A. There are hereby created regional planning and coordination advisory councils for homeland security. The Oklahoma Homeland Security Director shall designate the geographical boundaries for each regional advisory council within the state.

B. Each regional advisory council shall be composed of the following members:

1. A chief of a paid fire department;

2. A chief of a volunteer fire department;

3. A county sheriff;

4. A chief of a police department;

5. A physician or hospital administrator;

6. An emergency management coordinator;

7. An emergency medical services provider;

8. A veterinarian;

9. A representative of a state or local disaster relief agency;

10. A city manager or mayor;

11. A county commissioner;

12. A public health representative;

13. A Council of Government representative;

14. A representative of a public school district; and

15. A representative of an institution of higher learning.

C. The members of the regional advisory councils shall be appointed by the Oklahoma Homeland Security Director. The Director shall appoint from a list of nominees provided to the Director from statewide associations or entities that represent the disciplines to be represented on the advisory councils. All members can be removed for cause by the Director.

D. Each member of a regional advisory council shall reside in or have employment duties within the region to be served by the regional advisory council. Regional advisory council members shall have staggered terms of office not exceeding three (3) years and may be reappointed upon the expiration of a term.

E. Each regional advisory council shall meet at least twice a year or more frequently at the discretion of the Director. The Director or designee from the Oklahoma Office of Homeland Security shall attend the meetings of the regional advisory councils. A majority of the members of the regional advisory council shall constitute a quorum. The Office of Homeland Security shall establish policies and procedures regarding the operation of the regional advisory councils.

F. The duties and responsibilities of each regional advisory council shall be:

1. Assessing and documenting the needs of the region related to homeland security;

2. Coordinating and cooperating with the Oklahoma Office of Homeland Security to achieve the strategic objectives prescribed in this act; and

3. Other duties and responsibilities as determined by the Oklahoma Homeland Security Director.

Added by Laws 2004, c. 157, § 4, emerg. eff. April 26, 2004. Amended by Laws 2005, c. 397, § 1, eff. July 1, 2005; Laws 2008, c. 216, § 9, eff. Nov. 1, 2008.