoes, and fires. Also, the representative testified that the estimated cost for the creation of the Commission would be $7,476 which would be for payment of compensation, travel, and subsistence for the Governor's appointees on the Commission.
No opponents testified before the House Committee on Governmental Organization and Elections.
The Division of the Budget is not required to prepare fiscal notes for Executive Reorganization Orders.
1. *Supplemental notes are prepared by the Legislative Research Department and do not express legislative intent. The supplemental note and fiscal note for this bill may be accessed on the Internet at http://www.ink.org/public/legislative/bill_search.html.