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directives, or standards established by the Department of Health will remain in effect until they are amended or repealed.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.

To reflect this transfer, the bill amends existing laws, replacing references to the Department of Health with the Division of Emergency Management, which will now oversee the program's administration, including environmental surveillance and emergency response planning for nuclear-powered electricity generating facilities. It also introduces a new funding structure, establishing a minimum payment of $75,000 to eligible counties, replacing the previous cap of $2,500 per quarter. The bill modifies reporting requirements, mandating annual progress reports from county chief executive officers to the Division of Emergency Management. Furthermore, it updates the Nuclear Planning and Response Program Advisory Committee's oversight to the Division of Emergency Management, requiring annual meetings with public notice. An emergency clause is included to ensure the bill takes effect on July 1, 2025, for a smooth 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)
Act 583: 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)