A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION reestablishing the Disaster Prevention and Resiliency Task Force to study preparedness, mitigation, response, recovery, risk assessment, infrastructure resilience, and planning for natural disasters that impact the Commonwealth.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Jared Carpenter and 15 co-sponsors

Reestablishes a statewide Disaster Prevention and Resiliency Task Force to study and recommend comprehensive measures for preparedness, mitigation, response, and recovery from natu

to Committee on Committees (S)

#disastersandrecoveryefforts #floodcontrolandflooding #legislativeresearchcommission #studiesdirected #taskforces #legislativebranch

Summary of SCR 96 (2026 Session, Kentucky)

Purpose and Intent

SCR 96 is a concurrent resolution that reestablishes the Disaster Prevention and Resiliency Task Force.

The purpose is to study and assess a broad framework for preparing for, mitigating, responding to, and recovering from natural disasters affecting the Commonwealth of Kentucky.

The resolution emphasizes a comprehensive approach to preparedness, risk assessment, infrastructure resilience, and planning related to natural hazards.

Key Provisions and Changes

Reestablishment: Restores the Disaster Prevention and Resiliency Task Force, which likely had duties prior to this resolution and is being revived to continue or expand its work.

Scope of Study: Directs the Task Force to examine and develop recommendations across multiple phases of disaster management, including:

Preparedness: readiness activities, planning, training, and drills.
Mitigation: strategies to reduce risk and vulnerability (e.g., land-use planning, building codes, protective measures).
Response: immediate actions during a disaster to protect life and property.
Recovery: post-disaster reconstruction, rebuilding, and support for affected communities.
Risk Assessment: identification and prioritization of hazards, vulnerabilities, and exposure.
Infrastructure Resilience: strengthening critical facilities and systems (e.g., utilities, transportation, communication networks) to withstand and rapidly recover from events.
Planning: development or refinement of state and local plans and coordination mechanisms.

Recommendations: The Task Force would prepare findings and potentially propose policy changes, statutory updates, funding needs, or administrative actions to enhance disaster resilience.

(No specific new mandates, funding levels, or timelines are provided in the summary text available. The resolution sets up study and reporting responsibilities rather than immediate regulatory changes.)

Who/What Would Be Affected

State government agencies and departments involved in emergency management, public safety, infrastructure, and planning.

Local governments and regional authorities that coordinate disaster preparedness and response efforts.

Critical infrastructure sectors and stakeholders engaged in resilience planning (utilities, transportation, housing, public health, etc.).

Agencies and legislators that rely on Task Force findings to inform possible future legislation or budget decisions.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

Status: Introduced in the Senate on February 11, 2026, and referred to the Committee on Committees (S).

As a concurrent resolution, it typically requires passage by both chambers (Senate and House) and is intended to guide study and reporting rather than enact substantive law.

Expected outcome: The Task Force would produce a report or set of findings with recommendations to inform legislative and executive actions on disaster preparedness and resilience.

Overall Impact

The bill signals legislative intent to prioritize and institutionalize a coordinated, statewide approach to natural disaster risk management.

It aims to enhance cross-jurisdictional collaboration, evidence-based planning, and long-term resilience of Kentucky’s communities and critical systems against natural hazards.