Addressing State Emergency and Disaster Authorities 2021

NEMA Considerations for State Legislation Addressing Emergency and Disaster Authorities

The National Emergency Management Association (NEMA) represents the voice and consensus policy positions of the directors of the emergency management agencies of the 50 states, the U.S. territories, and the District of Columbia who are responsible for all hazards emergency and disaster preparedness, mitigation, response, and recovery across the nation.

In these times of increasing complexity and the proliferation of risks and hazards faced by the American public, including pandemics, the combined and integrated efforts of all of government are essential for success. Laws, authorities, policies, and funding decisions must be inclusive and foster unity of effort to ensure truly resilient states and communities.

As state legislatures consider a variety of disaster and public health emergency related bills, NEMA would like to offer points of consideration to help ensure the continued effectiveness of disaster response and recovery, including public health emergencies such as pandemics.