Article X-A, § 1 — Definitions; declaration of catastrophic disaster; convening of Legislative Assembly

(1) As used in this Article, "catastrophic disaster" means a natural or human-caused event that: (a) Results in extraordinary levels of death, injury, property damage or disruption of daily life in this state; and (b) Severely affects the population, infrastructure, environment, economy or government functioning of this state. (2) As used in this Article, "catastrophic disaster" includes, but is not limited to, any of the following events if the event meets the criteria listed in subsection (1) of this section: (a) Act of terrorism. (b) Earthquake. (c) Flood. (d) Public health emergency. (e) Tsunami. (f) Volcanic eruption. (g) War. (3) The Governor may invoke the provisions of this Article if the Governor finds and declares that a catastrophic disaster has occurred. A finding required by this subsection shall specify the nature of the catastrophic disaster. (4) At the time the Governor invokes the provisions of this Article under subsection (3) of this section, the Governor shall issue a proclamation convening the Legislative Assembly under section 12, Article V of this Constitution, unless: (a) The Legislative Assembly is in session at the time the catastrophic disaster is declared; or (b) The Legislative Assembly is scheduled to convene in regular session within 30 days after the date the catastrophic disaster is declared. (5) If the Governor declares that a catastrophic disaster has occurred, the Governor shall manage the immediate response to the disaster. The actions of the Legislative Assembly under sections 3 and 4 of this Article are limited to actions necessary to implement the Governor's immediate response to the disaster and to actions necessary to aid recovery from the disaster.