Kansas House Bill HB2468

Kansas 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/22/23
• Refer: 3/22/23
• Failed: 4/30/24

Caption

Concerning state of disaster emergencies, appointing the incident commander by the adjutant general for weather-related disasters, establishing coordinating duties of the division of emergency management and establishing the disaster contingency fund for use by the state finance council to match federal grants and funds to respond to such weather-related disaster.

Impact

If passed, HB 2468 will have significant implications for state laws surrounding disaster management. The establishment of a disaster contingency fund will allow the state finance council to efficiently match federal grants and resources when responding to emergent situations. This improvement in emergency management could lead to quicker responses and better allocation of resources during disasters, potentially saving lives and minimizing property damage.

Summary

House Bill 2468 is centered on improving the state’s ability to respond to weather-related disasters. It proposes the appointment of an incident commander by the adjutant general and aims to establish specific coordinating duties for the division of emergency management. This bill is designed to streamline the state's disaster response efforts and create a more robust mechanism for managing emergencies as they arise, particularly those caused by severe weather conditions.

Contention

There may be points of contention regarding the role and authority of the incident commander and the division of emergency management. Some legislators and advocacy groups might express concerns about the centralization of decision-making authority in a disaster context, advocating for ensuring local communities retain some degree of power to tailor responses to their specific needs. The balance between state coordination and local control will likely be a critical topic during discussions around this bill.