INTRODUCED
BY B. Barker, T. Brockman
A joint resolution of the Senate and the House of Representatives of the state of montana requesting an interim study Of disaster and emergency recovery and response efforts; and requiring that the final results of the study be reported to the 69th legislature.
WHEREAS, the Montana division of disaster and emergency services is required to prepare and maintain a comprehensive plan and program for disaster and emergency services for the state. The plan and program must be coordinated with the disaster and emergency plans and programs of the federal government, other states, political subdivisions, tribal governments, and Canada to the fullest extent possible; and
WHEREAS, each political subdivision in the state is required to designate a local or interjurisdictional agency responsible for emergency and disaster prevention and preparedness and coordination of response and recovery; and
WHEREAS, each political subdivision within the state that is eligible to receive funds is required to prepare a local or interjurisdictional disaster and emergency plan and program covering the area for which that political subdivision is responsible. The plan must be in accordance with and in support of the state disaster and emergency plan and program; and
WHEREAS, there have been 35 presidential disaster declarations for the state since 2013, including forest fires, floods, and severe storms across the state; and
WHEREAS, communities have reported delays and jurisdictional confusion during emergency responses.
Now, therefore, be it resolved by the Senate and the House of Representatives OF THE STATE OF MONTANA:
That the Legislative Council be requested to designate an appropriate interim committee or statutory committee, pursuant to section 5-5-217, MCA, or direct sufficient staff resources to:
(1) review post-emergency disaster recovery and response efforts and timelines in the state, including:
(a) responses to natural disasters, such as forest fires, floods, and severe storms; and
(b) responses to other disasters, such as train derailments, major car crashes, and contamination incidents;
(2) review the role and past actions of local, county, tribal, state, and federal entities in the response and recovery process;
(3) review the use of local, state, and federal funds in short-term and long-term disaster recovery and response efforts;
(4) develop recommendations for:
(a) improvements to disaster recovery and response processes and timelines to better support communities, counties, and agriculture;
(b) improvements to communication, collaboration, and division of labor between local, county, tribal, state, and federal entities during disaster recovery and response efforts; and
(c) improvements to the permitting, approval, and capital deployment processes to increase the speed and effectiveness of recovery efforts; and
(5) determine if legislative changes are needed to ensure that Montana communities are receiving the best support in the wake of a disaster.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the study include representatives from interested parties, including but not limited to the Montana Association of Counties, the Montana League of Cities and Towns, the Montana Division of Disaster and Emergency Services, representatives from tribal governments across the state, and representatives from conservation districts.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that if the study is assigned to staff, any findings or conclusions be presented to and reviewed by an appropriate committee designated by the Legislative Council.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that all aspects of the study, including presentation and review requirements, be concluded prior to September 15, 2024.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the final results of the study, including any findings, conclusions, comments, or recommendations of the appropriate committee, be reported to the 69th Legislature.