An Act establishing local emergency management agencies

This bill amends Massachusetts law to require every city and town to establish a Local Emergency Management Agency to coordinate disaster response and preparedness efforts. The legislation designates a director for each agency and grants local officials the power to bypass standard hiring and procurement rules during emergencies to quickly secure resources and personnel. Additionally, the act mandates that state agencies cooperate with local efforts and allows mayors or town managers to direct existing city or town departments to assist in disaster relief operations.