Iowa Emergency Management and Homeland Security Authorities Summarized

Publication Date: March 2004

Publisher: Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Author(s):

Research Area: Government

Type:

Abstract:

The primary Iowa emergency management statute (Iowa Code Title I, §29C) delegates emergency powers and authorities to the governor, the state Emergency
Management Division, and local emergency management commissions. The General Assembly, or the Legislative Council if the former is not in session, may rescind a gubernatorial declaration of a disaster. Assistance and funding are accomplished through a combination of federal aid, fees, a state emergency response fund, and a state contingent fund. If the state emergency management administrator determines that localities have not prepared adequate plans or hired qualified coordinators, local governments may be prohibited from appropriating funds for such purposes. Iowa participates in interstate compacts for mutual aid, and provides for mutual assistance and training between local governments.