§ 8 - General powers of governor - Vermont Statutes

§ 8. General powers of governor

(a) The governor shall have general direction and control of the emergency management agency and shall be responsible for the carrying out of the provisions of this chapter.

(b) In performing the duties under this chapter, the governor is further authorized and empowered:

(1) Orders, rules and regulations. To make, amend and rescind the necessary orders, rules and regulations to carry out the provisions of this chapter with due consideration of the plans of the federal government.

(2) Plans.

(A) To prepare a comprehensive plan and program for the emergency management of this state, such plan and program to be integrated into and coordinated with the emergency management plans of the federal government, the Canadian government, and other states to the fullest possible extent; and

(B) To coordinate the preparation of plans and programs for emergency management with public safety districts, local emergency planning committees, regional planning commissions, and by the municipalities of this state, such plans to be integrated into and coordinated with the emergency management plans and program of this state to the fullest possible extent.

(3) Inventories, training, mobilization. In accordance with such plan and program for the emergency management of the state:

(A) to ascertain the requirements of the state or the municipalities for food or clothing or other necessities of life in any all-hazards event and to plan for and procure supplies, medicines, materials, and equipment for the purposes set forth in this chapter;

(B) to make surveys of the industries, resources and facilities within the state as are necessary to carry out the purposes of this chapter, provided that no inventory or record of privately owned firearms shall be made under authority of this or any other provision of this chapter; and

(C) to institute training programs and public information programs, and to take all other preparatory steps, including the partial or full mobilization of emergency management organizations in advance of actual disaster, to ensure the furnishing of adequately trained and equipped forces of emergency management personnel in time of need.

(4) Cooperation with the president and others. To cooperate with the president and the heads of the armed forces, and the homeland security agency of the United States, and with the officers and agencies of other states in matters pertaining to the emergency management of the state and nation, to take any measures not inconsistent with the constitution of this state, which the governor may deem proper to carry into effect any request for the president and the appropriate federal officers and agencies, for any action looking to emergency management, including the direction or control of mobilization of emergency management and homeland security forces, tests and exercises, warnings and signals for drills or emergencies, shutting off water mains, gas mains, electric power connections and the suspension of all other utility services, the conduct of civilians and the movement and cessation of movement of pedestrians and vehicular traffic during, prior, and subsequent to drills or attack, public meetings or gatherings, and the evacuation and reception of the civilian population.

(5) Services and facilities. To utilize the services and facilities of existing officers and agencies of the state and of the counties and municipalities of the state, and all the officers and agencies shall cooperate with and extend services and facilities to the governor as the governor may request.

(6) Law enforcement. To take such action and give such directions to state and local law enforcement officers and agencies as may be reasonable and necessary for the purpose of securing compliance with the provisions of this chapter and with the orders, rules, and regulations made pursuant thereto.

(7) Delegation of authority. To delegate any authority vested in the governor under this chapter to the commissioner or designee.

(8) Mutual aid agreements with other states. On behalf of this state, to enter into reciprocal aid agreements under this chapter and pursuant to compacts with other states and the federal government or province of a foreign country under such terms as the Congress of the United States may prescribe. These mutual aid arrangements shall be limited to the furnishing or exchange of food, clothing, medicine, and other supplies; engineering services; emergency housing; police services; national or state guards while under the control of the state; health; medical and related services; fire fighting, rescue, transportation and construction services and equipment; personnel necessary to provide or conduct these services; and such other supplies, equipment, facilities, personnel, and services as may be needed; the reimbursement of costs and expenses for equipment, supplies, personnel, and similar items for mobile support units, fire fighting, and police units and health units; and on such terms and conditions as are deemed necessary.

(9) Mutual aid among municipalities. To sponsor, develop, and approve mutual aid plans and agreements among the towns and cities of the state, similar to the mutual aid arrangements referred to in this section. (Amended 1989, No. 252 (Adj. Sess.), § 10; 2005, No. 209 (Adj. Sess.), § 9.)