§ 580. Emergency services council. 1. Creation; members. There is
hereby created in the department of state an emergency services council,
the members of which shall be the directors of the office of fire
prevention and control, the bureau of emergency medical services and the
state emergency management office, the superintendent of state police,
the commissioner of health, the secretary of state, the director of the
state office for the aging and the director of state operations who
shall be the chairperson unless otherwise appointed by the governor.
There shall also be two representatives appointed by the state emergency
medical services council, one of whom shall be a representative of
volunteer ambulance service and one of whom shall be a representative of
proprietary ambulance service; two representatives appointed by the fire
advisory board, one of which shall be representative of volunteer fire
service and one of which shall be representative of paid fire service;
one representative shall be appointed by the disaster preparedness
commission; one physician shall be appointed by the state emergency
medical advisory committee; one appointment shall be made by the
governor; one appointment shall be made by the temporary president of
the senate; and one appointment shall be made by the speaker of the
assembly.

2. The role of the council shall be advisory. The purposes of the
council shall be to develop and coordinate state emergency services,
make recommendations on emergency services policy, and eliminate
unnecessary duplication of effort in such a way as to ensure the
provision of efficient and effective delivery of such services. The
council shall adopt a mission statement consistent with the intent of
this legislation and which shall affirm the council's commitment to
fostering improved communication, coordination and cooperation among law
enforcement, fire protection, emergency medical services and disaster
preparedness agencies.

3. Powers and duties. The members of the council shall receive no
compensation for their services but shall be allowed actual and
necessary expenses incurred in the performance of their duties. The
council may request and shall receive from any department, board,
bureau, commission, office, agency or other instrumentality of the
state, such facilities, assistance and data as it deems necessary or
desirable for the proper execution of its powers and duties. The council
shall meet at least quarterly and report annually no later then
September thirtieth of each year. However should the need arise the
council may submit incremental reports as deemed necessary. Such reports
shall be submitted to the governor, the temporary president of the
senate, the chairperson of the senate finance committee, the speaker of
the assembly, and the chairperson of the assembly ways and means
committee. The council shall have the power to hold public hearings and
solicit testimony on any matter it deems relative to carrying out its
mission. The council shall have the power to make non-binding
recommendations concerning existing and/or future policy, rules and
regulations and have the ability to take up for consideration
recommendations submitted by either public or private entities. The
council may have the ability to advise the governor, legislature, state
agencies and entities, and localities on issues relating to and
effecting the coordination and enhancement of emergency response, and
public health and safety. Nothing in this section shall be deemed to
supersede any established authority, duty and power established by local
law, state law or regulation, or otherwise granted to any agency, body
or entity.