The Polish Sejm on Friday approved Senate amendments to a revised law on population protection and civil defense, streamlining funding and procedures.
Funding for Alert Systems Secured
The amendments enable financing of notification and alarm systems through the Population Protection and Civil Defense Program, previously funded directly from the state budget.
The changes also simplify the process for investors to obtain exemptions from providing protective structures in public buildings, clarifying procedures with local protection authorities.
Grant Procedures Clarified
According to Krzysztof Kwiatkowski, the amendments include legislative corrections and clarifications regarding grants provided by the National Institute of Freedom and the Civil Society Development Center for tasks outlined in the act.
Key Systems to Receive Program Funding
The revised law allows for the funding and maintenance of crucial warning and notification systems – the Rescue Coordination Center’s teleinformatic system and the Regional Warning System – from the Population Protection and Civil Defense Program.
Long-Term Financing and Shelter Regulations Updated
The updated law aims to streamline funding rules for population protection tasks and enable multi-year project implementation within government programs, allowing for expense allocation over up to five years.
It also clarifies regulations concerning shelters, defining such places and modifying the Central Civil Defense Register and the creation of a civil defense corps.
New ‘Shelter Points’ Designated
The amendments introduce “shelter points” as a distinct category from collective protection facilities, offering temporary safety during emergencies like severe weather events. These points have fewer technical requirements and are designated by the head of the local State Fire Service.
The establishment of shelter points does not diminish the requirement to maintain an adequate number and capacity of protective structures, shelters, and bunkers.
Public Procurement Flexibility and Healthcare Support
The revised legislation allows for exemptions from public procurement regulations when implementing certain tasks related to population protection, including the construction of shelters, communication infrastructure, and medical facilities.
Funds can also be allocated to healthcare tasks related to the battlefield, such as surgery and burn treatment.
Implementation Timeline and Presidential Review
The changes are scheduled to take effect 14 days after official publication, with some provisions coming into force on the first day of the month following publication.
The amended act will now be submitted to President Karol Nawrocki for review.