Virginia Senate Bill SB733

Virginia 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/19/24
• Refer: 1/19/24
• Report Pass: 1/30/24

Caption

Chief Resilience Officer of the Commonwealth; moves position under the Governor.

Impact

The establishment of the Chief Resilience Officer is aimed at creating a more organized and strategic approach to combating the impacts of climate change and flooding in Virginia. The bill empowers this new office to oversee the Virginia Community Flood Preparedness Fund, ensuring funds are disbursed effectively to enhance flood prevention efforts. Additionally, the law mandates a review of existing flood protection strategies and the implementation of a Virginia Flood Protection Master Plan, which localities can integrate into their disaster preparedness and response planning.

Summary

Senate Bill 733 creates the position of Chief Resilience Officer of the Commonwealth, placing this role under the Governor's office. This new position is intended to coordinate resilience and adaptation initiatives across the state, addressing multi-hazard threats and providing support to local governments. The Chief Resilience Officer will lead the development of strategies to enhance such resilience, including technical assistance and capacity building, particularly in areas most vulnerable to flooding. A major aspect of the bill is to ensure effective communication and cooperation between various governmental agencies and stakeholders, facilitating a unified approach to resilience across urban, suburban, and rural areas.

Contention

While the bill is largely seen as a positive step towards stronger flood-resilience measures, there are points of contention regarding its execution and the potential oversight of funds. Some stakeholders express concerns about the adequacy of funding and how it may be allocated, particularly in low-income areas susceptible to flooding. Ensuring equitable distribution of resources and prioritizing vulnerable communities is essential for the bill's success. Additionally, skeptics worry about bureaucracy and whether the new position will effectively coordinate the necessary actions across various agencies without redundancy or inefficiency.