§ 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.

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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.