§ 12-75-115 - Disaster prevention generally.
12-75-115. Disaster prevention generally.
(a) (1) In addition to disaster prevention measures as included in the state, local, and interjurisdictional emergency operations plans, the Governor shall consider on a continuing basis steps that could be taken to prevent or reduce the harmful consequences of disasters.
(2) At the Governor's direction, and pursuant to any other authority and competence state agencies have, including, but not limited to, those charged with responsibilities in flood plain management, stream encroachment and flow regulation, weather modification, fire prevention and control, air quality, public works, land use and land use planning, and construction standards shall make studies of disaster prevention-related matters.
(3) Studies under subdivision (a)(2) of this section shall be furnished to the Governor and the Arkansas Department of Emergency Management as soon as possible after completion and shall concentrate on means of reducing or avoiding damage caused by possible disasters or the consequences of possible disasters.
(4) The Governor, from time to time, shall make recommendations to the General Assembly, local government, and other appropriate public and private entities as may facilitate measures for prevention or reduction of the harmful consequences of disasters.
(b) (1) If the department believes, on the basis of the studies or other competent evidence, that an area is susceptible to a disaster of catastrophic proportions without adequate warning, that existing building standards and land use control in that area are inadequate and could add substantially to the magnitude of the disaster, and that changes in zoning regulations, other land use regulations, or building requirements are essential in order to further the purposes of this section, it shall specify the essential changes to the Governor.
(2) If the Governor, upon review of the recommendation, finds after public hearing that the changes are essential, he or she shall so recommend to the agencies or local governments with jurisdiction over the area and subject matter.
(3) If no action or insufficient action pursuant to the Governor's recommendations is taken within the time specified by the Governor, he or she shall so inform the General Assembly and request legislative action appropriate to mitigate the impact of disaster.
(c) (1) At the same time that the Governor makes his or her recommendations pursuant to subsection (b) of this section, the Governor may suspend the standard or control which he or she finds to be inadequate to protect the public safety and by regulation place a new standard or control in effect.
(2) The new standard or control shall remain in effect until rejected by concurrent resolution of both houses of the General Assembly or amended by the Governor.
(3) During the time it is in effect, the standard or control contained in the Governor's regulation shall be administered and given full effect by all relevant regulatory agencies of the state and local governments to which it applies.
(4) The Governor's action is subject to judicial review in accordance with the Arkansas Administrative Procedure Act, 25-15-201 et seq., but shall not be subject to temporary stay pending litigation.