Arizona Emergency Management and Homeland Security Statutory Authorities Summarized

Arizona Emergency Management and Homeland Security Statutory Authorities Summarized

Order Code RL32289
CRS Report for Congress
Received through the CRS Web
Arizona Emergency Management and Homeland
Security Statutory Authorities Summarized
March 17, 2004
Keith Bea
Specialist in American National Government
Government and Finance Division
Pat Richardson
Analyst in American National Government
Government and Finance Division
L. Cheryl Runyon and Kae M. Warnock
Consultants
Government and Finance Division
Congressional Research Service ˜ The Library of Congress

Arizona Emergency Management and Homeland
Security Statutory Authorities Summarized
Summary
Arizona’s emergency response statutes established a Division of Emergency
Management under the Department of Emergency and Military Affairs. The
governor and legislature share duties of declaration and government continuity. Aid
is provided for through the Interstate Mutual Aid Compact, local jurisdiction
agreements and federal assistance.
This report is one of a series that profiles the emergency management and
homeland security statutory authorities of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, the
Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico,
American Samoa, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Each profile identifies the
more significant elements of state statutes, generally as codified. Congressional
readers may wish to conduct further searches for related provisions using the Internet
link presented in the last section of this report. The National Conference of State
Legislatures provided primary research assistance in the development of these
profiles under contract to the Congressional Research Service (CRS). Summary
information on all of the profiles is presented in CRS Report RL32287. This report
will be updated as developments warrant.

Contents
Entities with Key Responsibilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Preparedness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Declaration Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Types of Assistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Mutual Aid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Hazard Mitigation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Continuity of Government Operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Key Terms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
For Further Research . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
List of Tables
Table 1. Key Emergency Management and Homeland
Security Terms Defined in Arizona Statutes, with Citations . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Arizona Emergency Management and
Homeland Security Statutory Authorities
Summarized
Entities with Key Responsibilities
Governor: The governor may delegate any powers of the office to the adjutant
general, who may delegate powers to the director of emergency management. (Ariz.
Rev. Stat. Ann.§26-302). During a state of war emergency the governor may:
suspend any statute prescribing procedures for conducting state business, or orders
or rules of any agency, in order not to hinder or delay emergency response; may
commandeer and utilize any property or personnel to carry out duties (state pays
reasonable compensation); exercise control over all state agencies, and use the state’s
police powers. During a state of emergency the governor has complete control of
state agencies and right to exercise police powers, may direct agencies to use staff,
equipment, facilities to prevent or reduce damage resulting from an emergency, and
may direct agencies to provide supplemental services and equipment to political
subdivisions to protect health and safety. (Ariz. Rev. Stat. Ann.§26-303) The
governor may issue orders to mandate medical exams, ration medicines and vaccines,
provide transportation for health care workers and ill people, procure medicines and
vaccines, and mandate treatment, vaccination, isolation or quarantine for certain
contagious and fatal diseases (Ariz. Rev. Stat. Ann. §36-787(B),(C)).
Department of Emergency and Military Affairs: The department includes a
division of emergency management and other divisions or offices as determined by
the adjutant general (Ariz. Rev. Stat. Ann.§§26-101, 26-305). The adjutant general
serves as the head of the department and as military chief of staff, and is responsible
for execution of orders relating to the militia (Ariz. Rev. Stat. Ann.§26-102). After
issuance of a declaration of a state of emergency, the adjutant general may exercise
emergency powers and incur obligations (less than $20,000) for each emergency or
contingency. The adjutant general’s powers expire 72 hours after termination of
emergency (Ariz. Rev. Stat. Ann. §26-303(H)(I)).
Division of Emergency Management: The division prepares for and coordinates
emergency management activities to reduce suffering and loss from a disaster and
coordinates all government agency efforts (Ariz. Rev. Stat. Ann. 26-305).
Director of Emergency Management: The director serves as head of the division
and as state director for emergency management, makes rules for division operation,
and coordinates emergency activities, including testing emergency management
plans. During a state of emergency or a local emergency, the director coordinates
emergency activities of all state agencies and the National Guard. During a state of
war emergency, the director coordinates the emergency activities of all state agencies
except the Guard. At the request of a political subdivision, the director coordinates

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the use of staff, equipment, services, facilities, and communications to meet
emergency needs, including search and rescue. The director also maintains a nuclear
emergency response plan, develops and maintains training and education programs
related to hazardous material plan standards, and submits biannual reports to the
legislature with recommendations. With the approval of the adjutant general, the
director negotiates contracts with the federal government, state agencies and political
subdivisions for technical, administrative and financial support of emergency
management activities, and represents state and emergency management conferences
(Ariz. Rev. Stat. Ann.§26-306).
State Emergency Council: The council consists of 14 members, including the
governor, state officers and agency directors, the adjutant general, the director of
emergency management, and legislative leaders. The council recommends orders,
rules, policies and procedures to the governor pertinent to emergencies and assigns
state agency responsibilities related to planning for, or responding to, emergencies.
If the governor is unavailable, the council may issue a state of emergency
proclamation after a meeting is called by the director of emergency management
division and if at least three votes, one from an elected official, affirm the need for
a proclamation. The council monitors each emergency and the activities and
responses by the emergency management division, and makes recommendations to
the governor and legislature after receiving an auditor’s reports about containment
of the emergency (Ariz. Rev. Stat. Ann.§26-304).
Disaster Prevention Council: The director of emergency management may
establish a council to plan for disaster prevention. The council must include state
emergency council members and others as determined by the director. The council
coordinates disaster prevention expertise and promotes partnerships to reduce
property loss from natural and technical disasters (Ariz. Rev. Stat. Ann. §26-
306(B)(3)).
State agencies, counties, cities and towns: Political subdivisions may make,
amend or rescind orders and regulations for emergency functions that are not
inconsistent with the governor’s orders. During a state of war emergency counties,
cities and towns may waive procedures relating to public work (temporary workers,
volunteer workers, contracts) if compliance hinders mitigation of effects of the war
emergency (Ariz. Rev. Stat. Ann. §26-307).
Local emergency management organization: Each locality may appropriate and
expend funds, establish an emergency management organization, and appoint a
director responsible for the operation of local emergency management programs.
Each organization carries out state emergency plans, maintains a list of public and
private organizations with trained staff to assist in meeting emergencies, inventories
facilities and supplies within the county, and provides information to the director of
emergency management (Ariz. Rev. Stat. Ann.§26-308).
Local emergency planning committees: The committees prepare and annually
review emergency response plans and provide copies to district governmental entities
to incorporate in local emergency operations plans, which are then submitted to the
Emergency Response Commission (Ariz. Rev. Stat. Ann.§26-345).

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Emergency Response Commission (ERC): The commission consists of the
director of division of emergency management and directors of key state agencies.
The ERC establishes programs for grants to local governments for compliance,
adopts rules for chemical emergency plans and community right-to-know reporting
requirements, and releases reporting requirements (Ariz. Rev. Stat. Ann. 26-343) .
The commission designates emergency planning districts to facilitate the preparation
and implementation of district emergency plans, and appoints members of a local
emergency planning committee for each emergency district (Ariz. Rev. Stat. Ann. 26-
344(A)(B)).
Department of Health Services: The department coordinates public health
emergency response as the public health authority during a state of emergency or a
state of war emergency declared by the governor if there is an imminent threat of
illness caused by bioterrorism. The department plans and executes public health
emergency assessment, mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery actions for
the state; coordinates public health responses among state, local and tribal authorities;
collaborates with federal and other state officials and private organizations and
companies; coordinates recovery operations and mitigation initiatives; organizes
public information activities; establishes a process for temporary waiver of licensure
requirements; and grants temporary waivers of health care licensure requirements.
The department may assist persons or institutions seeking reimbursement of costs
from providing isolation and quarantine services (Ariz. Rev. Stat. Ann.§36-787).
Preparedness
Local emergency planning committees’ comprehensive emergency response
plans must be based on information obtained from the ERC and state and local
emergency and disaster agencies and departments. Each plan must identify the heads
of emergency response organizations for local governments and provide a description
of equipment, facilities and staff, and mutual aid agreements (Ariz. Rev. Stat.
Ann.§26-345).
The director of environmental quality must establish a hazardous materials
emergency response and recovery unit in the department of environmental quality to
function as scientific support, health, safety and environmental element of a
hazardous materials emergency management program (Ariz. Rev. Stat. Ann.§49-
108).
The Division of Emergency Management has primary responsibility to develop
a state plan for off-site response to a nuclear power plant emergency and must consult
with other state agencies (Ariz. Rev. Stat. Ann.§26-305.01). The division is the lead
agency in developing and implementing a state hazardous materials emergency
management program and must consult with other state agencies (Ariz. Rev. Stat.
Ann. §26-305.02).
State emergency plans must be in effect in political subdivisions. The local
governing body must take action to carry out provisions including the development
of local emergency plans (Ariz. Rev. Stat. Ann. §26-308(D)).

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The governor may issue an advanced surveillance advisory if there is a belief
that a potential for bioterrorism exists. The statute specifies that the advisory must
direct reporting, patient tracking, lab testing, and information sharing requirements
(Ariz. Rev. Stat. Ann. §36-782 et seq.).
In a remedial response to an emergency, an owner or operator of a mining
facility is not required to notify or obtain approval of reclamation plan or financial
assurance before taking a remedial action to prevent or mitigate release of pollutants
(Ariz. Rev. Stat. Ann.§27-925).
During a state of emergency or a state of war emergency, the Department of
Health Services and local health authorities must begin an investigation if that agency
has reason to believe a contagious or fatal disease exists in the jurisdiction. The
department is authorized to establish isolation and quarantine quarters for persons
found to have contagious disease as well as due process safeguards (Ariz. Rev. Stat.
Ann. §§36-788, 36-789).
Declaration Procedures
The governor may proclaim a state of war emergency in an affected area. After
the governor declares a state of war emergency, his or her powers shall terminate if
the legislature is not in session and the governor has failed within 24 hours to issue
a call for a special session on the topic of the war emergency. After the governor
declares a state of emergency, the powers terminate when the governor issues a
proclamation or the legislature passes a concurrent resolution terminating the
emergency (Ariz. Rev. Stat. Ann. §26-303(C),(D),(F)).
The mayor or chairman of a board of supervisors may declare that an emergency
or a local emergency exists, and may impose curfews, order business closings, close
access to public buildings and streets, call out law enforcement, or notify county
offices whether to remain open or closed (Ariz. Rev. Stat. Ann. §26-311).
State agencies, when designated by the governor, and counties, cities and towns
may make, amend and rescind orders, rules and regulations for emergency functions
that are not inconsistent with the governor’s orders, rules and regulations (Ariz. Rev.
Stat. Ann.§26-307 et seq.).
Types of Assistance
The governor may declare an emergency arising from major disasters and incur
liabilities, regardless of whether or not the legislature is in session. Liabilities are
authorized to be incurred and paid from the general fund to mitigate emergencies
arising from invasion, epidemics, floods, major disasters, wildfires, hazardous
materials incidents, search and rescue efforts. The auditor of the Department of
Emergency and Military Affairs reviews liabilities and expenditures, reports to the
State Emergency Council at 90-day intervals, and conducts final review within 90
days of the termination of an emergency. The council makes a report to the
legislature about its actions. The statute places a limit of $200,000 on liabilities that

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may be incurred in any single disaster or emergency by the governor without council
approval, and a maximum of $4 million per fiscal year. Funds may be obligated
only when no other appropriations are available to meet an emergency, when there
are insufficient appropriations, or to provide the required state match for federal
assistance (Ariz. Rev. Stat. Ann.§35-192).
A non-profit organization that owns vehicles used only for disasters or for
search and rescue may apply for an exemption of motor vehicle registration fees
(Ariz. Rev. Stat. §26-318).
Mutual Aid
The Emergency Management Assistance Compact is codified (Ariz. Rev. Stat.
Ann.§26-401 et seq.).
Any emergency plans adopted and approved must satisfy the requirement for
mutual aid agreements. Outside aid is to be rendered in accordance with the
emergency plan. The governor may enter into reciprocal aid agreements or compacts,
mutual aid plans, or other interstate arrangements to protect life and property (Ariz.
Rev. Stat. Ann.§26-309).
During a state of emergency, political subdivisions have the power to provide
mutual aid. State agencies may provide mutual aid (staff and equipment) to assist
political subdivisions during a local emergency (Ariz. Rev. Stat. Ann. §26-
311(C),(D)).
The governor may enter into reciprocal aid agreements or compacts with other
states and the federal government for police services such as staff, supplies,
equipment, facilities (Ariz. Rev. Stat. Ann.§41-101.02).
Funding
The statute established the Emergency Response Fund (Ariz. Rev. Stat. §26-
352).
The governor may accept federal government or private assistance (including
services, equipment, supplies, funds) by gift, grant or loan (Ariz. Rev. Stat. §26-312).
The statute established an emergency management training fund in the state
treasury which is funded through fees that the Division of Emergency Management
collects from coordinating training conferences and seminars. Funds are to be used
only for training, and any excess reverts to the general fund (Ariz. Rev. Stat. §26-
305(D)).
State agencies are reimbursed for state funds spent in performing emergency
management duties. Any funds received by state agencies as reimbursement for
services and supplies are deposited in the agency account (Ariz. Rev. Stat. Ann. §26-
313).

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Corporations that construct or operate nuclear power plants must pay an
assessment for the costs of the development or maintenance of state nuclear
emergency plans. On a biennial basis, the director of the Division of Emergency
Management recommends an amount necessary to support the state plan, and the
legislature subsequently appropriates funds based on the assessment. Monies are
appropriated to the Nuclear Emergency Management Fund (Ariz. Rev. Stat. Ann.
§§26-306.01, 26-306.02).
Hazard Mitigation
See Entities with Key Responsibilities, “Disaster Prevention Council”
A comprehensive program of flood hazard mitigation must be prepared by the
chief engineer of a flood control district (Ariz. Rev. Stat. Ann.§48-3616(B)).
Continuity of Government Operations
If the governor or successors are unavailable due to death or for other reasons
after an attack, the state legislature “in emergency session” must designate a
temporary governor of the same political party who serves until conditions allow
compliance with constitutional provisions. If any elected officer of the state or a
political subdivision is similarly unavailable due to an attack, the legislature or an
affected political subdivision “in emergency session” must designate a temporary
successor of the same party. After an attack, the governor is to convene the
legislature in an emergency session within 15 days. The legislature automatically
convenes at the capitol or alternate site if governor fails to convene it. Regarding
local governments, the mayor or chairman of the jurisdiction’s board of supervisors
shall call an emergency session of legislative bodies within 15 days of attack.
Legislative bodies automatically convene on the 16th day at the seat of government
or at an alternate site. The statute does not set limits on the length of such a
legislative session, and the quorum is a majority of members attending the emergency
session. (Ariz. Rev. Stat. Ann.§38-381 et seq.)
To insure the continuity of governmental operations in an emergency from
disaster or enemy attack, the legislature must provide for the prompt and temporary
succession to powers and duties of public offices if incumbents are unavailable, and
must adopt necessary measures to ensure government continuity (Ariz. Rev. Stat.
Ann. Const. Art. 4, Pt. 2 §25).
Other
During a state of emergency or a state of war emergency, any out-of-state
licensed professional may render aid (Ariz. Rev. Stat. Ann. §26-310).
The statute provides for immunity from liability related to emergency response
actions (Ariz. Rev. Stat. Ann. §§26-314; 26-353; 36-790).
Political activities by the emergency management agency or staff are prohibited
(Ariz. Rev. Stat. Ann. §26-315).

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Key Terms
Table 1. Key Emergency Management and Homeland Security
Terms Defined in Arizona Statutes, with Citations
Terms
Citations
Attack
Ariz. Rev. Stat. Ann. §38-382(1)
Bioterrorism
Ariz. Rev. Stat. Ann.§ 36-781(1)
Commercial nuclear generating station
Ariz. Rev. Stat. Ann.§26-301(1)
Emergency functions
Ariz. Rev. Stat. Ann.§ 26-301(5)
Emergency management
Ariz. Rev. Stat. Ann.§ 26-301(6)
Extremely hazardous substance
Ariz. Rev. Stat. Ann.§ 26-341(3)
Hazardous materials
Ariz. Rev. Stat. Ann.§ 26-301(7)
Hazardous materials incident
Ariz. Rev. Stat. Ann.§ 26-301(8)
Hazardous substance
Ariz. Rev. Stat. Ann.§ 26-341(4)
Legislating body
Ariz. Rev. Stat. Ann. §38-382(2)
Local emergency
Ariz. Rev. Stat. Ann.§ 26-301(9)
Local health authority
Ariz. Rev. Stat. Ann.§ 36-781(4)
Mitigation
Ariz. Rev. Stat. Ann.§ 26-301(10)
Public safety authority
Ariz. Rev. Stat. Ann.§ 36-781(5)
Preparedness
Ariz. Rev. Stat. Ann.§ 26-301(11)
Recovery
Ariz. Rev. Stat. Ann.§ 26-301(12)
Response
Ariz. Rev. Stat. Ann.§ 26-301(13)
State of emergency
Ariz. Rev. Stat. Ann.§ 26-301(14)
State of war emergency
Ariz. Rev. Stat. Ann.§ 26-301(15)
For Further Research
The citations noted above and other elements of the state code for Arizona
may be searched at: [http://www.azleg.state.az.us/ArizonaRevisedStatutes.asp].