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2002 Session

Budget Amendments - HB30 (Conference Report)

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Homeland Security and Terrorism Response (language only)

Item 459 #5c

Item 459 #5c

Public Safety
State Police, Department of

Language
Page 332, after line 18, insert:
"D.  The Department of State Police shall modify the implementation of the division of drug law enforcement established pursuant to Chapter 600 of the Acts of Assembly of 2000, and shall redirect, as may be necessary, resources heretofore provided for that purpose by the General Assembly for the purposes of homeland security, the gathering of intelligence on terrorist activities, the preparation for response to a terrorist attack and any other activity determined by the Governor to be crucial to strengthening the preparedness of the Commonwealth against the threat of natural disasters and emergencies.  Nothing in this item shall be construed to prohibit the Department of State Police from performing drug law enforcement or investigation as otherwise provided for by the Code of Virginia."


Explanation
(This amendment authorizes the Department of State Police to redirect necessary general fund resources for the biennium to homeland security and related activities to ensure the preparedness of the Commonwealth to respond to natural disasters and emergencies of all kinds, including a terrorist attack. This action allows the Department to utilize up to 60 trooper positions that were authorized by the 2000 General Assembly to specialize in activities related to homeland security, as well as drug law enforcement.)