HB 1189

Emergency Services and Disaster Law; declaration of a state of preparedness. Authorizes the Governor to declare a state of preparedness, defined in the bill, when, in his opinion, the safety and welfare of the people of the Commonwealth require the exercise of emergency measures due to a threatened or actual disaster. The bill also establishes the Cardinal Disaster Relief Fund to be administered by the Coordinator of Emergency Management for (i) costs and expenses related to preventing and mitigating damage, loss, hardship, or suffering due to anticipated impacts of an imminent emergency necessitating a gubernatorial declaration of a state of preparedness, or an emergency that does not warrant a gubernatorial declaration of a state of emergency and (ii) procurement, maintenance, and replenishment of materials, equipment, and supplies, in such quantities to ensure readiness and protect the public peace, health, and safety and to preserve the lives and property and economic well-being of the people of the Commonwealth prior to and during an imminent emergency necessitating a gubernatorial declaration of a state of preparedness or an emergency that does not warrant a gubernatorial declaration of a state of emergency.