N.Y. Executive Law § 580: Emergency services council

§ 580. Emergency services council. 1. Creation; members. There is

hereby created in the department of state an emergency services council,

the members of which shall be the directors of the office of fire

prevention and control, the bureau of emergency medical services and the

state emergency management office, the superintendent of state police,

the commissioner of health, the secretary of state, the director of the

state office for the aging and the director of state operations who

shall be the chairperson unless otherwise appointed by the governor.

There shall also be two representatives appointed by the state emergency

medical services council, one of whom shall be a representative of

volunteer ambulance service and one of whom shall be a representative of

proprietary ambulance service; two representatives appointed by the fire

advisory board, one of which shall be representative of volunteer fire

service and one of which shall be representative of paid fire service;

one representative shall be appointed by the disaster preparedness

commission; one physician shall be appointed by the state emergency

medical advisory committee; one appointment shall be made by the

governor; one appointment shall be made by the temporary president of

the senate; and one appointment shall be made by the speaker of the

assembly.

2. The role of the council shall be advisory. The purposes of the

council shall be to develop and coordinate state emergency services,

make recommendations on emergency services policy, and eliminate

unnecessary duplication of effort in such a way as to ensure the

provision of efficient and effective delivery of such services. The

council shall adopt a mission statement consistent with the intent of

this legislation and which shall affirm the council's commitment to

fostering improved communication, coordination and cooperation among law

enforcement, fire protection, emergency medical services and disaster

preparedness agencies.

3. Powers and duties. The members of the council shall receive no

compensation for their services but shall be allowed actual and

necessary expenses incurred in the performance of their duties. The

council may request and shall receive from any department, board,

bureau, commission, office, agency or other instrumentality of the

state, such facilities, assistance and data as it deems necessary or

desirable for the proper execution of its powers and duties. The council

shall meet at least quarterly and report annually no later then

September thirtieth of each year. However should the need arise the

council may submit incremental reports as deemed necessary. Such reports

shall be submitted to the governor, the temporary president of the

senate, the chairperson of the senate finance committee, the speaker of

the assembly, and the chairperson of the assembly ways and means

committee. The council shall have the power to hold public hearings and

solicit testimony on any matter it deems relative to carrying out its

mission. The council shall have the power to make non-binding

recommendations concerning existing and/or future policy, rules and

regulations and have the ability to take up for consideration

recommendations submitted by either public or private entities. The

council may have the ability to advise the governor, legislature, state

agencies and entities, and localities on issues relating to and

effecting the coordination and enhancement of emergency response, and

public health and safety. Nothing in this section shall be deemed to

supersede any established authority, duty and power established by local

law, state law or regulation, or otherwise granted to any agency, body

or entity.