AR SB145

Amends Arkansas Code § 12-76-202 to add Article III Party State Responsibilities to the Emergency Management Assistance Compact, requiring states to formulate procedural plans for interstate emergency cooperation.

Requires party states to review hazard analyses, develop interstate emergency management plans, establish warning systems for border communities, and ensure uninterrupted delivery of critical services including medicines, water, food, energy, search and rescue.

Establishes procedures for requesting emergency assistance between authorized state representatives, including verbal or written requests that must be confirmed in writing within 30 days and must specify emergency service functions, personnel and equipment needed, and staging locations.

Amends Article VI LIABILITY to clarify that officers, employees, political subdivisions, local governments, private entities, and volunteers rendering aid under the compact are considered agents of the requesting state and gain immunity from liability for acts in good faith, excluding willful misconduct, gross negligence, or recklessness.

Provides that the governor or designee has sole discretion whether to send requested assistance and may withdraw it at any time.