Vt. Stat. Ann. tit. 20, § 8 (2026)

§ 8. General powers of Governor

(a) The Governor shall have general direction and control of the emergency management agency and shall be responsible for carrying out the provisions of this chapter.

(b) In performing the duties under this chapter, the Governor is further authorized and empowered:

(1) Orders and rules. To make, amend, and rescind the necessary orders and rules to carry out the provisions of this chapter with due consideration of the plans of the federal government.

(2) Plans.

(A) To prepare a comprehensive plan and program for the emergency management of this State to be integrated into and coordinated with the emergency management plans of the federal government, the Canadian government, and other states to the fullest possible extent.

(B) To coordinate the preparation of plans and programs for emergency management with public safety districts, local emergency planning committees, regional planning commissions, and by the municipalities of this State. The plans shall be integrated into and coordinated with the emergency management plans and program of this State to the fullest possible extent.

(3) Inventories, training, mobilization. In accordance with the plan and program for the emergency management of the State:

(A) to ascertain the requirements of the State or the municipalities for food, water, fuel, clothing, or other necessities of life in any all-hazards event and to plan for and procure supplies, medicines, materials, and equipment for the purposes set forth in this chapter;

(B) to make surveys of the industries, resources, and facilities within the State as necessary to carry out the purposes of this chapter, provided that no inventory or record of privately owned firearms shall be made under the provisions of this chapter; and

(C) to institute training programs and public information programs, and to take all other preparatory steps, including the partial or full mobilization of emergency management organizations in advance of actual disaster, to ensure the furnishing of adequately trained and equipped forces of first responders and other emergency management personnel in time of need.

(4) Cooperation with the President and others.

(A) To cooperate with the President and the heads of the U.S. Armed Forces, and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, and with the officers and agencies of other states in matters pertaining to the emergency management of the State and nation.

(B) To take any measures, consistent with the Vermont Constitution, that the Governor deems proper to implement any request for the president and the appropriate federal officers and agencies, for any action looking to emergency management, including the direction or control of mobilization of emergency management and homeland security forces, tests and exercises, warnings and signals for drills or emergencies, shutting off water mains, gas mains, electric power connections and the suspension of all other utility services, the conduct of civilians and the movement and cessation of movement of pedestrians and vehicular traffic during, prior, and subsequent to drills or attack, public meetings or gatherings, and the evacuation and reception of the civilian population.

(5) Services and facilities. To utilize the services and facilities of existing officers and agencies of the State and of the counties and municipalities of the State. All officers and agencies shall cooperate with and extend services and facilities to the Governor as the Governor may request.

(6) Law enforcement. To take action and give directions to State and local law enforcement officers and agencies as may be reasonable and necessary to secure compliance with the provisions of this chapter and with the orders and rules made pursuant to this chapter.

(7) Delegation of authority. To delegate any authority vested in the Governor under this chapter to the Commissioner or designee.

(8) Mutual aid agreements with other states. On behalf of this State, to enter into reciprocal aid agreements under this chapter and pursuant to compacts with other states and the federal government or a province of a foreign country under such terms as the Congress of the United States may prescribe. These mutual aid arrangements shall be limited to the furnishing or exchange of food, water, fuel, clothing, medicine, and other supplies; engineering services; emergency housing; police services; National Guard units while under the control of the State; health; medical and related services; fire fighting, rescue, transportation, and construction services and equipment; personnel necessary to provide or conduct these services; and other supplies, equipment, facilities, personnel, and services as needed; and the reimbursement of costs and expenses for equipment, supplies, personnel, and similar items for mobile support units, firefighting, and police units and health units. The mutual aid agreements shall be made on such terms and conditions as the Governor deems necessary.

(9) Mutual aid among municipalities. To sponsor, develop, and approve mutual aid plans and agreements among the towns and cities of the State, similar to the mutual aid arrangements referred to in this section. (Amended 1989, No. 252 (Adj. Sess.), § 10; 2005, No. 209 (Adj. Sess.), § 9; 2021, No. 20, § 115; 2023, No. 143 (Adj. Sess.), § 26, eff. July 1, 2024.)