Authorizing the Division of Emergency Management to promulgate a legislative rule relating to National Flood Insurance Program
Impact
The enactment of HB2667 would have significant implications for state laws regarding flood management and emergency preparedness. It would allow the Division of Emergency Management to establish clear regulatory guidelines that must be adhered to in order to participate in the National Flood Insurance Program, thus improving the state's infrastructure for flood risk management. The legislative rule promulgated under this bill would serve as an important framework for local governments and agencies to follow, potentially leading to more effective flood response strategies and improved disaster recovery efforts across West Virginia.
Summary
House Bill 2667 aims to authorize the West Virginia Division of Emergency Management to promulgate a legislative rule relating to the National Flood Insurance Program. This directive is intended to clarify the procedures and protocols that need to be followed by the Division to effectively manage flood risks and ensure compliance with federal funding requirements and standards associated with the National Flood Insurance Program. By facilitating the establishment of these rules, the bill seeks to enhance the state's preparedness and response capabilities in the event of flooding.
Sentiment
The general sentiment around HB2667 appears to be supportive, as it is associated with improving the state's capacity to handle flooding effectively. Stakeholders involved, including emergency management officials and legislators, seem to recognize the importance of having a robust set of rules and standards to guide the implementation of flood preparedness initiatives. However, some concerns may be raised regarding the potential challenges in local compliance and the resource implications for small municipalities tasked with adhering to new regulations.
Contention
While there appears to be broad agreement on the necessity of such legislation, notable points of contention include the potential administrative burden that new regulations may impose on local governments and the adequacy of resources provided for compliance. Additionally, discussions may arise regarding the specifics of the legislative rules being set forth by the Division of Emergency Management, particularly if there are differing opinions on the best practices for flood management and disaster recovery responses within various communities throughout West Virginia.
To transfer the State Office of the National Flood Insurance Program from the Offices of the Insurance Commissioner to the Division of Emergency Management