(a) There is created by this chapter a State Office of Hazardous Materials Emergency Management within and under the administrative and operational control of the Arkansas Department of Emergency Management.
(b) The office shall perform the necessary actions and activities as required under current federal and state laws, rules, and regulations related to emergency planning, training, response, and recovery and, as specified in the Arkansas Emergency Services Act of 1973, § 12-75-101 et seq., relating to accidental, deliberate, or act-of-God releases of hazardous or toxic materials which might threaten the public health, safety, welfare, environment, or property of the citizens of Arkansas.