CS/SB 1288 — Emergency Management
by Military and Veterans Affairs, Space, and Domestic Security Committee and Senator Richter
This summary is provided for information only and does not represent the opinion of any Senator, Senate Officer, or Senate Office.
Prepared by: Military and Veterans Affairs, Space, and Domestic Security Committee (MS)
The bill defines the term “activate” in ch. 252, F.S., to mean the execution and implementation of the necessary plans and activities required to mitigate, respond to, or recover from an emergency or disaster pursuant to the State Emergency Management Act and the State Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan. The definition is intended to allow the Division of Emergency Management (DEM) to provide additional clarity to the Federal Emergency Management Agency when applying for disaster assistance.
The bill also instructs the DEM to implement a statewide certification system to facilitate the transport and distribution of essentials in commerce throughout the state in the event of a declared emergency. The bill describes essentials to mean goods that are consumed or used as a direct result of a declared emergency, or that are consumed or used to preserve, protect, or sustain life, health, safety, or economic well-being. Certification by the DEM will allow those certified to enter or remain in an area in which a curfew has been imposed as a result of a declared emergency for the limited purpose of facilitating the transport or distribution of essentials. The certification is applicable to both pre and post-emergency declarations and is valid for up to one year with the option to renew.
If approved by the Governor, these provisions take effect upon becoming law.
Vote: Senate 38-0; House 115-0