(20 ILCS 3305/6) (from Ch. 127, par. 1056)

Sec. 6. Emergency Management Powers of the Governor.

(a) The Governor shall have general direction and control of the Illinois Emergency Management Agency and shall be responsible for the carrying out of the provisions of this Act.

(b) In performing duties under this Act, the Governor is authorized to cooperate with the federal government and with other states in all matters pertaining to emergency management.

(c) In performing duties under this Act, the Governor is further authorized:

(1) To make, amend, and rescind all lawful necessary orders, rules, and regulations to carry out the provisions of this Act within the limits of the authority conferred upon the Governor.

(2) To cause to be prepared a comprehensive plan and program for the emergency management of this State, which plan and program shall be integrated into and coordinated with emergency management plans and programs of the federal government and of other states whenever possible and which plan and program may include:

a. Mitigation of injury and damage caused by disaster.

b. Prompt and effective response to disaster.

c. Emergency relief.

d. Identification of areas particularly vulnerable to disasters.

e. Recommendations for zoning, building, and other land-use controls, safety measures for securing permanent structures and other mitigation measures designed to eliminate or reduce disasters or their impact.

f. Assistance to political subdivisions in designing emergency operations plans.

g. Authorization and procedures for the erection or other construction of temporary works designed to mitigate danger, damage or loss from flood, or other disaster.

h. Preparation and distribution to the appropriate State and political subdivision officials of a State catalog of federal, State, and private assistance programs.

i. Organization of State personnel and chains of command.

j. Coordination of federal, State, and political subdivision emergency management activities.

k. Other necessary matters.

(3) In accordance with the plan and program for the emergency management of this State, and out of funds appropriated for these purposes, to procure and preposition supplies, medicines, materials and equipment, to institute training programs and public information programs, and to take all other preparatory steps including the partial or full mobilization of emergency services and disaster agencies in advance of actual disaster to insure the furnishing of adequately trained and equipped forces for disaster response and recovery.

(4) Out of funds appropriated for these purposes, to make studies and surveys of the industries, resources, and facilities in this State as may be necessary to ascertain the capabilities of the State for emergency management phases of mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery and to plan for the most efficient emergency use thereof.

(5) On behalf of this State, to negotiate for and submit to the General Assembly for its approval or rejection reciprocal mutual aid agreements or compacts with other states, either on a statewide or political subdivision basis. The agreements or compacts, shall be limited to the furnishing or exchange of food, clothing, medical or other supplies, engineering and police services; emergency housing and feeding; National and State Guards while under the control of the State; health, medical, and related services; fire fighting, rescue, transportation, communication, and construction services and equipment, provided, however, that if the General Assembly be not in session and the Governor has not proclaimed the existence of a disaster under this Section, then the agreements or compacts shall instead be submitted to an Interim Committee on Emergency Management composed of 5 Senators appointed by the President of the Senate and of 5 Representatives appointed by the Speaker of the House, during the month of June of each odd-numbered year to serve for a 2 year term, beginning July 1 of that year, and until their successors are appointed and qualified, or until termination of their legislative service, whichever first occurs. Vacancies shall be filled by appointment for the unexpired term in the same manner as original appointments. All appointments shall be made in writing and filed with the Secretary of State as a public record. The Committee shall have the power to approve or reject any agreements or compacts for and on behalf of the General Assembly; and, provided further, that an affirmative vote of 2/3 of the members of the Committee shall be necessary for the approval of any agreement or compact.

(Source: P.A. 92-73, eff. 1-1-02.)