§ 24-33.5-1604 — Duties and powers of the division - rules

Colorado § 24-33.5-1604

• Jurisdiction: Colorado
• Title 24: Government
• Art.: Public Safety

Text

(1) The division has
the following duties and powers:

(a) To inquire into the threat of terrorism in Colorado and the state of
preparedness to respond to that threat and to make recommendations to the
governor and the general assembly;

(b) To cooperate with the United States department of homeland security
and other agencies of the federal government and other states in matters related to
terrorism;

(c) To do all things necessary for the implementation of this part 16,
including but not limited to the power:

(I) To hire personnel;

(II) To contract with federal, state, local, and private entities; and

(III) To accept and expend federal and private funds.

(2) (a) The division shall create and implement terrorism preparedness plans.
The plans shall include the following:

(I) State protocols and procedures concerning the prevention of, preparation
for, response to, and recovery from any terrorist threat, terrorist act, or other
terrorist-related activity;

(II) Establishment and issuance of protocols to guide state and local law
enforcement and emergency response officials in responding to any case involving
a suspected terrorist training activity described in section 18-9-120, C.R.S.;

(III) Coordination with appropriate governmental agencies, educational
institutions, and private sector entities to develop protocols concerning access and
security measures at biotechnology laboratories and facilities;

(IV) Coordination with appropriate state agencies to develop protocols
concerning the handling, storage, and disposal of biological agents, chemical
weapons, destructive devices, radioactive materials, and toxins when any such
materials are obtained as evidence of a suspected terrorist training activity as
described in section 18-9-120, C.R.S., act of terrorism, suspected act of terrorism,
threat to commit an act of terrorism, or conspiracy to commit an act of terrorism.

(b) (I) In creating the terrorism preparedness plans, the division shall seek
the advice and assistance of other federal, state, and local government agencies;
business, labor, industrial, agricultural, civic, and volunteer organizations; and
community leaders.

(II) The terrorism preparedness plans constitute specialized details of
security arrangements for purposes of section 24-72-204 (2)(a)(VIII).

(3) (a) The division shall provide advice, assistance, and training to state and
local government agencies in the development and implementation of terrorism
preparedness plans and in conducting periodic exercises related to the plans.

(b) The division shall provide oversight of terrorism preparedness plans
developed and implemented by state and local government agencies. The oversight
does not usurp the authority of state and local government agencies, but will only
provide peer review and comment in order to promote standardized methods of
operation and to facilitate integration with plans adopted by other state and local
government agencies throughout the state.

(c) State and local government agencies that develop terrorism
preparedness plans shall submit copies of current, new, or amended plans to the
division.

(4) The division may distribute to local government agencies any federal or
other funds that become available for distribution.

(5) The division shall also:

(a) Build partnerships with first responders, agencies, and citizens in the
public and private sectors;

(b) Coordinate activities with other state agencies and the all-hazards
emergency management regions created by executive order of the governor;

(c) Develop and update a state strategy for homeland security;

(d) Facilitate, coordinate, and conduct capabilities assessments as
necessary;

(e) Facilitate improvements in overall preparedness by developing
coordinating mechanisms among Colorado's emergency management, homeland
security, public safety, and public health agencies in order to deliver the
capabilities necessary for all domestic disasters, whether natural or man-made,
including acts of terror; and

(f) Coordinate protection activities among owners and operators of critical
infrastructure and other tribal, state, local, regional, and federal agencies in order
to help secure and protect critical infrastructure within the state.

(6) (a) The division shall implement section 24-33.5-1624 in order to ensure a
secure telecommunications network in Colorado.

(b) The director of the division may promulgate rules related to
telecommunications security in accordance with section 24-33.5-1624.

Legislative History

Source: L. 2002: Entire part added, p. 1207, � 6, effective June 3. L. 2005: (2)(b)(II) and (3)(c) amended, p. 503, � 4, effective July 1. L. 2012: IP(1), (1)(b), IP(2)(a), (2)(b), (3), and (4) amended and (5) added, (HB 12-1283), ch. 240, p. 1121, � 21, effective July 1. L. 2024: (6) added, (SB 24-151), ch. 483, p. 3385, � 3, effective June 7.