II 111th CONGRESS 1st Session S. 2863 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES December 10, 2009 Mr. Pryor introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs A BILL To provide that an outbreak of infectious disease or act of terrorism may be a major disaster under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5122 et seq.), and for other purposes.

1.

Short title

This Act may be cited as the Emergency Response Act of 2009.

2.

Major disaster declarations

Section 102 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5122) is amended by striking paragraph (2) and inserting the following: (2)

Major disaster

Major disaster means any natural disaster (including pandemics), act of terrorism, or other manmade disaster, in any part of the United States, which in the determination of the President causes damage of sufficient severity and magnitude to warrant major disaster assistance under this Act to supplement the efforts and available resources of States, local governments, and disaster relief organizations in alleviating the damage, loss, hardship, or suffering caused thereby. .

3.

Homeland security information sharing

(a)

In general

Not later than 60 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Homeland Security shall designate a representative to lead a working group with national organizations that represent State, local, and tribal government interests to prepare best practice recommendations for facilitating the flow of public health information to State fusion centers and the greater homeland security community. (b)

Report

Not later than 6 months after the working group described under subsection (a) is established, the Secretary of Homeland Security shall submit a report with the recommendations of the working group to the appropriate committees of the Senate and House of Representatives.