The proposed bill seeks to transfer the Nuclear Planning and Response Program from the Department of Health to the Division of Emergency Management within the Department of Public Safety, effective July 1, 2025. This transfer encompasses all statutory authority, powers, duties, functions, records, personnel, property, contracts, and unexpended balances of appropriations related to the program. The bill ensures that any existing orders, rules, regulations, directives, or standards established by the Department of Health will remain in effect until they are amended or repealed. Additionally, the Department of Health is tasked with providing necessary information to facilitate this transition.

The legislation also amends existing laws to reflect this transfer, including changes to definitions and responsibilities associated with the program. It removes the previous requirement for payments to eligible counties to be made in equal quarterly installments not exceeding $2,500, establishing instead a minimum payment of $75,000 to each eligible county. The bill modifies reporting requirements, mandating that county chief executive officers submit annual progress reports to the Division of Emergency Management detailing grant fund expenditures and the implementation of radiological response plans. Furthermore, it updates the structure of the Nuclear Planning and Response Program Advisory Committee, shifting oversight from the State Radiation Control Agency to the Division of Emergency Management, and includes an emergency clause for immediate effect on the specified date to ensure a seamless transition.

Statutes affected:
HB 1690: 20-21-401, 20-21-402, 20-21-403, 20-21-404, 20-21-405, 20-21-501(3), 20-21-502, 20-21-505, 20-21-503, 20-21-504, 20-21-603(b)