The proposed legislation, General Assembly Substitute Bill No. 5412, establishes a new account known as the "Military Department emergency response account," which will be a separate, nonlapsing fund effective July 1, 2026. This account will hold any funds that are legally permitted to be deposited and will carry forward any remaining balance at the end of each fiscal year. The Adjutant General will oversee the account, and the funds will be utilized to cover costs incurred by the Military Department or other state personnel in response to emergencies, such as natural disasters or civil emergencies, particularly when federal funds are not readily available. The use of these funds will require approval from the Governor in consultation with the Commissioner of Emergency Services and Public Protection.

Additionally, the bill mandates that for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2027, the Treasurer will transfer $500,000 from the Military Relief Fund to the newly established Military Department emergency response account. This transfer is part of the initial funding to support the account's purpose of enhancing the state's emergency response capabilities. The bill introduces new sections to the general statutes, specifically sections 1 and 2, which outline the creation and funding of the emergency response account.