Ch. 5

2003 LAWS OF MARYLAND

The former phrase "as authorized by the Governor under the State plan" is
deleted as unnecessary in light of the reference to an organization
established by a political subdivision "under § 14-109 of this subtitle".

Defined term: "Political subdivision" § 14-101

(F)     MEMA.

"MEMA" MEANS THE MARYLAND EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY.

REVISOR'S NOTE: This subsection is new language added as a shorthand
reference to the Maryland Emergency Management Agency.

(G)     POLITICAL SUBDIVISION.

"POLITICAL SUBDIVISION" MEANS A COUNTY OR MUNICIPAL CORPORATION OF
THE STATE.

REVISOR'S NOTE: This subsection is new language derived without
substantive change from former Art. 16A, § 3(c).

The phrase "of the State" is added for clarity and to avoid repetition in the
revision of the reference to a political subdivision "of the State".
Consequently, throughout this subtitle, former references to a political
subdivision "of this State" are deleted.

The former specific references to a "town", "village", and "district" are
deleted as unnecessary in light of the general references to a "county" and
"municipal corporation".

Defined term: "County" § 1-101

14-102. LEGISLATIVE POLICY.

(A) IN GENERAL.

TO ENSURE THAT THE STATE WILL BE ADEQUATELY PREPARED TO DEAL WITH
EMERGENCIES THAT ARE BEYOND THE CAPABILITIES OF LOCAL AUTHORITIES, TO
PROVIDE FOR THE COMMON DEFENSE, TO PROTECT THE PUBLIC PEACE, HEALTH,
AND SAFETY, AND TO PRESERVE THE LIVES AND PROPERTY OF THE PEOPLE OF THE
STATE, IT IS NECESSARY TO:

(1)      ESTABLISH A MARYLAND EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY;

(2)      AUTHORIZE THE ESTABLISHMENT OF LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS FOR
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT IN THE POLITICAL SUBDIVISIONS;

(3)      CONFER ON THE GOVERNOR AND ON THE EXECUTIVE HEADS OR
GOVERNING BODIES OF THE POLITICAL SUBDIVISIONS THE EMERGENCY POWERS
PROVIDED IN THIS SUBTITLE; AND

(4)      PROVIDE FOR THE RENDERING OF MUTUAL AID AMONG THE
POLITICAL SUBDIVISIONS AND WITH OTHER STATES IN CARRYING OUT EMERGENCY
MANAGEMENT FUNCTIONS.

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