House Bill 1324

(As Sent to Governor)

AN ACT TO REQUIRE THE JOHN C. STENNIS INSTITUTE OF GOVERNMENT AT MISSISSIPPI STATE UNIVERSITY TO CONDUCT A COMPREHENSIVE STUDY OF THE PERFORMANCE OF FIRST RESPONDERS TO HURRICANE KATRINA; TO ESTABLISH CERTAIN REQUIREMENTS AND PROCEDURES FOR COMPLETING A FINAL REPORT OF THE STUDY TO THE LEGISLATURE; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI:

SECTION 1. The Legislature finds and declares the following:

(a) On August 29, 2005, Hurricane Katrina devastated the Mississippi Gulf Coast, causing loss of life and property;

(b) During and after the disaster, many persons became concerned about the quality and sufficiency of the emergency response provided by instrumentalities of the federal, state and local governments, as well as private entities that responded to the disaster; and

(c) The Legislature believes a neutral and comprehensive review of the response to the disaster must be conducted to assist in preparing for future disasters.

SECTION 2. (1) The John C. Stennis Institute of Government at Mississippi State University shall conduct a comprehensive study of the response of all first responders to the devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina. This study shall consist of the following components:

(a) A focused review of the interoperability of communications systems used by first responders, the adequacy of preparations for the provision of care made by health care facilities, and the integration of emergency and recovery planning by public and private entities involved in emergency response and planning;

(b) Any other matter or condition that may have been a significant cause that affected the quality and sufficiency of emergency responders' performance in the wake of Hurricane Katrina;

(c) A full and complete analysis of all issues related to the response to Hurricane Katrina and a plan of recommended legislative and administrative action, organized by highest to lowest priority, necessary to correct deficiencies cited in the report; and

(d) A statement of fiscal impact showing the costs to state and local government associated with the implementation of any recommendations.

(2) All agencies of state and local government, and all not-for-profit corporations that receive funds appropriated by the Legislature or any local governing authority for any purpose through grant or contract with any state agency or local governing authority, shall fully cooperate with the efforts of the institute in preparing its report.

SECTION 3. (1) The John C. Stennis Institute of Government at Mississippi State University shall prepare a final report of the study required by this act to the Legislature to be delivered no later than December 31, 2006. During the course of the report, the institute shall report to the Joint Committee on Performance Evaluation and Expenditure Review (PEER) on the progress it has achieved in meeting the requirements of this act. The first report shall be delivered no later than July 1, 2006, and shall detail the institute's progress in preparing a comprehensive plan for accomplishing the purposes of this act. The second report

shall be made to PEER no later than October 31, 2006, detailing the progress the institute has made toward implementing its plan.

(2) Reports required in subsection (1) of this section may be made in a manner mutually acceptable to the institute and PEER.

(3) The Legislature shall appropriate funds to Mississippi State University for fiscal year 2007 to defray the costs of conducting this report.

SECTION 4. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after its passage.