The Executive Budget includes provisions to improve the State’s readiness to respond to storms, floods and other critical incidents through the Office of Emergency Management (OEM) within the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services. The proposal also includes guidelines for local governments regarding the sharing of resources in emergency situations. The main parameters of this bill outline local government cost/liability during emergencies including responsibilities of the local government requesting assistance and the local government providing assistance. The protocols established in the proposed budget also allow for local governments to enter into agreements that outline different terms, but provide these basic guidelines if no other terms are negotiated. (Katy Vescio)