To direct the General Assembly in its deliberations regarding bioterrorism.

Section 1. In recognition of the potential use of biological agents to cause the spread of disease among the citizens of this state, the General Assembly shall conduct deliberations on measures to protect the health and safety of the public during events of bioterrorism and to enhance the ability of state and local government entities to provide timely and appropriate responses. In conducting its deliberations, the General Assembly may consider any of the following:

(A) The extent to which existing statutes enable state and local public health agencies and officials to prepare for and respond swiftly to bioterrorism;

(B) The division, consolidation, and coordination of jurisdictions among the state and local government entities that may be involved in responding to bioterrorism, including such entities as public health agencies, law enforcement agencies, emergency management agencies, and agencies with jurisdiction over agriculture and the environment;

(C) The authority of state and local government entities to cooperate and share information in their response to bioterrorism;

(D) The modification and creation of disease reporting systems that aid in the rapid identification of bioterrorism;

(E) The standards and procedures to be followed in maintaining the confidentiality of personally identifiable health information that may be obtained by government entities involved in responding to bioterrorism;

(F) The modification and creation of programs to assess the preparedness of health care facilities and practitioners to respond to bioterrorism;

(G) The modification and creation of programs for the maintenance and distribution of vaccines, immunizing agents, or other health care supplies;

(H) The relationship between the rights of individuals and the emergency health powers that state and local government entities may possess or be granted;

(I) Other matters the General Assembly considers relevant to the prevention, detection, and management of public health emergencies resulting from bioterrorism.