The House Government and Veterans Affairs Committee voted 14-0 to recommend House Bill 1079, a measure to rename two divisions within the Department of Emergency Services to better reflect their functions and improve public understanding.

Darren Hanson, homeland security division director, told the committee the Division of Homeland Security performs a range of emergency management and federal coordination tasks that the public does not readily associate with the label "homeland security." Hanson said only a small portion of the division’s staff perform duties people commonly think of as homeland security, while the remainder handle disaster preparedness, recovery, and infrastructure roles. The bill would rename the division to the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management.

Hanson also described the Division of State Radio’s modern role as an emergency communications and dispatch support center that does much more than operate radios. Dan Anderson, the division’s director, told the committee that the division now supports 911 overflow and a range of technology and dispatch functions. Both witnesses said the new name, State Emergency Communication Center (ECC), aligns with a national shift to recognize dispatch and communications centers as first responders and could help in public outreach and workforce recognition.

Committee members raised questions about structural or fiscal impacts. Hanson said the bill would cause no structural changes, minimal branding updates (primarily website and electronic materials), and no immediate fiscal cost. Anderson and Hanson said they would coordinate communications and work with 911 organizations and the League of Cities on a transition path.

Representative Vetter moved a "do pass" recommendation, seconded by Representative Grinberg; the committee approved the motion unanimously. Committee leadership said the bill would not be placed on consent to allow time for public messaging and outreach planning. Representative Veil volunteered to carry the bill.

Why it matters: Lawmakers and agency leaders said the updated names should reduce public confusion about agency responsibilities, support outreach after disasters, and formalize recognition of dispatch/communications roles.