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Committee approves bill to codify Office of Homeland Security
Summary
The committee moved Senate Bill 18‑80, which would codify and delineate the Office of Homeland Security’s statutory duties (strategic planning, investigations into threats, coordination with public/private partners and cyber security), and sent it to the calendar.
Senator Roberts told the committee the administration bill codifies the Office of Homeland Security and defines its authorities and responsibilities, including creating a strategic plan to protect the state from terrorist threats and coordinating with government and private‑sector partners. He said the office has operated for more than 20 years under executive order and this bill would place it under General Assembly oversight.
The committee moved the companion amendment (drafting code 13930) and approved the measure. The clerk recorded the vote and the bill was sent to the calendar. Sponsor remarks emphasized that the bill largely codifies existing practice and provides statutory authority for actions such as investigating threats to schools, critical infrastructure and public officials, and addressing cyber attacks.
