HOUSE BILL NO. 2654 Offered January 10, 2007 Prefiled January 10, 2007 A BILL to amend the Code of Virginia by adding a section numbered 44-11.1, relating to the Department of Military Affairs; duties. ---------- Patron-- Lingamfelter ---------- Committee Referral Pending ----------

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:

1. That the Code of Virginia is amended by adding a section numbered  44-11.1 as follows:

§ 44-11.1. Duties of the Department of Military Affairs.

A. The Department of Military Affairs shall support the objectives of the Governor and federal authorities by:

1. Administering and employing the Virginia Militia, as set forth in § 44-1;

2. Integrating capabilities for supporting the U.S. Department of Defense and National Guard support provided by the Commonwealth pursuant to Title 32 of the United States Code;

3. Providing for the safety of citizens of the Commonwealth by maintaining order and public safety and assisting in counter-drug efforts, in cooperation with Virginia State Police and local law-enforcement agencies;

4. Preparing and executing contingency plans to provide for a timely and capable response to chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, or explosive incidents;

5. Preparing and executing contingency plans necessary for the provision of homeland defense;

6. Ensuring the support of families of service members of the Virginia National Guard;

7. Administering a state at-risk program for youth; and

8. Recruiting a force sufficiently manned and trained to accomplish the above duties.

B. The Department of Military Affairs shall perform such other duties as may be designated by the Governor.