HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 156 Offered January 9, 2008 Prefiled January 9, 2008 Requesting the Commission on Local Government to study the need for contingency plans for local governing bodies to operate in the event of public health emergencies. Report. ---------- Patron-- Sickles ---------- Committee Referral Pending ----------

WHEREAS, the possibility of public health emergencies is ever increasing; and

WHEREAS, the provision of critical services requires immediate decision-making and response from local governing bodies; and

WHEREAS, to insure the continuity of government services during the course of a public health emergency is paramount; and

WHEREAS, it is preferable to be proactive and have in place emergency contingency plans for the continued operation of local governing bodies during such times; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the Commission on Local Government be requested to study the need for contingency plans for local governing bodies to operate in the event of public health emergencies.

In conducting its study, the Commission on Local Government, in cooperation with the Virginia Municipal League and the Virginia Association of Counties, shall identify the issues that impact local governing bodies in carrying out their responsibilities and identify any statutory changes necessary to facilitate the continued operation of local governing bodies in the event of a public health emergency.

Technical assistance shall be provided by the Virginia Freedom of Information Advisory Council, the Department of Health, and the Department of Emergency Management, upon request. All agencies of the Commonwealth shall provide assistance to the Commission on Local Government for this study, upon request.

The Commission on Local Government shall complete its meetings by November 30, 2008, and shall submit to the Governor and the General Assembly an executive summary and a report of its findings and recommendations for publication as a House or Senate document. The executive summary and report shall be submitted as provided in the procedures of the Division of Legislative Automated Systems for the processing of legislative documents and reports no later than the first day of the 2009 Regular Session of the General Assembly and shall be posted on the General Assembly's website.