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2014 SESSION


SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 61
Directing the Joint Commission on Technology and Science to study strategies for preventing and mitigating potential damages caused by geomagnetic disturbances and electromagnetic pulses. Report.
 
Agreed to by the Senate, February 11, 2014
Agreed to by the House of Delegates, February 19, 2014
 

WHEREAS, geomagnetic disturbances and electromagnetic pulses have the capability of producing significant damage to the Commonwealth's infrastructure and electronic equipment; and

WHEREAS, the Commonwealth's vulnerability to such threats is increasing daily through heightened use of and dependence on electronic equipment; and

WHEREAS, the Joint Commission on Technology and Science may be able to identify measures to protect the Commonwealth's infrastructure through focused examination; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That the Joint Commission on Technology and Science be directed to study strategies for preventing and mitigating potential damages caused by geomagnetic disturbances and electromagnetic pulses.

In conducting its study, the Joint Commission on Technology and Science shall (i) study the nature and magnitude of potential threats to the Commonwealth caused by geomagnetic disturbances and electromagnetic pulses; (ii) examine the Commonwealth's vulnerabilities to the potential negative impacts of geomagnetic disturbances and electromagnetic pulses; (iii) identify strategies to prevent and mitigate the effects of geomagnetic disturbances and electromagnetic pulses on the Commonwealth's infrastructure; (iv) estimate the feasibility and costs of such preventative and mitigation measures; and (v) make recommendations regarding strategies the Commonwealth should employ to better protect itself from and mitigate damages caused by geomagnetic disturbances and electromagnetic pulses.

All agencies of the Commonwealth shall provide assistance to the Joint Commission on Technology and Science for this study, upon request.

The Joint Commission on Technology and Science shall complete its meetings by November 30, 2014, and the Chairman shall submit to the Division of Legislative Automated Systems an executive summary of its findings and recommendations no later than the first day of the 2015 Regular Session of the General Assembly. The executive summary shall state whether the Joint Commission on Technology and Science intends to submit to the General Assembly and the Governor a report of its findings and recommendations for publication as a House or Senate document. The executive summary and report shall be submitted as provided in the procedures of the Division of Legislative Automated Systems for the processing of legislative documents and reports and shall be posted on the General Assembly's website.