MS Department Emergency Management; create.
What changed between versions
Created a new Mississippi Department of Emergency Management as a standalone department within the executive branch, replacing MEMA as the primary organizational structure for emergency management.
Transferred the Mississippi Emergency Communications Authority from under MEMA to become an office under the new Department of Emergency Management.
Changed leadership structure from MEMA Director to Executive Director of Emergency Management, who is appointed by the Governor and holds office during the Governor's pleasure.
Added requirements for the Executive Director to establish organizational structure including subagencies, units, and offices necessary to implement department duties.
Established an Office of Administrative Services within the new department to process reimbursements, grants, and administrative functions for emergency management programs.
Updated statutory definitions throughout Mississippi Code to reference the new Department of Emergency Management instead of MEMA as the primary emergency management entity.
Modified disaster assistance trust fund provisions to allow transfers from Working Cash-Stabilization Reserve Fund and Budget Contingency Fund with updated transfer limits and procedures.
Added new sections addressing disaster assistance coordination, including provisions for a single point of contact for victims to access various disaster assistance programs and in-kind donations.
Updated effective dates and appointment terms for advisory board members, with initial terms set from July 1, 2025 through various end dates depending on the appointing authority.
