WHEREAS, emergencies and disasters can interrupt government functions and hinder the ability of State agencies to deliver essential services to the people of Arizona; and

WHEREAS, the security and well-being of the people of Arizona depend on the government's ability to provide leadership and essential government services during emergencies and disasters; and

WHEREAS, the State of Arizona must be prepared to sustain and restore government in a timely and effective manner; and

WHEREAS, effective continuity of operations planning will enable an agency to restore essential functions and essential services to the public; and

WHEREAS, effective continuity of government planning will preserve State leadership and enable it to maintain direction and control of the State; and

WHEREAS, it is imperative that all State agencies, boards, and commissions have a viable Continuity of Operations Plan and that State government has a viable Continuity of Government Plan.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Katie Hobbs, Governor of the State of Arizona, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Arizona Constitution and the laws of this State, do hereby direct as follows:

1. The Department of Emergency and Military Affairs (DEMA) shall be the lead agency in the Continuity of Operations and Continuity of Government planning efforts for the State of Arizona.
2. DEMA shall develop a program to guide and assist State agencies, boards, and commissions in the development of their Continuity of Operations Plans.
3. Each State Agency, board, and commission’s Continuity of Operations Plan shall be developed in accordance with guidance from DEMA.
4. Each State Agency, board, and commission shall submit an updated Continuity of Operations Plan to DEMA on an annual basis.
5. Each State Agency, board, and commission shall conduct regular training and exercises to support the implementation of its Continuity of Operations Plan and ensure preparedness to perform essential functions during emergencies.
6. DEMA shall submit an updated Continuity of Government Plan to the Governor's Office annually by December 31st.